COURTYARDS OF TODAY

SALLA AALTONEN, HANNAH HASAN, ELSA AHTI

COURTYARDS OF TODAY SUSTAINABLE DESIGNN AND CARE

SURFACE MATERIALS PAVEMENTS: ASPHALT FACADES: CONCRETE ROOFS: SHEET METAL

GREENERY LIGHT POLLUTION GREEN ROOFS AND WALLS LAWNS

BIODIVERSITY BIRDS: NESTING OPPORTUNITITES RAINGARDENS

PAVEMENTS AND GROUND SURFACES

ASPHALT

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

KEY FACTS

INTRODUCTION

Asphalt serves as the primary pavement material for many roads, highways, and parking lots. Its smooth surface, resilience, and ability to withstand the wear and tear of daily traffic make it a popular choice. However, asphalt’s advantages come with a set of environmental and health considerations. In friction, asphalt releases tiny particles that become airborne, potentially finding their way into our bodies. Additionally, the impermeable nature of asphalt means it doesn’t allow rainwater to percolate through , causing streets to flood, and sometimes even leading to basement inundation in nearby homes.

The hard and unyielding nature of asphalt, while enduring, can have a downside. It can be less forgiving on the joints and bodies of pedestrians, especially when compared to softer and more shock-absorbent materials. Furthermore, asphalt surfaces require regular maintenance, as resilient as they may be. Over time, the relentless forces of nature can conspire to crack and deteriorate the asphalt. Plants can find their way through cracks, and the roots of trees may further compromise its integrity.

Moreover, asphalt has another notable characteristic its ability to retain heat. This heat-absorbing property contributes to the formation of heat islands in urban areas, where asphalt-laden surfaces trap and radiate heat, leading to elevated temperatures. While asphalt remains a favored choice for many practical reasons, understanding its potential consequences and considering alternative materials and design solutions is crucial in creating sustainable and livable urban environments.

90%

Asphalt pavements do not reflect the sunlight and hence heat up faster than a light surface that would reflect the sunlight.

Traditional asphalt absorbs up to 90% of the sun’s radition and contributes to warming up the surrounding air not only during the day, but also at night.

4,1kg

Asphalt creates 4,1 kilograms of CO2 per m2 of average asphalt pavement. Carbon emissions associated with asphalt primarily arise from the production of asphalt binders, which involves refining crude oil, releasing CO2 and other greenhouse gases, as well as from the transportation of raw materials and finished products

1g VOCs

It has been estimated that asphalt paving operations can release anywhere from 0.1 to 1.0 grams of VOCs per square meter of asphalt laid. Asphalt releases double the amount of toxic pollutants when its surface temperature increases from 40°C to 60°C.

SWITH TO BETTER

SUBSTITUTES 1

2

3

Permeable Pavers

Gravel or Crushed Stone

Grass Pavers

4

5

6

Recycled Materials (like rubber or plastic)

7

Wooden Decking

Porous Asphalt or Concrete

8

Living Streets (integrated vegetation)

Cobblestones

9

Natural path

SHIFTING FROM ASPHALT

Transitioning to sustainable surface materials brings several environmental benefits, including a significant reduction in stormwater runoff, achieved through materials that allow rainwater to infiltrate the ground (1-6), curbing flooding, soil erosion, and water pollution. These materials also help mitigate the heat island effect, lowering ambient temperatures. Moreover, the inclusion of vegetation (3, 8) in sustainable surfaces creates green pockets in urban areas, promoting biodiversit, and improving ecological health. Additionally, the use of recycled or reclaimed resources (4) in these materials reduces the environmental footprint associated with construction.

In terms of social benefits, substitute materials promote the health and wellbeing of pedestrians and cyclists through comfortable and joint-friendly surfaces, encouraging active and healthier lifestyles. Additionally, these materials enhance the aesthetics of streets and courtyards, offering opportunities for green landscaping, which make urban areas more attractive and inviting and improving residents’ quality of life. Community engagement is also a valuable outcome, as projects involving local communities in planting and maintaining vegetation in sustainable surfaces create a sense of ownership and responsibility, bolstering social cohesion and neighborhood pride.

