As climate change increases the frequency of heavy rainfall, Dutch cities are leading the way in stormwater management. The redevelopment of Hoogepat in Veldhoven was a pilot project aimed at demonstrating how urban streetscapes can incorporate effective rainwater storage while enhancing green infrastructure.
In the southern Netherlands, the municipality of Veldhoven embarked on a renovation project for Hoogepat, a residential street originally constructed in the 1960s. Over the years, the road and sidewalks had deteriorated, and accessibility was hindered by root heave. Since the early 1970s, Veldhoven had envisioned redeveloping the area in a climate-adaptive manner, emphasizing water management and greenery. This renovation provided an ideal opportunity to explore innovative rainwater storage solutions, potentially serving as a model for other locations.
Veldhoven opted to incorporate a Dutch system, AquaBASE, with GreenBlue Urban’s solution to enhance climate adaptation by efficiently managing stormwater. AquaBASE is an advanced rainwater storage system installed beneath paving, which unlike traditional infiltration sewer systems, stores rainwater directly beneath the street. The system channels water into the AquaBASE package via a drainage system, instead of the main sewer. AquaBASE not only stores rainwater but also provides a stable foundation for various surfaces, including roads, parking lots, tramways, and event areas.
Furthermore, the project aimed to reintroduce greenery, such as trees, hedges and shrubs, to the street. To provide optimal growing space for these trees in the future, the project looked for a solution that could efficiently integrate with the AquaBASE package. RootSpace® was chosen for its ability to form a supportive structure for the tree’s roots, offering ample space for growth, proper soil and water.
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
As climate change increases the frequency of heavy rainfall, Dutch cities are leading the way in stormwater management. The redevelopment of Hoogepat in Veldhoven was a pilot project aimed at demonstrating how urban streetscapes can incorporate effective rainwater storage while enhancing green infrastructure.
In the southern Netherlands, the municipality of Veldhoven embarked on a renovation project for Hoogepat, a residential street originally constructed in the 1960s. Over the years, the road and sidewalks had deteriorated, and accessibility was hindered by root heave. Since the early 1970s, Veldhoven had envisioned redeveloping the area in a climate-adaptive manner, emphasizing water management and greenery. This renovation provided an ideal opportunity to explore innovative rainwater storage solutions, potentially serving as a model for other locations.
Veldhoven opted to incorporate a Dutch system, AquaBASE, with GreenBlue Urban’s solution to enhance climate adaptation by efficiently managing stormwater. AquaBASE is an advanced rainwater storage system installed beneath paving, which unlike traditional infiltration sewer systems, stores rainwater directly beneath the street. The system channels water into the AquaBASE package via a drainage system, instead of the main sewer. AquaBASE not only stores rainwater but also provides a stable foundation for various surfaces, including roads, parking lots, tramways, and event areas.
Furthermore, the project aimed to reintroduce greenery, such as trees, hedges and shrubs, to the street. To provide optimal growing space for these trees in the future, the project looked for a solution that could efficiently integrate with the AquaBASE package. RootSpace® was chosen for its ability to form a supportive structure for the tree’s roots, offering ample space for growth, proper soil and water.
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
An Efficient and Sustainable Solution
RootSpace® offers a highly efficient and sustainable solution for managing urban tree root systems. Providing a well-structured, aerated, and flexible root zone allows trees to grow healthily in confined urban spaces, promoting stronger root development and reducing the risks of infrastructure damage. RootSpace®’s modular design ensures easy installation and adaptability to various environments, while its permeable surface facilitates water infiltration, supporting stormwater management. This innovative approach not only enhances tree survival but also contributes to better urban ecology.
The AquaBASE and RootSpace® systems were interconnected to work seamlessly together. The two systems are strategically arranged to ensure that rainwater flows from the AquaBASE foundation to the RootSpace® and vice versa when needed. By combining these products, they create an efficient, integrated solution.
As with many urban projects, the limited space of the street posed a significant challenge. The municipality needed to achieve a specific rainwater storage capacity, and installing separate infrastructure would have restricted the space available for trees. By integrating RootSpace® and AquaBASE, Veldhoven successfully addressed both needs. This innovative combination allows for effective rainwater storage while simultaneously supporting urban greening. The trees thrive, and the systems work in harmony, showcasing a model of efficient and sustainable urban design.
An Efficient and Sustainable Solution
RootSpace® offers a highly efficient and sustainable solution for managing urban tree root systems. Providing a well-structured, aerated, and flexible root zone allows trees to grow healthily in confined urban spaces, promoting stronger root development and reducing the risks of infrastructure damage. RootSpace®’s modular design ensures easy installation and adaptability to various environments, while its permeable surface facilitates water infiltration, supporting stormwater management. This innovative approach not only enhances tree survival but also contributes to better urban ecology.
The AquaBASE and RootSpace® systems were interconnected to work seamlessly together. The two systems are strategically arranged to ensure that rainwater flows from the AquaBASE foundation to the RootSpace® and vice versa when needed. By combining these products, they create an efficient, integrated solution.
As with many urban projects, the limited space of the street posed a significant challenge. The municipality needed to achieve a specific rainwater storage capacity, and installing separate infrastructure would have restricted the space available for trees. By integrating RootSpace® and AquaBASE, Veldhoven successfully addressed both needs. This innovative combination allows for effective rainwater storage while simultaneously supporting urban greening. The trees thrive, and the systems work in harmony, showcasing a model of efficient and sustainable urban design.
The open road structure facilitated the storage and infiltration of large volumes of water, but careful planning was essential. With RootSpace®, the lateral interlocking grid layout and side infill panels provide lateral strength, ensuring the tree soil remains uncompacted close to the road. This uncompacted growing medium provides ample space for root growth and enhances water absorption. As a result, trees experience healthier growth, and the use of RootSpace® effectively eliminates the issue of root heave.
The municipality opted for an innovative solution, integrating the AquaBASE system with our RootSpace® technology to create a dual-purpose system, nourishing newly planted trees and improving urban biodiversity. Years later the system is functioning well, and the trees are thriving. This pioneering approach ensures that the street remains functional and flood-resilient while fostering a green, thriving environment.
The open road structure facilitated the storage and infiltration of large volumes of water, but careful planning was essential. With RootSpace®, the lateral interlocking grid layout and side infill panels provide lateral strength, ensuring the tree soil remains uncompacted close to the road. This uncompacted growing medium provides ample space for root growth and enhances water absorption. As a result, trees experience healthier growth, and the use of RootSpace® effectively eliminates the issue of root heave.
The municipality opted for an innovative solution, integrating the AquaBASE system with our RootSpace® technology to create a dual-purpose system, nourishing newly planted trees and improving urban biodiversity. Years later the system is functioning well, and the trees are thriving. This pioneering approach ensures that the street remains functional and flood-resilient while fostering a green, thriving environment.
