Santos Organics

Food gardens with integrated composting for a busy, local wellbeing cafe and grocer

Andrew was engaged to develop a fully self-sufficient compost and food garden for Byron Bay grocer brand, Santos Organics. Positioned directly out front of their cafe and grocer warehouse in the industrial estate, the GardenShip garden beds (coined by Andrew) are full of edible herbs, salad leaves and vegetables which can be enjoyed by the customers and used by the staff when creating daily meals for the menu.

Within the garden beds are the first prototype models of Subpod, the in-ground compost system, each of which can process up to 35-50kg of food waste per week, and which also double as practical in-garden seating for the customers to enjoy their time at the cafe - all without smells or mess.

The beauty of integrated in-ground composting, especially in a setting like this, is it can be done in close proximity to customers and the public, without becoming a negative factor. Composting woven with life!

The Project

LOCATION - Byron Bay Industrial Estate
DATE - 2017
CLIENT - Santos Organics
DESIGN - Andrew HDV
PROJECT MANAGER - Andrew HDV
CONSTRUCTION - Andrew HDV
TIMEFRAME - 4 weeks

Impact

Environmental

  • Recycled and repurposed materials, saving on virgin material use

  • Diverts the food waste from landfill for hundreds of daily customers

  • Building soil fertility and health, and boosting plant growth

Economic

  • Eliminate the cost of fertilisers and compost for growing plants

  • Growing healthy salad and herb ingredients for the staff and customers to enjoy on their lunch breaks

  • A significant focus for media exposure (national and international), word of mouth, promotion of eco-business

Social

  • Staff, clients and visitors are exposed to a unique, integrated waste and food growing solution

  • Gives the business a leading edge amongst competitors and peers

Educational

  • Has created a platform for many interactive workshops held for locals and visitors to learn about composting food waste and growing food effectively