When ‘Granny Pods’ were reported on earlier this month, there was a general consensus that they were “pretty damn cool,” and that there definitely will be a shift in how the elder generation is cared for when they can – or should – not live on their own.
Forget that. The future, according to the architecture firm Spark, is Homefarm, and its a health, housing and farming concept that will revolutionize urban retirement.
Reports Inhabitat, in an ideal future, residents would be gifted a space for living and another for farming, allowing them to participate in the agricultural process if they desired.
In contrast to typical retirement communities and nursing homes (which, let’s be honest, can be quite impersonal and sterile), a Homefarm would encourage folks to get active and feel empowered on the daily.
There are many benefits to the proposed concept. Urban farms, as was recently reported, are essential in helping localize food in city environments. Sourcing local, organic produce is not only better for the planet, it’s healthier and good for the economy.
According to Dezeen, the curvilinear structure of the Homefarm will wrap around a large central courtyard that’s outfitted with staggered terraces and an aquaponic vertical farming system. This eco-friendly arrangement will collect rainwater and treated gray water, and the fish waste will provide essential nutrients to the plants which they need to grow.
Any agriculture waste will be fed into an onsite biomass power plant.
The innovative retirement solution will offer a variety of housing styles. One-bedroom studios will be available, as well as four-bedroom apartments to accommodate larger, multi-generational families.
All units will have views of the courtyard and marketplace, where residents can work on a part-time basis. In the market, they might sell fruits and vegetables for additional income.
Additional benefits would be feelings of peace and purpose, as being in nature and participating in hobbies such as gardening have been shown to offer many psychological benefits.
Said Stephen Pimbley, the director of Spark:
“The commercial farming activity supports its residents in a socially and environmentally sustainable environment, helping the older generation retain an active community involvement that mitigates against dementia and promotes self-esteem.”
By 2018, the architects hope to construct the first installment of Homefarm in Kuala Lumpur.
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