'seawater vertical farm' by studiomobile
image courtesy studiomobile

during the last two years italian architectural firm studiomobile have been working
in the united arab emirates, developing housing projects and infrastructure projects.
most recently they developed their concept 'seawater vertical farm'.

the seawater vertical farm uses seawater to cool and humidify greenhouses and to
convert sufficient humidity back in to fresh water to irrigate the crops. the project has
been presented in dubai where there is an absence of fresh water and local cultivations,
a problem of urban transport and a high soil value, making this concept a feasible one.


'seawater vertical farm'
image courtesy studiomobile


'seawater vertical farm'
image courtesy studiomobile


inside the 'seawater vertical farm'
image courtesy studiomobile


'seawater vertical farm' diagram of how the farm works
image courtesy studiomobile

how the concept works:

phase 01
the air going into the greenhouse is first cooled and humidified by seawater,
which is trickled over the first evaporator. this provides a fresh and humid climate
for the crops that in these conditions need very little water as they are not stressed
by excessive transpiration.

phase 02
as the air leaves the growing area it passes through the second evaporator which
has seawater flowing over it. during this phase the humid air mix with the warm
dry air of the ceiling interspace. thus the air is made much hotter and more humid.

phase 03
the warm air is forced to flow upward by the stack effect that is temperature induced.
in the central chimney the warm and humid air will condense when in contact with
plastic tubes where cool sea water is pumped. in the surface of the condenser many
drops of fresh water will appear, ready to be recollected in a tank to water the crops
and for other uses.


'seawater vertical farm' diagram of how the farm works
image courtesy studiomobile


'seawater vertical farm' diagram of how the farm works
image courtesy studiomobile