BASILISK
Open-source modular hydroponic garden
Basilisk is an open-source modular vertical garden system based on hydroponics. 3D printing technology enables users to download and fabricate Basilisk by using their own 3D printer or a nearby FabLab service.
The GitHub library (https://github.com/JustineMo/Basilisk) for Basilisk includes all necessary component 3D models, description and instructions that are constantly updated because the product is in the prototyping state.
Project started during internship period at OpenDot Fablab.
Fully assembled Basilisk with 5 slots for homegown spices and herbs.
Disassembled Basilisk. All seperate components can be seen.
Fabrication. Each component is designed to fit into most popular 3D printer beds, such as Ultimaker or Prusa. 3D printing instructions and properties will be provided in the GitHub library.
Modularity. Basilisk is constructed by stacking the modules on top of each other. The plant slot number can differ according to each user preferences: if there is a need for more slots, additional plant holder and plants pots can be printed and inserted into construction.
Complexity. Basilisk can be installed in 3 different levels of complexity, according to each user's knowledge and needs. While 1st level includes just a water pump with a timer, complexity is builded up by making this vertical garden more autonomous and smart: by using Arduino with soil moisture sensors, water level sensor and many more.
Hydroponics. A plant growing method, where instead of soil, different (porous) substrate is used, such as expanded clay pebbles. Most of the time, irrigation system is circular, which can help reduce water usage as mush as 70%. Soilless structure is significantly lighter as well.
DESIGN PROCESS
1 RESEARCH
Research was focused on two main fields: food production and physical product manufacturing/fabrication. Conclusions:
Food production. With the urbanisation process, food production is shifted further away, customers have little or no knowledge over what pesticides or herbicides are used, or what growing methods were applied. This denies people a chance to objectively judge about product's ecological footprint or nutritional value. Moreover, most urban dwellers have never grown or harvested any food produce because of lack of time or knowledge how to effectively do so.
Product manufacturing/fabrication. Global manufacturing requires parts to be transported worldwide which affects CO2 footprint greatly. In addition, even small scale manufacturing has huge primary expenses. Most of the products are impossible to fabricate by the user.
A possibility to localize some part of food production and manufacturing would result in less distance for transportation - less CO2. Enhancing users to grow some part of their own food would give them more control over food quality as well as helping to acquire knowledge to have efficient harvests. Same results would be reached if physical production of urban garden system could be fabricated locally, even by the user himself. An idea to manufacture some of the products locally is strongly backed up by FabLab network, makerspaces and other local workshop communities.
2 IDEATION
With current goals some main features were highlighted:
1. Easy fabrication to encourage people to fabricate with little or no help.
2. Customization to ensure that product can be adapted to each individuals needs.
3. Water reuse to ensure the least amout of water to be needed.
A part of ideation stage, where shape and main construction is discussed.
3 PROTOTYPING
After 3D models were done, product prototyping stage was started. Initially, plant pots and plant pot holders were 3D printed in PLA to test out this most important part of assembly. In addition, the waterflow test was run, to see how water is distributed when plant pots are filled with expanded clay.
Two modules filled with expanded clay pebbles. Waterflow test through plant pots filled with the substrate.
After test was run successfully, other 3D parts were printed accordingly. Water reservoir part was printed with different properties (PLA was more heated), to ensure better adhesion and prevent any water leakage. All the parts have been assembled as it can be seen below.
Full basilisk main structure assembly
