Parque del Buen Retiro
PROJECTS
Madrid | Spain
The Buen Retiro Park, a green oasisin the heart of Madrid, boasts a rich history, including the former Buen Retiro Palace of Philip IV. In 2021, the park, along with the Paseo del Prado boulevard, became part of the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Renovation of the main entrance route
During the renovation of Paseo de México, the park's primary entrance, the TreeParker® system was implemented to blend historical ambiance with modern technology. In July 2019, the city council commissioned improvements to the bustling route between Puerta de Alcalá and the Galápagos pond. To avoid soil compaction and establish continuous draining pavement for rain infiltration, a technical floor was chosen.
Unexpected excavations during work
Unexpectedly, 17th-century archaeological remains known as Río Chico, a crucial supply route built between 1634 and 1636, were uncovered during the renovation. As a result, landscape architects opted for the flexible and adaptable TreeParker® system, which is also ideal for permeable pavement, enabling rainwater to reach tree roots through the pavement.
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Adjustable height of TreeParker®
Initially, the rootable space height was set at 100 cm, but some locations proved unfeasible. City archaeologists decided to preserve the 17th-century road without causing further damage. The TreeParker® system's height was adjusted in collaboration with the City of Madrid, landscape architects, and TreeBuilders, ensuring a seamless installation between the two roads. On-site drawings were modified, and work resumed immediately.
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Historic park with vital trees
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By winter 2020, trees in Parque del Buen Retiro were planted with over 40 m³ of available soil per tree. In 2022, the park flourished with large, healthy trees. The TreeParker® system helped maintain the park's historical value while providing a sustainable environment for trees to thrive, showcasing a successful integration of green, gray, and blue elements.
