Traditional forms of industrialised agriculture have played a key role in the demise of the climate emergency globally. At a local level, the UK suffers a silent epidemic of obesity and diabetes related illness, which challenges the viability of our NHS. Croydon's Green Sky Castle speculates with the role of indoor farming in addressing the city’s need for food as well as educating its citizens in environmental and healthy diet issues.

The project proposes the refurbishment of the Barclay Road annex into the headquarters and research facilities for an indoor farming company. The design has carefully balance environmental and structural constraints while working in an existing building to maximise the space available for growing food. An ambitious public programme of fresh produce markets, cafés and restaurants shares the upper levels with indoor orchards where visitors can learn about and taste the produce of indoor growing.

Hydroponic growing is combined with aquaponics to create a close circuit of water and nutrients. The water cycle the supports plant growing is extended throughout the building creating water features and indoor waterfalls and canals.