Hydroponics

I built a hydroponics system to grow 50 plants in my dining room, transforming a blank wall into a green, sustainable oasis. Hydroponics, which grows plants without soil by suspending roots in nutrient-rich, circulated water and using artificial light, eliminates the need for pesticides, maximizes space by stacking plants vertically, and boosts growth—using just 1/10th the water while growing crops up to 200% faster. My passion for efficient systems, sparked by a senior year project on an innovative hydroponics grocery store, inspired me to dive deeper into sustainable farming methods.

To bring this concept to life, I built a prototype using readily available materials like PVC and an old cooler, serving as a practical proof of concept. The design was created to be both functional and aesthetically appealing, seamlessly integrating into our living space. This project not only awakened my interest in sustainable living but also laid the groundwork for future enhancements, such as modular design and automated nutrient and pH regulation, to further optimize the system.