They homes are surrounded by a series of bio-spheres where agriculture is reaping rich rewards, without the chemicals, soil and irrigation of conventional farming.
Energy saving residences known as 'green magic homes' at the research site at Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park. All photos Chris Whiteoak / The National
The liveable domes are covered in soil so Bermuda grass or creeping vines can grow to protect a polycarbonate structure from the elements.
Inside, the domes are cool in summer and warm in winter due to the natural insulation provided by nature.
The research site is also looking at how to use vertical farming and hydroponics on a large scale.
Farm manager Anshu Santosh in one of the aquaponic units at the site
The water is re-circulated and not thrown away so the process requires much less, says Ms Santosh.
Inside one of the green magic homes at the eco-green technologies research site.
A soil-free vertical farm at the site.
Vertical farms produce leafy greens, chillies and strawberries in vertical farms, even at the height of summer. Produce grown in the farm uses 90 per cent less water than traditional agriculture
An aquaponic unit uses fish waste to fertilise plants.
They homes are surrounded by a series of bio-spheres where agriculture is reaping rich rewards, without the chemicals, soil and irrigation of conventional farming.
Energy saving residences known as 'green magic homes' at the research site at Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park. All photos Chris Whiteoak / The National
The liveable domes are covered in soil so Bermuda grass or creeping vines can grow to protect a polycarbonate structure from the elements.
Inside, the domes are cool in summer and warm in winter due to the natural insulation provided by nature.
The research site is also looking at how to use vertical farming and hydroponics on a large scale.
Farm manager Anshu Santosh in one of the aquaponic units at the site
The water is re-circulated and not thrown away so the process requires much less, says Ms Santosh.
Inside one of the green magic homes at the eco-green technologies research site.
A soil-free vertical farm at the site.
Vertical farms produce leafy greens, chillies and strawberries in vertical farms, even at the height of summer. Produce grown in the farm uses 90 per cent less water than traditional agriculture
An aquaponic unit uses fish waste to fertilise plants.
They homes are surrounded by a series of bio-spheres where agriculture is reaping rich rewards, without the chemicals, soil and irrigation of conventional farming.
