Seating and planting unit with integrated rainwater system

Abstract

Claim 1 - Main claim: A seating and planting unit for outdoor use with an integrated water reservoir, which automatically fills with rainwater via roof surfaces, is protected under utility model law.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a structural unit for use as a covered seating element in outdoor spaces, incorporating integrated planting and rainwater collection systems. It is particularly suitable for use in urban areas, on sealed surfaces, and as a mobile greening element. The invention belongs to the fields of street furniture, building construction, and plant irrigation systems. Underlying problem

[0002] The invention relates to the necessity or need to green sealed public areas according to the "sponge city principle" and make them accessible to the public as recreational spaces. These areas can include parking lots, schoolyards, or brownfield sites that have been sealed with paving stones or asphalt, thus preventing both plant growth and rainwater infiltration. Furthermore, it addresses the problem of urban heat islands and the lack of habitat for small creatures such as insects and urban birds. State of the art

[0003] Seating for public spaces and modular construction systems are known from the state of the art. Planters with water storage or irrigation systems are also common. However, there is a lack of a tool-free, energy-independent construction unit that combines seating, shelter, rainwater storage, and plant irrigation in a compact, mobile system. Description of the invention

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of providing a multifunctional building element that enhances urban open spaces, collects rainwater and makes it available for irrigating planted areas, while simultaneously creating a pleasant atmosphere by providing seating. This objective is achieved by the features of claim 1. The key element here is the combination of: • a support system consisting of standardized scaffolding components or other modular construction materials (5), • a roof which also serves as a collection area for rainwater (1), • an integrated water reservoir (3) in the form of a collection container that automatically fills with rainwater via the roof surface and gutter (2), • Raised beds (4) that are irrigated using a passive irrigation system, • as well as a seating and lounge area (6) that is integrated into the structure. Advantages of the invention 1. Water balance: Rainwater is collected locally, stored and thus made directly usable for plant irrigation. 2. Flexibility: The design is modular, can be assembled with minimal tools, is dismantled and therefore mobile. 3. Ecological enhancement: Sealed areas are temporarily enhanced through greening, attracting insects and birds and improving microclimates. 4. Social function: The water bench serves both as seating and a meeting point, thereby promoting quality of stay and social interaction in public spaces. 5. Didactic component: The design and simple functionality draw attention to the problem. Furthermore, the instruction to pour water encourages people to take action. 6. Resource utilization: The predominant use of recycled and reusable components, as well as easily disassemblable components, reduces material consumption and environmental impact. Example of implementation

[0005] In a preferred embodiment, the support system consists of reused scaffolding components that can be assembled with minimal tools using modular connections. A so-called "butterfly roof" made of translucent panels sits atop the support system, collecting rainwater and channeling it via a gutter into a reservoir located below. This reservoir is a standard 1,000-liter IBC container, is replaceable, and can also be used as a trellis for climbing plants. The irrigation system operates passively via gravity and capillary action, with water being drawn from the reservoir manually using a hose.

[0006] The raised beds are located under and beside the reservoir and are preferably made from repurposed mortar tubs or similar containers. Together with the attached seats and backrests, they form a cohesive unit. Plantings can include site-appropriate, low-maintenance species that contribute to biodiversity. The wooden raised beds and benches are finished in striking colors, which increases visibility and attracts insects.

[0007] The water bench can be used in parking lots, schoolyards or temporary event areas. 1 Roof surfaces 2. Pipe system / rain gutter 3 collection containers 4 planting beds 5 Modular construction 6 benches

Claims

[1] Claim 1 - Main claim A seating and planting unit for outdoor use with an integrated water reservoir, which automatically fills with rainwater via roof surfaces, is protected under utility model law. [2] Claim 2 The supporting structure according to claim 1 is protected under utility model law. characterized by that it consists of scaffolding components or other modular construction materials that can be assembled with minimal tools and dismantled separately. [3] Claim 3 The system according to claim 1 is protected by utility model law. characterized by that it includes seating areas and raised beds constructed from wood or other materials. [4] Claim 4 The system according to claim 1 is protected by utility model law. characterized by, that the water reservoir is integrated as a collection container, which has a extraction unit and automatically fills with rainwater by means of a sloping roof and a rain gutter. [5] Claim 5 The system according to claim 1 is protected by utility model law, characterized by , that the collected rainwater from the collection container is conveyed to the raised beds via a passive, electricity-free watering system using gravity, capillary action or manual extraction from a hose.

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