AltaVerde - Vertical Farm Project

Project idea

The concept arises from a strategic division of the site into two zones, due to its considerable size and the aim to separate distinct functions. This division line is reimagined as a functional and symbolic element—a dedicated cycling path that follows the original boundary logic of the site. It connects the low-rise commercial area with the high-rise vertical farm, encouraging sustainable transportation and enhancing spatial coherence. The design promotes natural light penetration through central voids and organic forms, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and fostering a healthier indoor environment. By integrating a commercial center and a vertical farm into one cohesive structure, the project not only maximizes land use but also strengthens the relationship between urban living and ecological sustainability, positioning itself as a model for contemporary urban development.

Project description

The building is a multi-storey structure with a mixed-use program, merging vertical agriculture with public and service functions. It consists of sixteen floors above ground and one basement level, forming an integrated system between food production and urban life. The lower floors serve as a public platform, combining commercial, social, and recreational functions. The ground floor houses the green market and shopping center, offering direct access to fresh produce. The upper floors gradually introduce administrative offices, gastronomic spaces, and recreational zones such as an aquarium and children's play area. From the third floor upward, the building transitions into agricultural production, with each level dedicated to different types of crops or small livestock, adapting the spatial qualities according to the technical needs of the products grown.

Technical information

The structural system of the “Altaverde” Vertical Farm is based on a hybrid approach, integrating reinforced concrete skeleton frames and steel elements. The concrete structure dominates the core of both buildings, extending from the basement to the 15th floor, while the steel framework is mainly present in the farm section from the ground to the 7th floor, particularly in the connecting space between the farm and the shopping center. This steel intervention, supported by tilted exterior columns, creates a dynamic cantilevered volume that enhances circulation and visual coherence. Externally, the structure is wrapped in a mixed system of structural facade and aluminum cladding, integrated with green terraces and balconies, offering continuity between interior and exterior. The facade materialization combines lightweight recyclable materials like aluminum and glass, providing both energy efficiency and visual transparency. Its organic, curvilinear form reflects the dual function of the building and emphasizes the dialogue between nature and contemporary technology.

Documentation

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