HARVEST HAVEN: Brainport Smart District & Circular Living

We worked within the Brainport Smart District by UN Studio, focusing on Circularity. Our goal was to explore new architectural typologies and urban strategies that challenge conventional models. After studying the masterplan, we traveled to Amsterdam, where, in collaboration with UN Studio, we refined our typologies and explored scalable solutions. We then selected a specific site within the district and developed an architectural program, shaping it into a well-defined building. The proposed design had to comply with the masterplan's objectives and align with its sustainability goals.

The architectural concept is rooted in the reinterpretation of the traditional greenhouse, exploring the potential of merging it with residential architecture. The project seeks to integrate sustainable agricultural practices into urban life, addressing whether it’s possible to live, produce, store, and sell in the same space, while seamlessly blending with the surrounding urban and landscape environment. The building features a complex architectural program, combining residential units, common spaces, laboratories, and sustainable food production techniques. At its core, Harvest Haven serves as a creative laboratory for agricultural experimentation. This fosters the concept of “learning by doing,” activating the public space and integrating the community. Internally, the building is organized with a dynamic cross-section that creates terraces, double-height spaces, and large openings, enhancing the spatial experience. On the upper levels, diverse residential typologies are integrated. These living spaces provide direct access to the greenhouse space, allowing families to cultivate their own food within their private areas. Production spaces are distributed along the building’s perimeter, maximizing natural light and ventilation. To ensure year-round production, advanced technologies and climate control systems are incorporated. By blending residential and production spaces, Harvest Haven offers a unique urban experience where architecture fosters community, sustainability, and innovation. The integration of living spaces with greenhouse environments creates a new residential model—one that empowers individuals to actively participate in food production while maintaining a strong connection to nature.