The shift to sustainable surface materials offers also economic advantages, including significant reductions in maintenance costs due to the longer lifespan and lower upkeep requirements compared to traditional asphalt. This results in cost savings over time, with fewer repairs and replacements, benefitting municipalities and property owners by reducing expenditures. Furthermore, the changes can increase property values in surrounding areas.

If the asphalt has already been installed, it’s not sustainable to remove it just for the sake of replacing it. But when the asphalt is coming to the end of its lifecycle and needs maintenaince work regardless, it can be removed and replaced with something better.

Asphalt can be easily removed with a small excavator or backhoe. The asphalt is broken into manageable pieces, which can be shoveled to, for example, a rented dump truck or a container. These pieces can then be disposed in a suitable fashion.

Asphalt is in theory 100% recyclable. However, it can be only made into new asphalt.

Once the asphalt is removed, you can clean the area and consider what you want to do next, like planting grass, creating a garden, or installing another surface material.

For semi-busy main roads: Warm mixture asphalt (WMA) offers durability, but is also cost effective

EXISTING SURFACE Asphaltic Surface Asphalt Binder Granular Base

Large parking area on flat ground: Gravel or crushed stone is an easy way to cover large areas and allow water absobtion

Granular Subbase

Subgrade

For maintenance roads within a plot: Permable pavings or grass pavers endures occasional vehicle traffic but also visually separates the maintenance roads from public streets

REPLACED SURFACE

In yard paths: These paths are mainly for food traffic and bicycles, making decks, gobblestones and natural paths a great replacement for asphalt.

Pavers Course Bedding Open Graded Base Stone Subbase

Subgrade

FACADE MATERIALS

CONCRETE

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

KEY FACTS

INTRODUCTION

Concrete is considered a suboptimal choice for facade material compared to alternative products for several reasons:

8%

Firstly, concrete is prohibitively expensive to apply and maintain, requiring substantial costs for base materials, specialized equipment, and ongoing maintenance to address issues like potholes and deformities. In contrast, alternative products offer a lower initial cost, quicker application, and minimal maintenance needs, resulting in significantly lower long-term expenses.

Additionally, concrete’s high compression strength is counteracted by its weak tensile strength, making it susceptible to chipping and cracking. Alternatives with higher tensile and compressive strengths prove more durable and resistant to damage, especially during temperature fluctuations. Another drawback of concrete is its lack of porosity, leading to the formation of potholes as trapped water freezes and causes damage. Alternatives with increased porosity provide customization options and are suitable for various applications, including colored roads and driveways.

Lastly, concrete’s aesthetics deteriorate rapidly over time, with color fading and surface imperfections. Alternative surfaces maintain their appearance for an extended period, resisting color fading and deformities, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing and durable option.

The cement industry is one of the two largest producers of carbon dioxideemissions, creating up to 8% of worldwide man-made emissions of CO2,. Out of these emissions 50% is from the chemical process and 40% from burning fuel.

410 kg/m3

The production of conrete is estimated to produce 410kg of CO2 per every cubic meter of structural concrete, which is produced with 14% cement. The emissions can be reduced by changing the components and reducing the amount of cement in the mixture, but even the productions creates over 200kg/m3 per cubic meter.

4bn tonnes

Each year, more than 4 billion tonnes of cement are produced and cement is expected to play a vital role in the expansion of the built environment, especially in emerging economies. On a ‘business as usual’ trajectory, global cement production is set to increase to over 5 billion tonnes a year over the next 30 years.

BETTER OPTIONS

SUBSTITUTES 1

2

3

NO MORE CONCRETE

The refurbishment of the external walls of any building is one of the most efficient ways of improving the environmental impacts of the building stock.

1) Because of the age of the building stock, building owners and the whole building sector face the challenge of extensive refurbishments. The renovation and refurbishment of the building facades and external walls are among the most urgent tasks to be undertaken.

Timber, wood

Reclaimed wood

Treated bamboo

4

5

6

Cork

7

Straw Bales

8

Rammed Earth

9

2) External walls have an essential effect on building performance and several aspects have to be taken into account when developing new concepts for refurbishment. An optimal approach should consider the following aspects: a) effect on energy consumption, b) building physical behavior and durability, c) good integration with the building structure, details, and building services, d) effect on the indoor environment and comfort, e) aesthetics.

