GREEN & BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE
The pioneering scheme is the result of extensive collaborative working among a range of local organisations , including Swansea University , the Active Building Centre , Public Health Wales , and a number of local community groups .
Funding awarded through the Welsh Government Innovative Housing Programme will enable Biophilic Swansea to incorporate innovative technologies and community features , to explore a new way of inner-city housing in Wales .
David Dolman , Head of Development of Hacer , said : “ There is an urgent need for housing and mixed-use developments that are sustainable in terms of their environmental impact and economic viability , as a response to the climate emergency and to ensure greater resilience and wellbeing for urban communities .
“ Thanks to the support of Welsh Government ’ s Innovative Housing Programme and the approach of the local authority , this project will incorporate innovative technologies and community features to illustrate a new way of urban living across Swansea city centre and beyond .
“ Launching the biophilic model here requires a huge collaborative effort . But the work of our project teams , designers , stakeholders and legal teams already demonstrates that Wales can lead the way in revolutionising how we design our living and working environments .” The project will feature two south facing greenhouses at roof level , the largest of which will be serviced by an aquaponics system designed to produce up to 4.5 tonnes of fruits , vegetables , salads and herbs per year .
The aquaponics system will create a continuous cycle where waste produced by fish , living in onsite tanks , adds nutrients to the water which feeds the greenhouse plants . The water is then filtered and recirculated back into the system .
Biophilic Swansea ’ s aquaponic fish tanks and associated equipment will be developed in partnership with Swansea University ’ s Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research ( CSAR ) and will form part of an education and public display on the ground floor of the tower .
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