How Hydra Utrecht deals with water
Words by
Burak Aydin & Rogier Kant
Location
Utrecht
For Hydra Utrecht, water management has been an essential topic to solve. As learned from meeting with residents in the adjacent residential area, there were challenges with water during heavy rainfall which was causing major inconveniences. We saw it as our responsibility to design a solution that would add value to this destination beyond its logistical needs. Improving water management for people and animals became the goal of Hydra Utrecht's design. Our solutions were found in the interventions as explained below.
Installing retention crates
The installation of retention crates drastically improved water management on site and solved the issue for the residents and animals. The buffer capacity of the system of retention crates is approximately 314.000 liters of water. This is well above the Water Board's ambition level and in itself allowed for much better absorption of peak rainfall in the future.
The water retention system applied to Hydra Utrecht captures water and discharges it slowly and in a controlled manner into the ground. This modular system consists of separate elements that each hold as much as 406 L of water, these elements are connected to a large underground system, designed to withstand the heavy pressure of traffic above the ground. Ultimately allowing the rainwater to be returned to the natural water cycle.
Optimizing water flows
Next to the retention crates, we optimized water flows by widening the watercourse around the building. We installed semi-paved surfaces and planted sufficient trees and vegetation to allow rainwater to penetrate the soil more easily. This reduces the burden on the sewer system and the parking surface started acting as a water buffer. During construction, a low-vibration method of pile driving was chosen to minimize disturbance to local residents.
Designing a sprinkler tank as the biggest insect hotel in Europe
Instead of having the sprinkler tank somewhere hidden on-site, we positioned it centrally on the property and designed it as a huge insect hotel. In fact, it now serves as the largest permanent insect hotel in Europe. An innovative, nature-inclusive statement that celebrates Hydra Utrecht’s attention to water and turning Hydra Utrecht into a destination where people want to be.