A research project for developement of sustainable food production of edible aquatic plants on Denmark’s sunshine island Bornholm. The project deals with how the transition to sustainable farming methods can counter the trends of unemployment and economic stagnation in rural areas, and contribute to Bornholm’s growing sector of gourmet tourism. We suggest a new farm typology that balances industrial food production with a respect for the surrounding nature, as well as the scale and atmosphere of the island’s vernacular timber frame farms.

The material palette is a combination of recycled steel frames and organic building materials like local, untreated Douglas wood. The result is a delicate Nordic atmosphere which balances aesthetics, sustainability and economy as three equally important design parameters.

The farm is placed by an old natural harbor on Bornholm’s rocky coastline. The farm buildings are placed along an axis that stretches from land to sea. The axis visualize the farm’s production flow and gives visitors a unique opportunity to approach the vast seaweed fields in the water along the coast. The farm facilities combine commercial food production with a gourmet restaurant and a learning center where visitors can learn about the practice of cultivating and harvesting seaweed.