The process of removing and replacing non-load-bearing facade wall panels begins with an assessment of the existing facade and detailed planning, taking into account materials and necessary modifications. Safety precautions, such as the implementation of scaffolding and barriers, are crucial to protect workers and the surroundings during the construction process.

Subsequently, the underlying surface is inspected and prepared. The installation of the new non-load-bearing wall panels is then carried out, involving the secure attachment of panels to the existing framework. Sealing and finishing steps include applying protective sealants or coatings and completing the facade in accordance with the architectural design.

Quality control measures, such as inspections, are conducted to ensure the construction meets standards and to address any issues that may arise during the process. Detailed documentation is maintained throughout the construction. Following the installation, a thorough clean-up is performed, removing debris and restoring the surrounding area to its original condition.

The final steps involve scheduling a comprehensive inspection for compliance with building codes and regulations and obtaining necessary approvals. It is essential to engage with professionals throughout the process to ensure safety and adherence to local regulations.

Recycled brick

Recycled plastic

Hempcrete (& other experimental materials)

Full facade renovation is usually required when the building is around 30-40 years old

The renovation is often done facade element piece by piece, starting from top floors towards the bottom

EXPERIMENTING IN SMALL SCALE

Renovating and replacing entire apartment complexs’ facade is an intense prodect that takes time and can be costly. If this is out of reach for your building for now, there are ways to utilise the information in smaller scale and experiment with other facade materials. Ofthen these housing blocks have various supporting structures on the courtyard suchs as garbage shed, bike sheds or carports. These are great structures to think of more sustainable materials than concrete and due to their smaller size and usage, the regulations also allow more exploration.

Example of a simple construction carport or vehicle shed, with wooden supporting frame and green roof.

Example of a DIY (do it yourself) garbage shed made out of recycled and reclaimed timber, such as transportation pallets.

Changing of facade aterials is an invasive renovations and should be scheduled to similar time with other major renovations that require temporary relocation of residents

Example of a green house, made out of timber frame and suspended plastic bottles. Similar structures have been used in bike sheds as well Many of Hervanta’s apartent blocks are contracted the way that only the interior structures are loadbearing

RESPONSIBLE ENVIRONMENT

LIGHT POLLUTION

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

KEY FACTS

INTRODUCTION

We have a lot of light pollution in our cities. If you look at the direction of a city from somewhere further and darker, like a rural area, you can see that there is a glow over the cities. Even tough lights can be pretty and useful, especially in Finland where it’s dark most of the time, they can also be harmful to animals and waste a lot of energy.

Light pollution can disturb the circadian rhythms of most animals. Migrating birds can get distracted by light, since they can’t detect artificial light from daylight. This can cause many problems, including injuries and death of birds. Since the animals don’t know the difference between natural daylight and artificial light, it effects their sleep and biological clock.

Even us humans need to shut the lights when going to sleep, so it’s easy to understand that constant light would cause problems.

Animals are not the only ones affected. studies have shown that exposure to artificial light at night negatively affects human health. The risk for sleep disorder, depression, obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. This is mostly due to the affect light has on our biological clock and how that affects our body. In addition to the health risks, light shining to our homes from the street can be annoying. We need to cover our windows with thick curtain, even though it is nighttime.

From forest to big city.

60-70%

21M tons CO2

Installing quality outdoor lighting could cut energy use by 60 to 70 percent, save billions of euros, and cut carbon emissions.

In an average year in the U.S., outdoor lighting uses 120 terawatt-hours of energy, mostly to illuminate streets and parking lots. That equals up to 21 million tons of CO2 per year.

Every year millions of birds die colliding with needlessly illuminated buildings and towers.

Migratory birds depend on cues from properly timed seasonal schedules. Artificial lights can cause them to migrate too early or too late and miss ideal climate conditions for nesting, foraging, and other behaviors.

RESPONSIBLE OUTDOOR LIGHTING

HOW TO DO IT?

