Spark: Home Farm

The question of how to support and accommodate a rapidly ageing population confronts many nations in Asia.

With the Home Farm concept Spark’s aim is to generate discussion about the many potentials that can emerge from the mixing of two typically separate realms. The concept taps into the political and social zeitgeist of Singapore with a bold vision for sustainable city development and a powerful social message.

The Home Farm concept allows seniors live in a garden environment created by a vegetable farm, where they may also find employment. The concept introduces vertical aquaponic farming and rooftop soil planting to the realm of high-density and flexible housing that has been designed to cater to the needs and preferences of seniors. Residents may combat the financial stress that is often faced post-retirement by working part-time at the farm under the direction of a professional vertical farming implementation team. Facilities catered to the needs of an older population are provided in the lower levels of the development (and are also open to the public), while the housing is stacked above in a curvilinear terraced formation reminiscent of land contours.

The gardening activity would offer numerous benefits beyond personal income generation, including community connectivity and the promotion of health. Simultaneously, beyond boosting the resiliency of Singapore’s food supply, the production of food in the heart of the city could provide a platform for community education, help lower Singapore’s high carbon footprint by closing the gap between producers and consumers, and contribute to the perpetuation of Singapore’s ‘City in a Garden’ vision in a productive capacity. The environmental sustainability and efficiency of Home Farm would be enhanced by proposed features such as the collection of rainwater for use in the aquaponic system, and the use of plant waste for energy production.

Home Farm
Program: retirement housing concept
Architects: Spark
Project Director: Stephen Pimbley
Team: Yun Wai Wing, Wenhui Lim, Chanachai Panichpattan, Ethan Hwang, Jay Panelo, Narelle Yabuka