Bountiful harvest fills the trays of a Daiwa Agri-Cube prefab garden factory
Daiwa House, Japan's largest homebuilder, has introduced a line of
prefabricated hydroponic vegetable factories, aimed at housing
complexes, hotels, and top-end restaurants. Called the Agri-Cube, these
units are touted by Daiwa as the first step in the industrialization of
agriculture, to be located in and amongst the places where people live,
work, and play.More and more people desire sustainable, organic produce for their own use, and are turning to urban farming in an effort to insure the highest degree of freshness. However, some municipalities, neighborhoods, and homeowners associations have rules that effectively block such endeavors in areas under their sway. Add drought and pest control to the picture, and suddenly urban farming may seem more trouble than it is worth. There is a growing need for local supplies of freshly grown produce that avoids the difficulties presented by conventional small farms and gardens.
An Agri-Cube is designed to require little maintenance or attention to the hydroponic and lighting systems. It is delivered ready to use, with all the hydroponic equipment, air conditioning to maintain ideal growing temperatures, a heat-exchanging ventilation system, and special growth lights to encourage faster plant growth installed and functioning. The basic structure is a steel frame building, with anti-rust treatment and floor, wall, and ceiling insulation. Solar panels and air curtains (to better maintain the controlled environment) are available as options.
A video from DigInfo TV appears below that will give a clear overview of the makeup of an Agri-Cube.
Beginning at a price of $70,000, the Agri-Cube may soon be dispensing fresh fruit and vegetables in your neighborhood.
Source: Daiwa House (Google translation), DigInfo TV