SHIFTING TO BETTER LIGHTING

There are a few points to keep in mind when installing proper outdoor lights:

1

2

Firstly, planning the placing; does it serve a purpose? We don’t need to see everything at night. It’s good to illuminate places that people need direction, like paths to places and doorways.

3

Second is to direct the light only downwards, there is no need to illuminate the sky or use spot lightning on trees or buildings. This way the animals have some dark spaces to hide and live in, since the lights is not illuminating the sky and surrounding areas.

Clear and Necessary Purpose.

Only use outdoor lightin places that it’s needed.

Direct the light down.

Target your fixtures so that light does not spill beyond where it is needed

4

Low level of light.

Use the lowest lighting level needed to perform the intended task.

5

The third thing to keep in mind is the brightness of lights. Even on paths we don’t need to see every single detail on the ground; well-placed dim lights can direct us to the right place even when we don’t see the whole road. Bright lights can also cause glares that make it harder to see.

Next up is considering when the light is used. Lights don’t need to be on all the time.

It’s easy to set up timers or motion detectors to make sure the light is on only when someone is using it. That way we can save energy and not disturb other humans and non-humans too much.

The last thing is the color of the light. We usually need “colder” lights only in places that we need to see especially well, like in laboratories or when picking your face in the bathroom. Even at home most people prefer warm dimmed light rather than harsh bright ones, so why would we need cold blue lights outdoors? So pick a low kelvin (3000 or less) lights for your outdoor lamps.

Time of use.

Outdoor lights that are necessary should be connected to a timer or motion sensor.

Warm or cold?

Low Kelvin ratings (3000 Kelvin or less) are considered warm and generally emit less harmful blue light.

More than 70% of Finns do not see the Milky Way in their place of residence because it is covered by artificial light. (https://syrjavaara.fi/en/mission/)

SUBTITLE / TOPIC GROUP

GREEN ROOFS & WALLS

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

KEY FACTS

INTRODUCTION Plants and green areas have many benefits to the environment, but also humans and non-humans. Many people enjoy tending to plants outside and indoors and they are visually pleasing to us. But they are much more than just decoration.

They can reduce flooding by absorbing rainfall, improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen, help fight against urban heat island effect, support biodiversity, reduce noise pollution, engage the community and many more.

With so many benefits you would think that we would want to fill every corner of our cities with plants, but unfortunately that is not the case. We fill our green spaces with buildings and just leave a little yard area or the occasional park wherever we have leftover space. If we must build more buildings, or they already exist we could incorporate the green spaces to be a part of the buildings.

65%

Green roofs can reduce the stormwater runoff rate from a roof by up to 65%

CO

About 25% of the carbon emissions produced by human activity are absorbed by plants.

2

Grey facades and dark colored empty roofs can be dull and not very inviting. Small bird might try to nest in the air ventilation outlets, since that’s the only place to find some warmth and shelter. Humans in the apartments need to buy extra ventilators to cool down their apartments in the summer, since the building gets so hot. For many the grey urban environment we often live in can be unpleasant and boring. Plants can bring so much joy to the visual aspect of the buildings and help with all the other things mentioned earlier.

A good way to do this is using the surfaces that don’t yet have any use, like roofs and facades. We have many options to keep the views even with greenery on the facade, like planting to windowless sides of the building or keeping the front of the windows clear. Roofs are virtually unused spaces in Hervanta, so a green roof wouldn’t disturb anyone. In addition, they are mostly colored dark, which can store up a lot of heat in the summer. Green roofs can help with cooling the building and works as a sort of insulation for regulating the buildings temperature.

+10 °C

Heat island effect can make cities more than 10 °C hotter compared to rural areas. Plant coverage can help with this, since it doesn’t absorb heat the same way that buildings and asphalt does.

WHAT AND HOW?

OPTIONS

SHIFTING TO GREENER YARDS

1

Green walls can be constructed in two ways: directly on the wall or on a separate structure, such as a metal mesh. It’s usually better to build off the wall to prevent root damage to the facade. The appearance of the facade can be altered or improved with different compositions. The mesh is lightweight and can be positioned in front of windows or other areas where coverage is not desired.

