Cycle meets climate.
An urban Microgreens farm in the middle of Zurich: vertical aquaponics, closed ecosystem on 600 m² - supported by a climate infrastructure that recovers energy and provides biological stability.
Our aim was never simply indoor farming - we wanted to create a functioning ecosystem. CarbonActive helped us to realize the technical framework for this.
A living system.
At UMAMI, we are completely rethinking agriculture: we cultivate Microgreens in a closed cycle in which plants, fish and microorganisms work together - a living system that only works if all the parameters are exactly right.
The biggest challenge here is not the cultivation itself, but the environment: temperature, air humidity and air flow must be extremely stable so that this natural balance is not disturbed.
This is precisely where CarbonActive has made a decisive contribution. By combining energy recovery, intelligent air routing and precise climate control systems, we were able to create an environment that reliably supports our biological system - while remaining energy efficient.
- Understanding of complex, sensitive systems
- Pragmatic realisation of technical solutions
- Working in partnership at eye level
Today, we produce high-quality Microgreens in the heart of Zurich - all year round, sustainably and without artificial additives. For us, this project clearly shows that if technology is used correctly, it cannot replace nature - but it can support it perfectly.
The project at a glance.
A closed ecosystem.
At UMAMI, CarbonActive combines an open Energy Recovery Group system with a closed air conditioning circuit in one facility: the Energy Recovery Group module recovers energy between the outside air and return air in the counterflow heat exchanger - heat in winter, cold in summer. Closed conditioning (cooling + dehumidification) keeps the biological balance stable at the target value. The biological water and nutrient cycle between plants, fish and microorganisms runs in the background.
Stability instead of span.
Unlike a research laboratory, a biological ecosystem does not need extreme climates - but narrow tolerances, every day. CarbonActive keeps the environment at the exact setpoint: day and night, summer and winter.
±0.5 K Tolerance
Constant setpoint over 24 hours - no fluctuations that could disturb the biological balance.
±3 % tolerance
Tightly regulated in the optimum range for Microgreens - moist enough for the plants, dry enough to prevent mold.
In three acts.
Rethinking agriculture.
UMAMI planned an urban Microgreens farm in Zurich - with vertical aquaponics in a closed cycle. Plants, fish and microorganisms work together. What was needed was a climate that would support this balance.
Sensitive systems. Stable conditions.
A living ecosystem does not forgive fluctuations. Temperature, humidity and air flow must be permanently right - with limited room height, a scarce energy supply and no pesticides.
Efficient. Stable. In harmony.
Ventilation with heat recovery, active cooling and dehumidification, precise climate control - on 600 m² of indoor space. Today, UMAMI produces Microgreens all year round in the heart of Zurich, energy-efficiently and without synthetic additives.
From the UMAMI farm.
Your urban farm.
We build the climate.
From conception to commissioning - CarbonActive plans, builds and operates climate infrastructure for indoor farming, vertical farming and sensitive biological systems. 🇨🇭
