Thammasat University Rooftop Farm Construction: A New Model for Green Spaces

The rooftop farm at Thammasat University is a 1,000 square meter space that has been transformed into a productive and sustainable green oasis.

This innovative project was made possible by the university's commitment to environmental sustainability and its vision to create a self-sufficient ecosystem.

The rooftop farm uses a hydroponic system, which allows for maximum crop yields while minimizing water usage and reducing waste.

The farm's design incorporates a series of interconnected modules, each with its own unique growing conditions, to create a diverse and thriving ecosystem.

This model of green space creation has the potential to be replicated in urban areas around the world, providing a sustainable solution to the challenges of food production and environmental conservation.

Recommended read: Green Roofing and Construction

The Thammasat University Rooftop Farm is a remarkable example of innovative urban agriculture. Located at the new campus of Thammasat University, one of the oldest academic institutions in Thailand, it's Asia's largest urban rooftop farm, covering about 7,000 m².

This impressive green space was designed to integrate traditional agricultural practices with modern green roof technology. The cascading rooftop is inspired by the ingenuity of rice terraces found in mountainous regions across Southeast Asia.

The farm's unique design slows down rainwater runoff, allowing it to be harvested and stored in four retention ponds. This water is then reused to irrigate the crops, reducing the need for external water sources.

The green roof also filters rainwater naturally, thanks to several layers of plants and soil. This not only helps to reduce stormwater management issues but also protects residential water sources and marine ecosystems.

The farm's H-shaped building gives it a "mountain" look, evoking the traditional rice terraces in northern Thailand. This design choice not only adds to the farm's aesthetic appeal but also serves a practical purpose by slowing down rainwater runoff.

The use of Elevate's UltraPly TPO thermoplastic membrane was crucial in waterproofing the roof of this iconic building. Its excellent weathering performance and ability to withstand extreme temperatures make it a durable waterproofing solution that also serves as a base for the green roof system.

The UltraPly TPO membrane has successfully passed stringent root penetration resistance tests, including the EN 13948 standard and the FLL test from the German Landscape Research, Development and Construction Society.

Take a look at this: Domestic Roof Construction

The rooftop farm at Thammasat University is a game-changer for sustainable food and architecture.

The fresh produce from the farm is used by the university, eliminating the need for food imports. This not only reduces the university's carbon footprint but also supports local food systems.

Rice production returned to the region thanks to the project, which is a significant achievement considering the impact of modernization on traditional farming practices.

Food scraps are composted and used as fertilizer, reducing waste and creating a nutrient-rich soil for future crops. This closed-loop system is a great example of how waste can be turned into a valuable resource.

The rooftop farm utilizes over 230,000 square feet of space that would have otherwise gone to waste, reducing urban heat and creating a cooler environment for the campus.

Gravity plays a significant role in the design of the rooftop farm at Thammasat University. Gravity is the cheapest technology we can find on earth, according to Voraakhom.

The step-like architecture of the rooftop farm slows down the water that pours on the rooftop, allowing plants to soak up any excess water and filter pollutants. This method prevents the loss of soil mass and nutrients during heavy rainfalls.

By leveraging gravity, the rooftop farm reduces its reliance on expensive technologies and minimizes waste.

Thammasat University is taking a bold step towards sustainability with the construction of its rooftop farm. The university has a long history of innovation and this project is no exception.

The rooftop farm will be built on the university's campus in Rangsit, a prime location for agriculture in Thailand. This location will allow the farm to take advantage of the country's tropical climate.

The project aims to provide a unique learning experience for students, combining agriculture, engineering, and environmental science. By working on the rooftop farm, students will gain hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture and food production.

The university's rooftop farm will be a model for sustainable agriculture in urban areas. It will demonstrate the potential for agriculture to thrive in even the most unlikely of places.

The construction of the rooftop farm is expected to be completed by the end of 2023. This will allow the farm to start producing fresh produce and providing a sustainable food source for the university community.