1. off the building

Creating green roofs is not overly complicated. They can be implemented on small structures, like a garbage can shelter, or larger areas, such as an entire roof. The cross-section on the left illustrates a green roof on a flat-roofed building. It includes the plant layer with substrate, a filter, and drainage for potential water overflow, insulation, additional protective layers, and sloped concrete on top to guide water to the drainage system. The key is to shield the roof from water damage and plant roots. Structures are simpler on cold and straightforward buildings, requiring fewer protective and insulating layers.

2. on the building

2 1. meadow/plants 2. substrate 3. filter fabric 4. drainage 5. insulation 6. drainage rug 7. root felt 8. water insulation 9. inclined concrete 10. original roof

3

Indoor plants during the summer

Herbs and other edible plants

Vines

Flowes

Plants on balconies may not significantly impact the heat island effect, but they can benefit animals and pollinators. Growing your own food or herbs at home is always a delightful option.When selecting plants, consider the local climate. Factors like sunlight, rainfall, and temperature variations throughout the seasons play a crucial role. Vines should be chosen carefully to avoid damage to the facade. Some vines use hooks that can harm the wall. Green roofs typically feature low-maintenance plants like meadow plants and especially sedum.

GREENERY

LAWNS

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

KEY FACTS

INTRODUCTION Interacting with diverse range of plants has been associated with improved mood and increased feelings of happiness. The visual appeal and colors of different plants can positively impact mental well-being.

When examining yards in Hervanta or elsewhere, the prevalent sight of expanses covered in meticulously maintained grass reveals a less eco-friendly reality. Despite its visual allure, lawns contributes significantly to global warming due to the environmental demands of maintenance practices such as mowing, watering, and fertilizing.

Historically, the pursuit of a pristine green lawn has been a status symbol, symbolizing resources in both time and finances for upkeep. Even in urban settings without private yards, like shared spaces like condominiums, demand ongoing, costly maintenance efforts outsourced to professional companies, involving tasks from frequent mowing to weed control.

Adding an environmental dimension, lawns contribute substantially to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Running a traditional lawnmower for an hour generates eleven times more emissions than the average new car during the same time period. Chemicals used on lawns can leach into groundwater, and their production escalates CO2 emissions. In regions with water scarcity, lawn irrigation intensifies the carbon footprint.

Moreover, lawns, often featuring a one-plant monoculture, limit living space and sustenance for other plants and animals, negatively impacting the local ecosystem. The grass used is usually non-native, occupying space that could support native plants.

In reconsidering landscaping choices, alternatives to traditional lawns not only offer aesthetic appeal but are vital for mitigating ecological footprints. Transitioning to a diverse and environmentally conscious approach ensures visually pleasing landscapes while sustaining local ecosystems and contributing to global environmental well-being.

20kg

3861 L

Maintaining an average 100m2 lawn will be responsible for approximately 20kg of CO2 emissions anually.1 1. According to a study by University of Berkley. The data for this study was conducted in the United States and may be different by country.

Using an avarage irrigation system for one hour consumes up to 3861 liters of water.

Avarage person in finland uses 110 liters of water per day.

So in an hour the avarage irrigation system sprays over 35 times the amount of water on person uses in a day.

BETTER OPTIONS

SUBSTITUTES

SHIFTING FROM LAWNS Embracing a paradigm shift in landscaping, the decision to transition away from conventional, monoculture lawns opens the door to a more ecologically conscious and visually dynamic outdoor space. Rather than undertaking the laborious task of removing existing grass entirely, strategic preservation of some areas as green pathways or open spaces offers both aesthetic appeal and practical utility for recreational activities.

Combination of different plants

1

2

3

moss

tufled hair-grass or other true grass.

flower meadow

4

5

6

moneywort or other ground cover plant

Berry bushes

communal garden

Central to this transformative approach is the cultivation of a diverse array of plant species, fostering a rich tapestry of life within the yard. This intentional move toward polyculture not only benefits the local ecosystem by providing varied habitats and resources for a myriad of living organisms but also elevates the overall aesthetic of the yard.

