Water for the soil
Urbanisation causes soil waterproofing. The proposed measures consist of recovering water from roofs from the bottom of downpipes and leading it, in a delayed manner and in small quantities, through a series of small retention ponds connected by networks of the open ditch type.
Water for plants
Design a space that relies on the water naturally present on the site and the vegetation that results from it. We therefore find waterside vegetation which participates in the biotopes of the various basins for the retention of meteoric water. Water, thus revealed, helps to reduce temperatures in urban climates such as that of the Saint-Roch sector.
Cars and trees
The principle is to establish a stone-earth mixture that ensures both the stability required for traffic and parking areas and the growth of plants. Car parks and their access roads are thus fully integrated into the development, with vegetation that enhances biodiversity and brings shade to parked vehicles. This concept also helps to relieve existing networks, and to promote direct infiltration of meteoric water through permeable coatings.
Green roofs and energy
Green roofs strengthen the urban biological network and contribute to the protection of nature, which is essential for ecological balance. A green roof retains between 50 and 95% of annual precipitation, filters and slows the discharge rate and helps regulate peak flows in the event of thunderstorms.
The combination of green roofs and solar panels have proved convincing in numerous projects that emphasise the positive synergy of the two techniques. The solar panel supports are anchored in the substrate and the water retention mats. Dense and low vegetation under the panels inhibits germination and the development of undesirable plants and creates a shady and cool habitat favourable to energy performance.
Project leader - team
Beat Oertli
(HEPIA),
Eric Amos
(HEPIA),
Philippe Bonhôte
(HEPIA),
Laurent Daune
(HEPIA),
David Consuegra
(HEIG-VD)