Natural purification park De Glind

The Dutch sewer system is not adequate to carry the increasing flow of wastewater, and purifying water is becoming more complicated and expensive. One reason is an increase in drug residues in wastewater. Waterboard Vallei en Veluwe, the municipalities of Barneveld and Leusden and the Rudolph Foundation are therefore realising the first water-purifying botanical greenhouse in the village of De Glind. This is a system in which bacteria on plant roots naturally purify wastewater, i.c.w. helophyte filters and water basins.

Within a participatory planning process, a design was created for Purification Park De Glind. A park area combining wastewater treatment with recreation, nature and education. Basis for the design is a spatial structure of honeycombs; known for its efficient ratio of surface area to cell edge length. Combining cells of different sizes creates a varied park landscape. Within this, the various components of the treatment plant are incorporated. The spaces between the cells have different shapes due to differences in scale and provide space for places to stay, viewpoints and picnic areas. All connected by an attractive path network.

Year: 2018
Type: landscape and architecture, climate adaptation
Client: Waterboard Vallei and Veluwe, project partners: municipality of Barneveld, municipality of Leusden, Rudolph Foundation, ADS Group
Status: vision and design ready
I.s.m.: Citeg (cost calculations)