INFRASTRUCTURE AND DESIGN 13,000m 2 surface area of each hexagon Flexible, transparent solar cells Outer plastic covering Batteries in central dome for backup power Graphite support rods Cross-section of the panes

FLOW CYCLES Water, Carbon, and Nitrogen all flow naturally throughout the system, mimicking the real ecosystems present on Earth, not needing human input after being started. The water cycle is used in the ecosystem to automatically manage irrigation and also distribute oxygen and heat evenly by creating small convection current flows. Semi-permeable membranes allow water into central node. Heat source under central node’s sponge causes water to evaporate. Cohesion helps draw water through. Moves into bell siphon tank, which releases water at a certain level. Water falls down into from siphon a sprinkler at the roof to mimic rain. Pressure helps move sprinkler. Water moves through external sponge towards centre, through osmosis

CARBON The fundamental element keeping any ecosystem alive is moved in as natural a way as possible. Common earthworms are used as the decomposers, also helping aerate the undergrowth system. These break up dead carbon compounds, releasing them back to be recycled during photosynthesis. Respiration release carbon dioxide from food molecules into the atmosphere. Photosynthesis locks carbon into compounds like glucose and starch. Plants die, leaving carbon compounds in the undergrowth. Decomposers break down compounds to recycle carbon back into the atmosphere. This simple cycle balances all necessary carbon forms in each node. Roughly 450 earthworms per node are sustained.

NITROGEN 3 types of simple bacteria are sustained in the ecosystem to move nitrogen throughout. This is vital to maintain optimum growth. This bacteria also helps move carbon and allows the plants to grow with little to no human influence. Feritliser may be added to increase yields but is not needed by the ecosystem. High temperatures increase enzymatic rate of reaction. Nitrifying bacteria in topsoil layer lock in nitrogen. Nitrogen fixing in some plant’s root nodules, and in the soil, help plants quickly take in nitrogen. Denitrifying bacteria balances atmospheric nitrogen from nitrate levels. Plants absorb nitrogen for protein production, resulting in optimal growth.

ORGANISMS PRODUCING FOOD 2500 calorie daily diet. Vegetarian diet. Breadfruit: High carbohydrate content, easier to grow than potatoes. Almonds: Very high protein and energy content. Spinach: High nutrient content, such as iron and vitamin A. Brussels Sprout: Contribute to oxygen production, good vitamin C content, combat diseases such as Scurvy. Avocado: Very high in fat and protein, high calorie.

AVERAGE DIET 225g of Avocado. 550g of Breadfruit. 200g of Brussel Sprouts. 150g of Almonds. 275g of Spinach.

PLANTS AND OXYGEN A sustainable oxygen system will provide oxygen for 30 active people, 20 sleeping. Oxygen Requirement ≈ 72L pure oxygen/awake person/hour. 18L pure oxygen/sleeping person/hour. Litres of pure oxygen per hour ≤ Roughly litres of air.

OXYGEN PRODUCING ORGANISMS Sansevieria: Especially effective at producing oxygen at night. Areca Palm: 4 of these plants can provide 1 human with sufficient oxygen. Brussel Sprouts: Also effective oxygen producers, help to provide optimum oxygen for food plant respiration. Honey Bees: Used along with wind to pollinate plants in each node. Left to naturally pollinate and follow self-contained cycles. All plants have long lifespans and so rapid reproduction is not required. All oxygen-producing plants have a high leaf to stem ratio allowing for maximum photosynthesis for area covered.

CONDITIONS AND CONTROL High intensity lights surround the hexagon roofs. UV and visible light provides high light intensity to increase photosynthesis and transpiration rates. High temperatures to increase rates of reactions and photosynthesis. Produced from infrared lights and air heating in central dome. Dry conditions, not humid. Again to keep water movement through the system optimal, means more water is used by roots then wasted in the atmosphere. Relatively high wind speed to move oxygen throughout and keep transpiration high. Convection currents and venting produce this. Convection currents flow using the central node’s heat. One way valve vents allow air in and pipes let air flow back into external hexagons.

GROWTH AND IRRIGATION Sponge base used as growing medium. Allows water and solutes to pass through easily, provides anchorage for plants. Sponge is a biodegradable material that decomposes gradually over the course of 12 months to act as a starter culture. A layer of topsoil is used as the main irrigation medium. Water flows across towards the centre, while diffusing down into the sponge base to roots. Also allows decomposers and bacteria to survive. Support ‘vines’ used for larger plants to keep uniform growth. Plants are irrigated as part of the water cycle, with ‘surface run off’ moving water into plants, transpiration recycles this back into flow.