Roof water-farm

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Fresh fish and vegetables harvested from rooftops using treated wastewater exemplify the vision of ROOF WATER-FARM (RWF 2013-2017). This project, funded by the German Ministry of Education and Research, explores the integration of aquaponics and hydroponics with building-integrated water recycling technologies. It investigates the hygienic treatment and use of greywater for producing fish and edible plants, while also testing the creation of urban liquid fertilizer ("goldwater") from blackwater to promote resource-efficient food production. The initiative develops building studies and passports for various typologies, including residential and commercial buildings, and envisions a loop-oriented city transformation across distinct Berlin neighborhoods. This interdisciplinary handbook presents the main findings from practical and planning work at multiple scales, from technology to urban design. It illustrates strategies that connect decentralized wastewater management with food production as multifunctional infrastructure. A Toolbox provides additional resources on operation, feasibility, and the upscaling of the modular ROOF WATER-FARM approach. This work aims to communicate sustainable city and infrastructure development to a broad audience, serving as inspiration for urban transformation in the realms of water, food, and multifunctional infrastructure.