Hydroponic System

Spring 2026. A scalable hydroponic system for an individual to assemble and maintain themselves. This project began in spring 2024 and was revised in spring 2026.

Hydroponics is a soil-free, water-based cultivation method that delivers nutrients directly to plant roots. Here I begin to brainstorm possible directions.

A stackable system seemed the most appopriate for an individual user.

I prototyped a tower where the user can add more modules when necessary. It maxed out at 12 due to limitations of the water pump. Water splashed everywhere and plants were flooded. A redesign was necessary.

In order to fit more plants vertically, water should be passed in a helix like shape instead of vertically. To minimize water splashing, the pots should be touching so water isn't free flowing in the air.

At the base, a water pump moves water to the top of the tower. The stream of nutrients is split into two helix-shaped paths.

Large holes on the baskets allow for water to easily flow through the hydroponic roots.