Green Power: Sustainable Terraces
Environmentally conscious solutions have now become a necessity rather than simply a precaution. Dutch designer Marjan van Aubel once again demonstrates that a sustainable future is entirely achievable through the awareness that this necessity has created.
As the world’s population continues to grow, so does the increasing challenge of balancing consumption and production. Although technology supports many aspects of modern life, it often falls short when it comes to green and sustainable solutions, as environmentally harmful resources still remain part of the equation. Fortunately, the outlook is not entirely bleak. Seeking to highlight the brighter side of this reality, designer Marjan van Aubel proposes an innovative architectural concept through a highly functional and environmentally friendly project that has the potential to become part of everyday life.
The DIY (Do It Yourself) Philosophy
Somewhere within today’s thriving hobby culture lies a practical solution that has become increasingly popular for meeting needs without stretching budgets: DIY (Do It Yourself) ideas. Furniture, decorations, clothing, and countless other creations are redesigned every day through the endless inspiration available online. While these efforts primarily help reduce household expenses, they also contribute—often unintentionally—to environmental protection.
How? By reducing overproduction and extending the life cycle of existing materials, thereby supporting sustainability.
As urban living becomes increasingly challenging, green spaces continue to disappear, and natural food sources become less accessible, the DIY philosophy has even expanded into our kitchens. Growing edible houseplants and creating homemade cleaning or cosmetic products from natural ingredients have become integral parts of everyday sustainable living.
Generate Your Own Energy, Protect Nature
Inspired by this philosophy, Dutch designer Marjan van Aubel developed Power Plant, an innovative project featuring a unique hydroponic greenhouse that allows plants to generate solar energy while growing naturally.
Designed to be installed on the rooftop of virtually any home, this structure maximizes the use of the sunlight received throughout the day. As a self-sustaining system, it not only conserves energy but also enables homeowners to grow their own plants.
The system utilizes highly efficient solar panels capable of capturing 100% of the available sunlight. The electricity generated powers the entire greenhouse, including the hydroponic system that pumps nutrient-rich water containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Compared to conventional cultivation methods, this approach reduces both water and energy consumption by as much as 90%.
Productivity Around the Clock
Production continues even after sunset thanks to an integrated lighting system. Pink and blue LED lights are used to regulate and enhance plant growth. Blue light encourages leaf development, while red light accelerates flowering. By combining both wavelengths, the system aims to increase productivity by up to four times.
By 2025, the number of people living in urban areas is expected to exceed 2.5 billion. Aubel’s forward-thinking design aims to bring this sustainable technology into homes as well as restaurants and cafés, where production and consumption occur simultaneously, helping reduce resource consumption to a minimum.
Since the system not only generates renewable energy but also produces fresh plants and food, it creates environmental benefits while delivering tangible economic value.
Here’s hoping we see more innovative projects like this adopted in cities and countries around the world.
