Jun 3, 2025
Discover how the JABHA + BioTower NAM project is revolutionizing urban food production by transforming an industrial relic into a beacon of sustainable innovation.
A Visionary Transformation: From Gasometer to Hydroponic Powerhouse
At Agritecture, we believe in the intelligent reinvention of our urban past to create a sustainable future. The JABHA + BioTower NAM project, a collaborative effort by StudioDatt and Cantábrica Agricultura Urbana, epitomizes this belief by transforming a dormant gasometer in Avilés, Spain, into a vertical hydroponic powerhouse.
This visionary project repurposes the cylindrical form of the gasometer, once used for gas storage, into a dynamic structure for hydroponic cultivation. By leveraging the existing industrial shell, the project embodies a bold vision for regenerative urban design, merging the past with the future.
Innovative Architectural and Functional Integration
The architectural brilliance of the JABHA + BioTower NAM lies in its innovative use of space and resources. The existing cylindrical structure is ideal for hydroponic production, facilitating energy-efficient lighting control and natural air circulation. The design features two distinct zones for hydroponic cultivation: a germination level with hydroponic racks for early-stage growth and a Hydroponic BioTank with vertically hanging curtains of crops.
The tower's top is transformed into JABHA, a publicly accessible hydroponic botanical garden that serves as both an educational museum and a panoramic rooftop oasis. This multifunctional space offers visitors an immersive experience, connecting them with the full lifecycle of food production.
Landscape Integration and Environmental Impact
The JABHA + BioTower NAM project goes beyond architectural innovation to become a beacon of environmental sustainability. The building's design promotes a circular economy with recyclable materials such as steel, aluminum, glass, and wood, and zero-waste hydroponic operations.
Energy efficiency is enhanced through photovoltaic systems and smart climate control using aerothermal systems. The project's commitment to water resilience is demonstrated by rainwater harvesting and reuse. Additionally, the facility acts as a CO₂ sink, contributing to the renaturalization of the industrial environment.
Social and Economic Sustainability
What sets the JABHA + BioTower NAM project apart is its profound social and economic impact. By supporting agro-tourism, public engagement, and the cultivation of high-value crops like saffron, hops, and microgreens, the project creates significant economic opportunities for the local community.
The facility is designed to be a regional benchmark for hydroponic production and environmental education, fostering greater public awareness and appreciation for sustainable agriculture. This innovative hub aligns with Avilés' vision for industrial transformation toward bio-innovation, contributing to local employment and food security.
Preserving Historical and Cultural Heritage
The JABHA + BioTower NAM project pays homage to its industrial heritage by preserving the iconic image of the gasometer. The intervention respects the original ribbed metal modulation and integrates glass to create a transparency gradient, symbolizing the transition from the dark germination process to the light required for plant growth.
By maintaining the volume and identity of the original structure, the project ensures that the industrial legacy of the gasometer remains in the collective memory of the community. This thoughtful preservation of historical and cultural values, combined with cutting-edge sustainable design, sets a new benchmark for urban regeneration.
🏆 A Well-Earned Honor
The honorable mention in this internationally juried competition validates what many of us already know: hydroponics and sustainable architecture are no longer niche. They’re central to the resilient cities of tomorrow.
To the teams at StudioDatt and Cantábrica Agricultura Urbana— we offer our congratulations. This project is a bold, beautifully executed step forward for vertical farming and the circular city vision.