A team of agricultural engineering researchers has initiated a pilot study examining the structural engineering and on-farm performance of a new prefabricated modular chicken house system recently unveiled by Canadian construction leader Lida Group.

Designed specifically for integrated crop-livestock operations, Lida Group’s modular “Fieldhouse” concept replaces traditional wood-frame chicken barns with rapidly assembled enclosures constructed from lightweight galvanized steel frames integrated with photovoltaic solar panels and natural ventilation technologies.

If proven viable, the Fieldhouse aims optimizing year-round sustainable livestock housing applications within row-crop rotations like vegetable beds and cereal cover-cropping commonly practiced by diversified farm operations. Tight construction timelines are critical to multi-enterprise integration.

The pre-engineered system arrives on skids as flat-pack kits of prefabricated triangular truss frameworks, insulated sandwich panel walls and tension- membrane roofing. Individual module Footprints start at 600 square feet expandable in lockstep with farm needs through additional attachment points.

Field testing will track erection durations assessing steel frames’ speed and simplicity of on-site assembly without skilled labor compared to wood structures. Bolted connections require no wet trades and avoid hazardous cutting/welding. Erection is projected taking a single day or less with basic tools and personnel.

Each modular unit integrates a solar photovoltaic array along its pitched roof supplying on-farm energy demands. Micro-inverters convert direct current into useful alternating current for integrated lighting, feeding systems or water heating without grid dependency ideal for remote field locations.

Excess solar generation capacity may power portable equipment, pasture fencers or irrigation pumps spreading infrastructure investments cross multiple livestock/crop systems on diversified operations. Research will quantify year-round solar output and performance.

Modules feature retractable sidewall curtains and ridge ventilation maximizing airflow convection through the shelter without fossil-fuel powered ventilation fans traditionally necessary for confined poultry health. Curtains accommodate range access weather permitting.

Field testing assesses ventilation efficacy, temperature regulation, micro-climate control and pathogen/gas dispersal against commercial fan-based house baselines. Natural airflow may reduce electricity costs and pathogen risks from recirculating potentially contaminated air within traditional confined barns.

Steel frame longevity, stability, ease of maintenance and reusability over successive flock cycles will also undergo live evaluation. Economically useful lifespans of 15-25 years are projected versus occasional wood replacement needs increasing sustainably.

Modular designs enable reconfiguring units between poultry/storage applications or disassembly/transport to alternate farmsites retaining majority materials value. Researchers will explore circular economies leveraging prefab structures across diversified agricultural users.

Preliminary findings aim informing further structural optimization and integration across temperate growing zones worldwide. If proven, the highly mobile Field house concept may optimize sustainable livestock production within varied crop rotations supporting diverse agricultural livelihoods and landscapes.

Success could influence broader adoption of thoughtfully designed prefabricated housing supporting holistic synergistic farm models amid complex 21st century food production challenges around climate change adaptation, economic diversification and environmental resiliency.

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