“Sponge” public open space Kaskady

Bratislava Municipality Karlova Ves pursued a pilot programme to implement the benefits of using green and grey infrastructure to tackle floods and summer droughts. In the open space of the inner courtyard of the residential complex Kaskady, they implemented sustainable drainage systems (SUDs) to capture and use rainwater and slow and enable to infiltrate the water runoff. The rainwater from the roofs and terraces of the residential buildings is drained into two underground tanks (7m3 volume each). The captured rainwater is then used as drop irrigation of newly planted trees trees (21), shrubs (84) and perennial plants.

Two wetland areas have been created, where the rainwater overflow from the underground tanks is situated; seven raingarden infiltration areas have been created, as well as 2 infiltration swales. These infiltration areas are created as flowering meadows with variety of blooming species favourable for pollinators which are outstanding at promoting biodiversity and providing habitats for different species. The moisture that gradually evaporates from wetland and rentention areas will positively influence the microclimate especially during hot summer days. The main stakeholders and beneficiaries are the inhabitants of the surrouding residential buildings, using regularly this open space of the inner courtyard.