Saiyuen Eco Farm
In 2020 we were asked to propose an immersive ecological experience project for the “Saiyuen” glamping site and to rejuvenate an old hydroponic system in Hong Kong. Our concept was to create a hands-on culinary immersive experience that gives the visitors a chance to use all their senses and reconnect to nature. This involved revitalizing the existing hydroponic farm (Wet farm) and setting up a new self-sufficient permaculture system (Earth farm).
We created a new and complete experience at Saiyuen Campsite, that included a “Mandala” garden, a mud oven, a “sensorial” path, a plant nursery and more. We set up a foundation for residency and research programs. One of our primary goals was to inspire the local team and community for future projects. We used local, reclaimed and up-cycled materials, some of which were sourced from governmental eco projects.
Client: Saiyuen glamping site | Year: 2021 | Location: Chueng Chau island, Hong Kong | In collaboration with: Andreza Rodrigues De Jesus
#sustainability #advancedarchitecture #design #permaculture #bio-construction
The mud oven
The mud oven was one of the main attractions on site. It was built with 100% ecological methods and materials. We used a sand mold technique, no cement and crafted with a lot of love and care. All the clay, sand and fibers were sourced locally from the farm, including the wooden door which was made from old wood found on site.
The pollinators and bird fountain
We chose to locate the fountain at the center of the mandala garden representing the source of life with a peaceful ambient, allowing birds and insects to come close and enjoy the space, pollinate our garden and restore the ecological balance back into harmony.
Similar to the rest of the farm, the fountain was crafted from up-cycled materials such as glass bottles. The local community got involved by collecting their “trash” which we turned into ‘gold’.
Using Israeli water irrigation system
While water scarcity in not a concern in Hong Kong's climate, it remains a critical global issue. We demonstrate how to use the water resource wisely, showcasing the problem along with the solution.
HKU - Student research
The students experimented with local materials and food waste to innovate new methods of using these materials, creating more ecological concrete while also gaining new aesthetics for facades.
The students of the HKU developed creative solutions for green walls using techniques of 3D printing in clay and working with digital fabrication tools.
An old dome
The nursery was built from an old glamping dome that was destroyed by one of the typhoons that hit HK. We fixed up the dome and converted it into our plant nursery. We built racks to hold the baby plants using old metal school tables donated from an old closed down school.
