Akvarieträdgård

This project was conceptualized as part of the Internet of Things (IoT) course in the bachelor’s program Communication and Multimedia Design (CMD) at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA). Akvarieträdgård is an automatic plant growing system featuring a hydroponic system powered by fans, grow lights, and water pumps. This idea had been under consideration for some time, leading to initial research and exploration for its realization during the IoT course. The objective was to create a solution that positively impacts sustainability, utilizing the fascinating technique of hydroponics to achieve this goal.

Hydroponics enables plants to grow in nutrient-rich water without the need for soil, offering a more efficient, faster, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional gardening. By making home vegetable cultivation accessible to a wider audience, the aim is to promote sustainability and healthy living in an increasingly urbanized world.

Inspiration

The concept of Akvarieträdgård is rooted in the idea of creating a DIY smart plant cabinet using IKEA products as an IKEA hack. The initial design features an open cabinet with a cover (Hyllis) and a container (Samla) from IKEA, enhanced by a fan, grow lights, and water pumps sourced from Aliexpress.

The smart plant cabinet incorporates a small grow bed for hydroponics and a grow tower for aquaponics, allowing for efficient and sustainable plant cultivation. Hydroponics enables plants to thrive in nutrient-rich water without soil, while aquaponics supports a closed ecosystem that utilizes fish to filter the water. This combination makes it easier for anyone to grow their own vegetables at home.

Problem Anaylis

Growing vegetables at home with a smart planter offers many advantages, but it also poses challenges, particularly for users in small living spaces like apartments. The planter must fit comfortably within limited areas while accommodating the user’s lifestyle. Key components, such as grow lights and fans, are essential for plant health but can disrupt the user’s daily life through noise and brightness. Moreover, the need for constant adjustments can be tedious, leading to potential energy waste. Therefore, the core challenge was designing a smart plant cabinet that facilitates automatic vegetable growth without compromising user comfort or leading to inefficient energy use.

Value proposition

Akvarieträdgård is a smart grow box designed for urban dwellers who want to cultivate their own vegetables in limited living spaces. Combining hydroponic and aquaponic systems, it empowers users to grow fresh, nutritious produce effortlessly and sustainably. With its compact design, integrated sensors, and automated lighting and watering systems, Akvarieträdgård simplifies the growing process, making it accessible to everyone—regardless of gardening experience.

Fresh vegetables

Enjoy the satisfaction of cultivating your own fresh, healthy, and organic vegetables in a compact grow bed and tower, utilizing advanced hydroponics and aquaponics techniques.
Various modes

Select from multiple modes that cater to your lifestyle, preferences, and environment through an intuitive app that connects to the fan, grow lights, and water pumps of the plant cabinet. The available modes include:
Living Mode: Automatically adjusts the plant cabinet to enhance your comfort and presence in your living space.
ECO Mode: Optimizes energy efficiency by adjusting light usage based on ambient conditions, reducing unnecessary power consumption.
Timer Mode: Provides complete control over the lights and fan by allowing you to set customized timers for your growing needs.
Farm Mode: Maximizes yield by maintaining continuous light and airflow, ensuring optimal growth conditions for your plants.
comfort and quality of life

Elevate your comfort and overall quality of life by tailoring the plant cabinet to suit your needs while minimizing disturbances from sound and light.
Contribute to the environment

Make a positive impact on the environment and society by conserving energy and water, reducing waste and emissions, and deepening your understanding of sustainable food production practices.