Foodscape Reformation

Re-imagining the Farming Future of Merthyr Tydfil

The project focuses on creating a self-sufficient community that further re-establishes their connection with food. Set in the future, it foresees a time when precision agriculture becomes more widespread with increased awareness of the need to be sustainable.

It proposes a multi-function building fitted with aeroponic farms and soil research facilities in hopes that it may restore the land of Merthyr Tydfil. Public spaces including open-air markets, and a restaurant will be accessible in the ground floor to promote farm-to-table dishes. An experimental plant field will provide a n inclusive activity for the community to plant and harvest their plants along with pick-your-own fruit and vegetable aeroponic farms to not only support the local farmers, but to provide the freshest and ripe produce that are possibly better quality than in supermarkets. An anaerobic digestion plant will be also constructed to power the facilities, utilising the city waste as its power source. I hope that this project demonstrates a new perspective on climate emergency against the carbon footprint that imported food generates and provide a holistic solution and food security for communities without arable land.

Living Wall Section Details

Stainless Top Trim

Irrigation Dripline

Stainless Steel Framing

6x50 mm Hex. Head Wood Screws

Stainless Bottom Trim for Drainage Pipe System Fibrous Growth Media

Technical Details

Foundation Section Details

20 mm. Thickness Interlocking Sitka Spruce Floor

Tile

12.5 mm. Thickness OSB

50 mm. Thickness foamed Concrete Screed 90 mm. Thickness PIR Insulation Board, GA4000 by Celotex

Vapour Control Layer Concrete Floor Slab 200 mm. Thickness

Sand Blinding

Hard Core Mixed

25 mm. Thickness Plaster Finishing Coat 25 mm. Concrete Beam Concrete Foundation Piling Structure

Double Timber Stud Wall Section Details

Soil Layer Drainage and Protection Layer Membrane

Root Barrier Membrane

EPDM, Waterproof Membrane

90 mm. thickness PIR Insulation Board, GA4000 by Celotex

Vapour Control Layer

160 mm. Thickness 5 Ply. CLT Panel 20 mm. Thickness Interlocking Sitka Spruce floor tile

12.5 mm. OSB

50 mm. Thickness foamed Concrete Screed

200x100 mm. Western Red Cedar Batten

12.5 mm. Thickness Western Red Cedar Plywood Panel

Breather Membrane

10 mm. OSB

100 mm. thickness PIR Insulation Board, GA4000 by Celotex (In Wood Stud Frame)

Air gap

12.5 mm. Thickness Western Red Cedar Plywood Panel with Fire Resistance Coating

25 mm. Thickness Western Red Cedar Board with Weatherproof Coating

50x100 mm Double Timber Top Plate

50x100 mm Double Timber Bottom Plate

Automatic/ Manual Ventilation Control Box

Double Low-E glass filled with Argon gas

Planted Rail

500x800 mm. Glulam Beam

500x500 mm. Glulam Post

The project mainly uses glulam and cross-laminated timber for the facade and load bearing structures. Glulam timber is shown to be durable, provides an aesthetic and welcoming vibe as well as a characteristic value of the building. The timber, a carbon-negative material, would also be originated from Wales to reduce carbon emissions.

Close-up of the Double Timber Stud Wall with Fixings Section Details

Timber-Steel Concealed Connection Joints, Fixed to Post or Beam with Heavy Wood Screw

⌀ 9 mm. x 200 mm. 40 Sets

⌀ 25 mm. Drip Pin (Steel Rod) with Wooden Plug

⌀ 7.5 mm. x 300 mm. SBD-Screw

⌀ 7.5 mm. x 200 mm. SBD-Screw

160 mm. Thickness 5 Ply. CLT Panel 500 x 800 mm. Glulam Beam

160 mm. Thickness 5 Ply. CLT Panel