Photo: Stock.Xchng

Bakoko, founded last year by two graduates of London’s Architectural Association, strives to build projects that have unique designs. Their particular invention, Comploo, which creates organic compost, is no exception. The idea of a sustainable way to heat small spaces was inspired by tea houses found in traditional Japanese gardens. The heat formed by the Comploo is a by-product of the microbial breakdown of organic material. Compost chambers in the walls provide the greenhouse’s heat. A ‘healthy heap’ can exceed temperatures of 50ºC (120º F), according to Bakoko.

How it works

Photo: Stock.Xchng

Arranged in a circle, large hoppers enclose a space crowned by a transparent Ethyl-tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) dome through which light is let in. Compostable materials are inserted through a door at the top of each bin. A central vent emits warm air into the interior. Benches surrounding the greenhouse provide relaxing spots for those seeking its warmth.

Organic compost is extracted from a door at the bottom of each bin. This is used as garden compost which then becomes fuel for the next cold season, and so the cycle continues.

Where it works best

Comploo’s design is most suited to large urban parks and community gardens or anywhere that generates a continuous supply of organic compost.

If one day soon you happen to take a stroll in your neighbourhood garden and find a conglomeration of tea-drinking community members warming themselves around a UFO-shaped object, don’t be worried. Your neighbours aren’t making friendly with invading aliens, they’re just enjoying the benefits of the Comploo.

Tags: organic compost