Floating island structure made predominantly of environmentally friendly materials for the greening and ecological enhancement of water surfaces

Abstract

Floating island structure (1) for the greening and ecological enhancement of water surfaces, characterized by a device composed of several functional building elements, comprising: - a supporting element (2), - a buoyancy element (3) with a multi-layered structure, and - an upper planting level, wherein the buoyancy element (3) has a sandwich structure with cover layers (4) and an intermediate buoyancy core, the structural elements consist predominantly of environmentally compatible, preferably bio-based materials, and the device forms a mechanically stable, rootable and permanently buoyant platform.

Description

2. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to environmental and water technology, in particular floating structures for near-natural greening and ecological enhancement of water surfaces.

[0002] It relates in particular to a plantable, floating island structure (1) which consists predominantly of environmentally compatible, preferably bio-based materials and has permanent buoyancy and stability. 3. State of the art

[0003] Floating island structures (“Floating Treatment Wetlands”, FTW) are well-known and serve to ecologically enhance bodies of water. They often consist of plastic elements such as polymer frames, foam bodies, or synthetic mats.

[0004] However, such plastics are often not biodegradable, can release microplastics or pollutants, and cause disposal problems. Furthermore, their environmental impact is unfavorable.

[0005] Known versions made from natural materials, such as wood or cork, exhibit limited mechanical strength and long-term stability. A multi-layered, bio-based sandwich structure that is mechanically bonded and guarantees both stability and long-term buoyancy is not yet known. 4. Object of the invention

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a floating, plantable island structure (1) which: • consists predominantly of environmentally friendly, preferably bio-based materials, • ensures lasting buoyancy and mechanical stability, • natural planting and root penetration enables, • can be adapted to different types of water without polluting the environment with synthetic materials. 5. Solution to the task

[0007] The problem is solved by a floating island structure (1) composed of several functional building elements, which include at least: 1. a load-bearing element (2), 2. a buoyancy element (3), and 3. a planting level, the building elements consist predominantly of bio-based or environmentally compatible materials and are functionally connected to each other in such a way as to create a mechanically stable, rootable and buoyant platform.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the buoyancy element (3) has a multi-layered structure, in particular in the form of a bio-based sandwich structure comprising: • Cover layers (4) made of dimensionally stable, water-resistant materials of organic origin (e.g. wood panels, bamboo laminates, plant fiber composites, bio-based foams), and • a core-side buoyancy material (3), which can be compact or porous (e.g., expanded natural materials, cork granules, foamed plant fibers, or similar materials). The core can therefore be either porous or solid, provided it ensures the required buoyancy and shape retention of the structure.

[0009] Examples of suitable core materials include cork, pressed plant fibers, wood composites, bio-based foams, or expanded natural materials. The connection between the layers or between the components is mechanical, preferably by screws, or alternatively or additionally by bolts, clamps, or plug connections. The connection can be detachable or permanent and ensures a strong and stable bond between the components, which remains durable even under plant load and continuous irrigation.

[0010] Optionally, root penetration or drainage openings (5) may be provided to allow the exchange of water and nutrients between the water body and the vegetation layer. 6. Technical advantage

[0011] The structure according to the invention differs from known plastic or cork systems in that it uses a technical sandwich structure made of bio-based materials, which combines buoyancy, mechanical stability and ecological compatibility.

[0012] This creates a long-term, buoyant, plantable platform that requires no synthetic plastics and does not contribute to the release of microplastics. The integrated root channels (5) promote water exchange and nutrient uptake by the plants (6). The structure can thus actively contribute to improving water quality, filtering nutrients, and creating habitats for aquatic organisms. 7. Possible embodiments

[0013] The floating island structure (1) can: • be formed in any geometric shape (round, polygonal, segmented), • can be used individually or modularly, • are held in place by anchoring systems (e.g. ropes, anchors, edge fixings), • integrate different plant supports, such as root-permeable natural fiber layers or open planting openings (5), and • have different densities and material combinations in the layers to specifically adjust the float height and stability.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the sandwich structure is designed such that the upper layer (4) has planting openings or structured openings (5) that allow direct planting and root penetration through the entire layer thickness.

[0015] The core (3) can consist of compressed plant fibers, cork granules, foamed mycelium or bio-based foams. 8. Areas of application

[0016] The invention is intended for use in stagnant and slow-flowing waters, in particular in: • Ponds, lakes, biotopes, rainwater retention basins, renaturalized waters, • urban or artificial bodies of water, as well as • Shorelines and wetlands.

[0017] The structure (1) serves for greening, shading, habitat creation and filtration and can contribute to the ecological enhancement of water landscapes. 9. Summary of the invention

[0018] The invention relates to a floating, plantable island structure (1) consisting predominantly of bio-based, environmentally compatible materials. The buoyancy element (3) is constructed as a multi-layered sandwich structure, in which a core buoyancy material (3) is arranged between stable, plant-compatible outer layers (4). This design ensures permanent buoyancy, high stability, and environmental compatibility without the use of synthetic plastics. The ability to root across the entire layer thickness, the integrated water and air exchange, and the modular design create a versatile, sustainable solution that is both technically functional and ecologically valuable. 10. Essential inventive features 1. Multilayered structure with functionally different bio-based layers (sandwich principle). 2. Avoidance of synthetic materials while maintaining high mechanical and hydrostatic stability. 3. Rootable and water-conducting structure (5) for ecological integration into water bodies. 4. Modular design for adaptable combination of multiple units. 5. Use of mechanical and / or bio-based fasteners, in particular screws, bolts, fibers, resins or plug-in systems for permanent or detachable joining of the layers (4). 6. Functional integration of buoyancy (3), stability and ecological plantability (6) in one system. 11. Brief description of the drawing

[0019] Fig.Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a floating island structure (1) with a surrounding supporting element (2), a multi-layered buoyancy element (3) with upper and lower cover layers (4), and an intermediate buoyancy core. Rooting openings (5) are provided in the upper cover layer (4) through which plants (6) can be inserted and rooted. The figure illustrates the structure and function of the vegetation's (6) root penetration through the entire structure down to the base of the island structure (1).

Claims

Floating island structure (1) for the greening and ecological enhancement of water surfaces, characterized by a device composed of several functional building elements, comprising: - a supporting element (2), - a buoyancy element (3) with a multi-layered structure, and - an upper planting level, wherein the buoyancy element (3) has a sandwich structure with cover layers (4) and a buoyancy core arranged in between, the building elements consist predominantly of ecologically compatible, preferably bio-based materials, and the device forms a mechanically stable, rootable and permanently buoyant platform. Floating island structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the supporting element (2) is designed as a frame which receives and stabilizes the buoyancy element (3) around its circumference. Floating island structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover layers (4) consist of dimensionally stable, water-resistant materials of organic origin, in particular wood, bamboo, plant fiber composites or bio-based foams. Floatable island structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the buoyancy core of the buoyancy element (3) consists of compact or porous material, in particular cork, pressed plant fibers, bio-based foam or expanded natural materials. Floating island structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection between the components is made mechanically, in particular by screws, bolts, plug or clamp connections. Floating island structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that rooting openings (5) are provided in the cover layers (4) which allow rooting through the entire layer thickness. Floating island structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the planting level for vegetation (6) has a water-conducting and nutrient-permeable planting layer or natural fiber covering. Floating island structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is modular in design and several island structures (1) can be coupled via connecting elements. Floating island structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the island structure (1) is held in place in the water by means of anchoring systems, in particular ropes, anchors or edge fixings. Floating island structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all materials used are selected to be biodegradable or environmentally neutral and do not contain any synthetic plastics.

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