A place that can do more: functional, green and future-proof
The municipality of Reilingen in Baden-Württemberg transformed a formerly vacant lot into a versatile village square with a clear layout, plenty of space to relax and an integrated rainwater management system. The planning and implementation were carried out by the engineering firm König, which laid the foundation for an efficient system with its focus on municipal civil engineering and sustainable rainwater utilisation.
The challenge: The site was characterised by previous development. Underground remains such as filled-in cellars made classic infiltration impossible. At the same time, however, the area also needed to be paved for car parking, infrastructure and events. The solution: a decentralised tree irrigation concept with targeted rainwater supply and a channel-relieving effect. Supported by 3D visualisation and intensive dialogue with the local community, a convincing overall system was developed that also met with broad political approval.
Conscious rainwater management: technology meets design
Instead of traditional infiltration areas, the surface was covered with permeable paving that allows natural infiltration: slightly enlarged joints allow some of the precipitation to penetrate directly into the ground, while excess water is drained into a channel along the road and fed into the sewer system as required.
The centrepiece is the decentralised tree irrigation system: rainwater is collected via a channel system, filtered and directed into four underground tree quarters. This solution ensures that pollutants are retained and the water can be used in a form suitable for vegetation. In this way, sustainable greening can be achieved even with a completely paved surface. A fifth tree uses adjacent paved areas as a supply area – adapted to local conditions.
