450 Warren Condominiums – Brooklyn, NY
A Smart Water Reuse System Helps Gardens Grow in Brooklyn
Key Takeaways
Smart Water Reuse
Mitigating Stormwater Flooding
Water Conservation
Enhanced Urban Living
Sustainable Urban Model
The problem
Modern cities, including Brooklyn, face the dual challenges of severe rainstorms and drought caused by climate change. As of May 2023, a significant portion of the continental United States is experiencing moderate to extreme drought, while frequent and severe flood events are impacting cities along the Northeast, Gulf Coast, and West Coast. The Brooklyn-based First Street Foundation reported that the frequency of severe flood events has increased, leading to devastating consequences for urban areas. The 450 Warren condominium building in Brooklyn recognized the need to address these issues and sought a solution to manage excess water during rainstorms and cope with water scarcity during droughts.
The solution
The 450 Warren development turned to Wavin's Polder Roof system to create a smart water reuse system that could effectively manage stormwater and promote water conservation. The Polder Roof captures and holds rainwater, creating a green space of native plants in the courtyard and terraces. This green space is irrigated by the captured rainwater, reducing the building's energy consumption by providing shade, thermal mass, and insulation.
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The innovative Polder Roof system enhances the traditional green roof concept, mitigates stormwater flooding, and significantly contributes to improving the quality of life in urban environments.
The impact
The implementation of the Polder Roof system at 450 Warren has had several positive impacts. Firstly, it effectively mitigates stormwater flooding by stopping rainwater from immediately running off the roof into the drains. Instead, the system captures and holds the water during a rainstorm, providing a buffer for the sewage system and reducing the strain on the city's drainage infrastructure. Secondly, the system's rainwater reuse capability contributes to water conservation by reducing the building's reliance on the city's drinking water supply for irrigation purposes. This not only benefits the building's green spaces but also helps alleviate the stress on the city's water resources during periods of drought.
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Beyond its practical benefits, the Polder Roof system also enhances the building's appeal to residents. The lush green courtyard and terraces provide much-needed green spaces in the dense urban environment, promoting socialization and improving the overall quality of life for residents. The system's ease of installation and maintenance-free operation further adds to its appeal for developers and building occupants alike.
“We've set out to change that paradigm with Wavin’s water reuse system to create more storage capacity and smart controls.”
Friso Klapwijk, Global Key Client Director for Urban Climate Resilience at Wavin
Looking ahead, the successful implementation of the Polder Roof system at 450 Warren sets a positive example for sustainable urban development in Brooklyn and beyond. By adopting innovative water reuse solutions like the Polder Roof, cities can better adapt to the challenges posed by climate change and create more capacity to cope with extreme weather events, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and climate-resilient future.
For more information on the PolderRoof,
contact Kraig Smith | Kraig.smith@wavin.com
