Whole Foods Market, USA
BrightFarm Systems was commissioned to design and install a demonstration scale, sustainable urban greenhouse for a new Whole Foods Market store in Millburn, New Jersey.
Sustainable Agriculture and Wise Environmental Practices are two core values of Whole Foods Market. They are also significant supporters of local farmers in the Northeast region and beyond.
The demonstration scale greenhouse system was designed to allow for on site production of high quality, fresh herbs for use in Whole Foods prepared food services as well as for general sale.
Central to the BrightFarm Systems design was the application of modern, water efficient, recirculating hydroponics. In this instance, lines of vertical growing towers were deployed along the window frontage, to make best use of the available light.
Our value added
BrightFarm Systems provided complete integrated design services for this project. The team also installed all plumping and growing systems, and provided comprehensive operator training. The project was completed on a particular short timeline, with only two months between project start and completion.
The principal challenge for our design team arose from the need to deliver an effective growing system in a room with sub-optimal lighting conditions. The room proposed for the greenhouse space is well proportioned and highly visible as customers enter the main store entrance. The room is, however, open only on one side to natural light.
The centre-piece of the design is a series of vertical growing towers, chosen specifically for their ability to make best use of the vertical space directly next to the window façade. Herbs were chosen as an ideal crop to grow in a space with limited light conditions. Fresh herbs are a high value crop and used in large quantities in the store’s prepared foods section.
Learn more:
Whole Foods Market, Millburn-Union
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