Sustainability takes center stage in the plant selection process, with careful consideration of the local climate dictating choices. Opting for perennial plants not only aligns with environmental responsibility but also minimizes the need for frequent replanting, contributing to a low-maintenance and resilient landscape.

Acknowledging the importance of local climate in the health of plants, a judicious understanding of each species’ preferences shapes the composition of the yard. For example berry bushes bask in ample sunlight, while moss finds its ideal haven in the cool, shaded spots beneath the trees.

The cultivated diversity engages the senses, inviting individuals to witness, smell, and experience the ever-changing landscape. This sensory engagement not only enhances the attractiveness of the yard but also fosters a deeper connection to nature. More than just a visual makeover, this approach to landscaping fosters a sense of community. Involving individuals in the care and cultivation of the yard transforms it into a shared space, strengthening community bonds and promoting a shared responsibility for the environment.

MATERIALS AND TOOLS 2 meters of rough timber (width 10 cm, thickness 2–3 cm)

Rough timber is a breathing and warm material. It is rough enough for nestlings and to climb on.

12–25 mm thick plywood 20 pieces of hot galvazing nails, 2–3 inch 1 meter of metal/hot galvazed/uv-protected wire Silicone to fix the cracks (the silicone from a tube is sustainable, cheap and safe for birds)

Plywood is water resilient so it is most suitable for roofs and floors but it is also possible to use regular board.

What are not suitable for birdbox are saturat- ed or painted boards.

HOW TO BUILD A

BIRDBOX?

As a response to birds housing crisis Our built environment has taken away space and destroyed the habitats of other living creatures which co-exist with us humans.

Birds are one of the species whose living conditions are affected negatively by our built environment. We’ve destroyed the natural habitats of most bird species. As trying to introduce natural habitats for birds, we introduce a bird box which will help the dvindling bird population.

This manual provides information and simple step by step instructions on how to build, place and maintain a bird box.

MEASUREMENTS The measurements are determined by the size of the bird species. It is crucial to build a suitable box since the size of an entrance determinates which species can live there safely.

Smaller birds might get attacked by bigger birds and beasts if they are able to enter the box.

SPECIE

A

B

C

D

Sinitiainen / Blue tit

10

25

2,8

7

2. Kirjosieppo, talitiainen, lapintiainen Pied Flycather, Great tit, Siberian tit

10-12

30

3,2

8

3. Leppälintu / Redstart

12-15

28

7

8

4. Kottarainen, käenpiika European starling, wryneck

12-15

28

7

8

5. Tervapääsky / swift

12-15

35

4,6

8

1.

For swift it is crucial that the inside of the front wall is rough so that the bird can climb its way out of the box. Put 5 cm of i.e. sadwust on the bottom of the box.

2.

5.

3.

1.

4.

STEP BY STEP

PLACING Where?

A: Length of inner floor piece (cm) B: Lenght of outer wall (cm) C: Diameter of a hole (cm) D: Lenght from the middle of the hole to the roof

D C

1. Saw rough timber into right measures for walls.

If there are no trees in your yard, the next best option is to place your box on the side of a shed or wall.

Shelter your box from the weather (prevailing wind, rain and strong sunlight).

Angle the box vertically or slightly downwards to prevent rain from entering the nest box.

Position approx. 3 metres above the ground (small-hole boxes are best placed 1-3m)

B

A clear flight path is important – no foliage in front of the entrance.

A

When?

2. With a drill or a saw make a hole for entering into the front wall piece.

It is never too early or late to put up a nest box.

A box put up at the end of the winter (February) stands a good chance of attracting nesting birds.

3. Drill two small holes into the upper corners of the backwall for hanging up the box.

4. Fasten the walls together with nails leaving the rough sides outwards.

How to attach the box?

5. With plywood or regular board, saw a roof. Leave at least 2 cm for eaves in the front and on both sides.

Thread the galvanized wire through two holes in the back wall and tie the small box to the trunk. For a bigger box it is important to also tie the wire around branches or the trunk.

6. Saw a floor piece from plywood or regular board that is suitable for the inner walls of the box. The floor piece is best to nail into the inner walls since it reduces the risk of water getting inside.

It is important to not keep the wire too tight as the tree is growing, otherwise the tree might get damaged.

