Noah Stone

Monash University
Australia

The Vertical Factory proposes a regenerative and materially conscious response to the future of industrial precincts by reimagining the factory typology as a carbon-efficient, vertically integrated system. It is situated on a former quarry site and makes use of existing infrastructure, local materials, and smart technologies to minimise environmental impact. The factory’s structure is formed using sacrificial permanent formwork made from excavated clay, which is then filled with reinforced concrete bound by calcined clay—a low-carbon alternative to traditional cement. This innovative construction method not only reduces embodied energy but also repurposes quarry waste. The vertical orientation of the building limits ground disturbance and facilitates the regeneration of the surrounding landscape. Architecturally, the use of terracotta buttresses draws inspiration from the natural clay formations of the quarry, creating a built environment that responds to its context. The project ultimately demonstrates how decommissioned industrial sites can be reactivated through thoughtful, sustainable design to support future manufacturing in a way that is energy-efficient, materially aware, and ecologically restorative.