Permaculture Research Centre
Focus
Local Urban Farmers
Location
Sheffield, United Kingdom
Year
May 2024
Chun-Chun Chang
Portfolio Showcase
University Projects
This project involves retrofitting the eastern wing of the Doncaster Archive to establish a Permaculture Research Centre while transforming the nearby undeveloped greenfield area into permaculture farmland.
Built between 1962 and 1964, the Doncaster Archive originally served as the town museum before the completion of the new Doncaster Museum. The retrofit aims to seamlessly integrate the existing building with the new extension, prioritizing energy efficiency and sustainable practices to harmonize historical architecture with modern, eco-conscious design.
The tranquil extension design maximizes natural light in the main public space, promoting passive heating, while incorporating an organic market and exposed structural elements that evoke dynamic movement throughout the space.
Before
After
Educational Exhibition Room
Cafe
Workshop
The Permaculture Research Centre includes two experimental farms: a larger one for zonal permaculture systems and a smaller courtyard farm for urban permaculture practices, offering both rural and urban sustainability training.
The landscape and overall design follow a zonal permaculture system, strategically organizing the space to optimize resource efficiency and sustainability. Each zone is designed to serve specific functions, creating a harmonious balance between natural ecosystems and human activity.
+Drawings