How to take care?

Do NOT look into a nest box during nesting time (summer and spring).

When the breeding season is over, old nests can be removed and the box cleaned out.

7. For the inner roof saw a piece of plywood or regular board that fits inside of the box. Nail it into the outer roof piece.

8. Leave two nails a little bit out of both sides of the box and fasten the roof by twisting the metal wire around the nails and the roof. This way the birdbox can be opened for easy cleaning and maintanence.

The best time for cleaning is during the first autumn frost.

Use gloves for cleaning.

Check the condition of the box, especially the bottom and the roof. If the entrence hole have cracked you can fix it with silicone or another non-toxic binding agent.

Some hole-nesting species, including sparrows, may have second or third broods in the same nest. The nests of these species should be left until long into the autumn when it is certain that they are no longer in use.

HOW TO BUILD A

CONSTRUCTION DETAILS

RAINGARDEN?

DISCLAIMER: The construction details presented in this manual consider a northeren temperate climate.

Vegetation forms the visible and living element

Is there a place in the yard where water builds up?

Is it possible to keep the water retained there?

Is there any reason for using drinking water for watering plants, when it is possible to retain rainwater for the same reason?

Mulch Supports plant growing, accumulates pollutants and protects the surface from erosion.

Ponding depth Provides short term storage volume prior to infliltration.

Growing media Balances between vegetation growth and inflintration capacity.

Filtration layer Ensures hydraulic conductivity and filtration.

Transition layer Separates layers with different grain sizes.

Drainage layer Ensures a route for filtrated water or drainage to further sites.

Climate change is transforming local conditions so that annual precipitation has remained at the average level while heavy precipitation events have intensified.

The increase of impermeable surfaces and climate change mean that cities and its citizens must apply new approach to storm water managent.

With a simple alteration in the yard, users can retain rainwater for a better use.

Raingardens process a huge amount of stormwater by absorbing and cleaning it from possible pollutants, decreasing the risk of flooding and pollution of other waterelements. In addition raingardens are an optimal environment for other species to thrive in and they are also aesthatically pleasing to look at.

Bioretention is a stormwater managing solution that is sustainable and natural – benfitial for both humans and non-humans.

Zone 1 Plants that prefer drier conditions Zone 2 Plants that can tolerate occasional standing water Zone 3 Plants that can tolerate standing water

INSTRUCTIONS 1. CHOOSE THE BEST LOCATION It is best to build your raingarden in an area where rainwater will feed into it from downspouts or driveways.

Keep distance away from your home and downhill from any foundation.

Ensure there is a way to direct the rainwater runoff from the area to be treated; grade the landscape so the water flows into the rain garden.

Test soil’s percolation rate: Dig a hole 60 cm deep and pour 20-30 cm of water into it divide the amount of water by the time it disappears

< 0,5 the depth of raingarden is 10cm > 0,5 the depth of raindgarden is 30 cm

2. DESIGN THE SIZE AND SHAPE

Choose your shape. A circular shape or kidney shape are the most common.

Depths vary between 10 and 30 cm.

Snowstorage effects sizing.

3. DIG YOUR FOUNDATION

Dig the hole for your raingarden. Start digging out the area until you reach the proposed bottom depth. The sides of the hole should form a gentle slope towards the middle and create a berm around the perimeter. This way you will ensure the garden will hold water in when it rains.

4. ADD LAYERS

Mulch Use organic mulch rather than aggregates, thickness from 5-7,5 cm Growing media Engineered sandy soil, cold climate requires coarse media to prevent concrete frost.

Filtration media Consists of filter sand without fitnes or organic matter.

Transition layer Permeable geotextile.

5. CARRY WATER TO THE GARDEN

Build a gutter from tiles or use a surplus water channel that will carry water from gutter-downspouts to the raingarden. Another option is to get a concrete gutter that serves the purpose. Y.

6. SELECT PLANTS

Plants form the visible and living element. Choose plants that bare standing water and drought like a pond lilly.

7. MAINTANANCE

Remove litter and solids.

Check the permeability of filtration layer. Make sure gutters function.

Take care of vegetation.