A floating ecosystem that provides habitats conducive to terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity in urban areas.
Bruxelles, Belgium
Rights reserved: Ecocean
Floating ecosystems provide habitats and refuge areas for aquatic species such as fish and invertebrates, as well as for numerous species of waterbirds that come to nest and for insects. In this way, they help to enhance biodiversity in watercourses and artificial water bodies.
Our rafts improve the quality of life in towns and cities, provide ecological connectivity (green and blue corridors), add a landscaped and green element to built-up areas, and help regulate microclimates. These floating ecosystems provide a valuable link between urban areas and the water bodies that run through them.
With a density of approximately 15 helophytic plants per m², the vegetated rafts function as a floating filter. The plants sink their roots into the water, and in combination with bacteria, they capture nutrients and pollutants dissolved in the water; this is known as phytoremediation. Depending on the water body and the plant species used, the rafts can absorb between 75 and 200g of dissolved nitrogen per m² per year, and between 2 and 6g of dissolved phosphorus per m² per year.
Our installations bring about lasting change to urban environments. Within the first few months, vegetation begins to grow and the results become visible: restored biodiversity and successful integration into the landscape.
The vegetated rafts we are installing, designed by Biomatrix, represent a robust technical solution. The materials (HDPE derived from recycled drinking water pipes, stainless steel and coconut fibre) ensure a long service life and excellent durability. They have a buoyancy of 45 to 100 kg/m² depending on the type of module, a tensile strength of over 2.5 tonnes, and can withstand currents of 2 m/s and waves of 50 cm.
Each raft is composed of rectangular, triangular, and trapezoidal modules, each 2 or 3 meters long. This flexible design allows for the creation of custom structures and enables the modules to precisely follow the contours of docks or canals, restoring their natural appearance.Similarly, there are two types of modules: one with a coconut fiber substrate and another with a mineral substrate that replicates a more natural appearance. Both types of modules are available in various buoyancy levels to adapt to all conditions.
The anchoring system is designed to accommodate changes in water level as needed and can be installed at the bottom of the water body or along docks and banks.
The vegetated rafts are compatible with Biohut nurseries, which enhance the complexity of this floating ecosystem.
Each project is elaborated with local partners to address the specific technical and ecological conditions of the site, while ensuring maximum involvement of local stakeholders (nonprofit organizations, scientists, and educational institutions).
Ecocean is capable of managing the entire project: design, supply of all equipment, installation, maintenance, and environmental monitoring.
Pantin, France
Bruxelles, France
Copenhagen, Denmark
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By integrating ecology and engineering we deliver solutions which build on the power of nature. We create habitats & improve biodiversity, designing beautiful living waterscapes and natural water quality and wastewater treatment solutions which bring water to life.
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