Many people are unaware of the wider consequences of monoculture farming — from the loss of biodiversity and soil degradation to the pollution of groundwater through chemical fertilisers and pesticides, ultimately leading to diminishing long-term productivity.

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Closed Loop Village is a research-led masterplan that explores how settlement design can enhance land rather than extract from it. The proposal embeds productive landscapes, community growing spaces and ecological corridors throughout the village, strengthening biodiversity while reconnecting people with the sources of their food.

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The scheme challenges traditional, segregated land-use models that separate farmland, housing and employment. Instead, it integrates residential, commercial and social spaces within a regenerative agricultural framework, drawing inspiration from Ebenezer Howard’s Garden Cities of Tomorrow, particularly its emphasis on local employment, walkable neighbourhoods and land value capture, rather than commuter-based estates.

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Regenerative agriculture within the masterplan enhances ecosystem services through low-intervention, productive systems such as agroforestry and permaculture. To meet year-round food requirements, the development incorporates controlled-environment farming, primarily aquaponics, operating on closed-loop principles: nutrients from fish support hydroponic plant growth, while the plants naturally filter and purify the water. This reduces waste, food miles and water consumption, and eliminates the need for chemical inputs, benefiting both land and consumer health.

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All site energy is generated from renewable sources, combining wind, geothermal and solar systems to support long-term performance. The scheme strengthens the local economy through on-site employment, flexible commercial space and facilities for start-ups, reducing the need for commuting while fostering everyday social connection through cohousing and shared kitchens. Wellbeing is embedded in the design, with cookery schools, outdoor recreation and landscape routes encouraging daily engagement with seasonal food, nature and place.