INSIGHTS
“Regenial!” Competition: Am Postbahnhof 15 project is honoured
04.07.2024 – The Berlin Rainwater Sustainability Agency is delighted to announce the winners of the competition “Regenial! Your pioneering rainwater project for our sponge capital” competition. From the 49 projects that were submitted, the innovative concept of the Am Postbahnhof 15 project was selected as one of ten best. The presentation of the winning projects took place on 4 July 2024 at the Forum Regenwasser in the Malzfabrik Berlin-Schöneberg.
The winning project Am Postbahnhof 15
The Am Postbahnhof 15 project is characterised by an advanced rainwater management concept that integrates local potential within the framework of monument preservation requirements and creates a spacious, multifunctional roof landscape with a high quality of stay on several levels.
The technical highlights include a 30 cm thick retention and storage volume that can store up to 360,000 litres of rainwater on a sealed former railway viaduct, as well as the re-routing of the historic railway tracks above the retention boxes. A cistern and a filter shaft in front of the viaduct supply an automatic irrigation system. The concept includes several retention levels on the roof surfaces, which are equipped with static drainage throttles and capillary columns to efficiently retain, evaporate or drain off the rainwater.
An intelligent control system regulates the filling of the cistern and the discharge of the storage level based on weather forecasts, which prepares the system for heavy rainfall events. The innovative irrigation strategy covers at least 50 per cent of the water requirements of the vegetation areas.
“Integrating rainwater management into existing structures is a challenge that we gladly accepted. This award motivates us to continue developing innovative solutions for sustainable urban development,” said Rainer Bahr, Managing Director of econcept Immobilien.
“It is an honour that our Am Postbahnhof 15 project is one of the winners of the ‘Regenial! This recognition shows how historic buildings and modern rainwater management can work together to contribute to ecology and a positive urban climate,” said Tilo Krause, Managing Director of eqviva Projektsteuerung.
“Our aim was to create a green oasis in the centre of Berlin that is both functional and an added value for city residents and visitors. This award reinforces our commitment to sustainable urban development,” added Axel Hermening, Levin Monsigny Landschaftsarchitekten GmbH.
About the Rainwater Sustainability Agency
The Rainwater Agency is committed to an improved urban climate, clean water, reduced flooding and healthier urban greenery. It supports the sustainable management of rainwater on site in order to mitigate the effects of climate change – such as more hot days, longer periods of drought and more frequent heavy rainfall. Through measures such as the greening of roofs and façades, the unsealing of surfaces and the storage, use, evaporation and infiltration of rainwater, Berlin aims to become water-sensitive and stabilise the natural water balance.
Further information can be found on the website: https://regenwasseragentur.berlin/projekte/neubau-buerogebaeude-am-postbahnhof/
Photos: Berliner Regenwasseragentur / Benjamin Pritzkuleit