BlueRoot

Project idea

This project is an aquaponics and agriculture startup in Abu Qir in Alexandria, where this startup aims to solve one of the upcoming crises in the coming years which is the rise of sea level and its affect on agricultural lands, fish production and food security, that all was the reason to create a self-sustaining, hierarchical floating aquaponics and agriculture system designed to enhance food security and serve as a climate adaptation model for coastal cities. By integrating renewable energy, closed-loop water systems, vertical farming, and aquaponics system.

Project description

The project is divided into 2 main zones public and non-public zones, then every zone is divided in 2 other zones with a total of 4 main buildings , the educational zone, research labs zone, market and restaurant zone and production zone, all are connected with bridges and longitudinal masses serving the whole concept of the project. The educational zone contains lecture rooms, conference hall, meeting rooms, workshop and library. The research labs and development zone contains different research labs, break area, expo, lockers, administration and cultivation labs. The public and community engagement zone contains 2 main marketplaces and restaurants. The operation and production zone contains loading deck, sorting and packaging, cold storage and other services.

Technical information

The main structure of the project is the Hydroshell that acts as the main hydroponics cultivation zone , it consists of 5 columns containing the 5 cores, catwalk for inspection and crops collection, hanging plant boxes creating a dynamic and more area for cultivation and the shell that is made of pipes. The composite support structure . consists of an outer galvanized steel tube for environmental protection and structural rigidity, a concrete core with spiral reinforcement to enhance strength and resist wind and vibration, a central inner steel tube for added alignment and anchoring, and a PVC pipe on top or within, serving as the hydroponic channel. This design combines durability, stability, and efficient nutrient delivery for hydroponic systems. The column consists of spiral stairs for inspection and a core containing rain harvesting system with electric generation turbines surrounded by vertical vegetation on a steel pipe structure. The Hydroshell integrates sustainable environmental systems, including a rainwater harvesting system filtered through physical, UV, and carbon systems, also, an air dehumidification system that supplies dry air to buildings while reusing heat. Solar thermal collectors drive natural ventilation by creating an updraft that cools the ground floor. The system also generates electricity for lighting and building needs, forming a closed-loop system that enhances energy efficiency, water conservation, and indoor comfort.