EcoStack: A Smart Vertical Garden System

EcoStack is an innovative smart greenhouse system designed by Charles Lu that combines vertical farming, automation, and sustainable materials to promote efficient and eco-friendly urban agriculture.

The design process began with rough sketches and brainstorming sessions at EIM Technology. Charles had three guiding principles for the greenhouse: it had to be simple to use and stackable, day-night lighting and water-efficient, and visually appealing. It took five different design iterations before they landed on a concept that satisfied all those criteria.

First prototype

Charles had no prior experience with electronics, 3D design, or programming, but that didn’t stop him. With support from Terrence and Brennan, he spent over three months learning Fusion 360 and designing the greenhouse’s modular structure directly thru project-based learning approach. The experience was full of trial and error. Each time a model seemed complete, new improvements emerged. Yet, this iterative process only deepened Charles’s understanding and appreciation for design.

3D model snapshot in Fusion 360

On the electronics front, Charles learned the fundamentals of circuitry with Brennan’s help. They calculated resistance and voltage, designed circuits, and programmed a microcontroller using Python. A light sensor was installed to control the grow lights, automatically turning them on or off based on ambient light—mimicking the natural day-night cycle and ensuring plants got proper rest. Charles, who had never written a line of code before this project, found himself programming automation systems from scratch. Despite the challenges (including sore eyes from long hours in front of a screen), he found it deeply rewarding to see his code working in a real-world application.

Lighting System, Breadboard Circuit

Soldering LED light strips, wiring the system, and assembling the electronics brought its own set of obstacles. Fumes from soldering were unpleasant, but Charles pushed through. One of his more creative design choices came when he rejected the idea of a powered pump system for watering. Inspired by a showerhead during his own daily routine, he designed a gravity-based water distributor that evenly hydrated all the plants. It was a prime example of functional simplicity.

First water system design—didn’t work as expected in testing.
Refined water system inspired by shower head

Yet, like any engineering project, unexpected issues arose. His original design was too large for the 3D printer, requiring downsizing. The water distributor failed during initial tests due to surface tension issues, which had to be resolved by adjusting hole sizes. Most notably, the acrylic cover designed for the greenhouse didn’t fit once printed. A key lesson from this failure: always allow enough tolerance in your design—precise and accurate measurements are critical Reprinting wasn't feasible—it took 23 hours per box. Brennan proposed a risky but ultimately successful fix: using a heat gun to reshape the frame. The process was long and involved toxic fumes, but in the end, the acrylic slid in perfectly. That moment became a defining memory—proof that creative problem-solving and teamwork could overcome any barrier.

Front Acrylic Panel Track

Over five months, Charles gained hands-on experience in design, electronics, and coding while also developing resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. With guidance from Terrence and Brennan, he built more than just a project—he cultivated a mindset of curiosity and determination. From using coconut husk as a soil alternative to creating an adjustable showerhead with LEGO pieces, his creativity and resourcefulness stood out. What began as a simple idea turned into a working prototype and marked the beginning of his journey toward a sustainable and innovative future.


Team Members

Timeline

1

Idea & Planning

Dec 2024

The project began in December 2024 with idea generation and careful planning, focusing on usability, functionality, and identifying the target users for the stackable greenhouse.

2

Sketching and early design iterations

Jan 2025

Charles explored various design concepts, created detailed 3D models using Fusion 360, and selected eco-friendly materials to ensure structural stability and modularity. He also began gathering electronic components needed for automation.

3

Electronics and circuit design

Feb 2025

February was dedicated to electronics and programming, where Charles designed the circuit, learned Python to code the microcontroller, and integrated sensors to automate lighting and watering systems.

4

Building and assembling prototype components

Mar 2025

the focus shifted to assembling the 3D printed parts, wiring circuits, and installing the watering system, followed by rigorous testing and iterative improvements to address issues such as component fit and water flow.

5

Final adjustments and successful demonstration of the working prototype

Apr 2025

The project concluded in April 2025 with final adjustments, successful prototype demonstrations, and thorough documentation, reflecting significant technical growth and effective project management throughout the process.

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