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Rain Garden at Geriatrics Foto: Martin Pavlov

Rain Garden at Geriatrics

Honourable mention in the Adapterra Awards 2019

Geriatrics patients now have much better view thanks to newly installed benches and accompanied rain and rock garden with a little pond. Retention reservoir with various vegetation is 18 square metres large and in case of long droughts period the water is replenished from water supply. This solution lowers the temperature in the area, complimenting the aestethics of the surroundings and making the area a pleasant resting place.

The Adaptation Journey

 
The positive impact
Before, this area contributed to warming of the city. The rainwater from the roof of geriatric clinic outflew into the sewerage system, contributing further to heat and drought problems. Now, the environment is much more pleasant and healthy not only for local patients but it also increases biodiversity of the place and improves the health or nearby growing tree.
 
How does it work?
A pit around 18 square metres was created and covered with pond foil and gravel. Rainwater from the roof is drained through a pipe which leads through inside the building. When the retention tank is full, the water starts to flow to infiltration section, which is the rain garden.

In case of prolonged drought period, water supply system can be used.

Four benched were installed in the shade of the tree nearby, so the patients can enjoy the greenery in the most comfortable way.
 
Original state
There originally was flat mowed grassland. Along with adjacent ramp for ambulances, it created so called sunny glade. Heat accumulated hear, soil was dry and the grass was parched due to frequent mowing. This piece of land was used basically only for dogs.
 
Operation and maintenance
The maintenance is based on volunteer work from local people and staff of the clinic.

A surprising event was a sudden death of the clinic director. After the funeral, number of flowers were used for the decoration in the clinic halls and after that, they were used for the base of the infiltration section of the garden.
 
Why was the measure chosen?
Originally considered solution included only using current pergola for some plants, and instalment of a couple of benches, but the rain garden was a better way how to deal with heat, humidity, biodiversity and overall appearance.
 
Obstacles and challenges
The biggest obstacle appeared during the pit digging. A concrete plate was discovered and because it could not be moved, the reservoir is 50 centimentres more shallow on one side than planned.
 
How much did it cost?
The overall costs were 2,500 EUR. Neither the return of the investment nor the savings were estimated. The investment life expectancy is 10 years.

Public buildings Urban greenery Use of rainwater Shading Biodiversity Heat waves and thermal island Lack of water and drought 

Locality:
Košice, Slovakia
Timeframe:
4/2019 – 5/2019
Author:
Mgr.art. Martin Pavlov
Contractor:
St. Luke Highly Specialized Institute of Geriatrics
Investor:
crowdfunding, cooperation with the Volunteer Center of Košice Region
Contact:
Mgr.art. Martin Pavlov
partinmavlovhaha.@gmail.com
Web:
http://dobrekosice.sk/

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