Čertův vršek (devils hill) in Prague

installation of a 6000 l per day greywater-recycling-system (GWI 6.2-6.000)

The Čertův vršek project in Prague (also by Skanska Residential) represents the technological evolution of the Botanica project. While Botanica laid the foundation, the ‘Smart Blue Living’ concept was further refined in Čertův vršek to achieve even higher efficiency levels.

A key feature of Čertův vršek is its hillside location, which placed high demands on rainwater infiltration management—a challenge that was perfectly addressed through a combination of cisterns and recycling systems.

Water Management and Innovation at Čertův vršek

Čertův vršek is an exclusive residential complex in Prague’s Libeň district. Developed with a focus on maximum ecological self-sufficiency and state-of-the-art design, the project has been awarded the prestigious BREEAM certification, among other accolades.

1. Greywater Recycling

Čertův vršek utilizes an even more compact and efficient version of greywater technology:

• Source Separation: Wastewater from showers and sinks is separated from toilet waste through a dedicated secondary piping system.
• Treatment: The core of the system is a basement plant that combines biological treatment with ultra-fine membrane filtration. This technology ensures the water is hygienically safe and crystal clear.
• Reuse: The recycled water is pumped back into the apartments for use in toilet flushing.

2. Heat Recovery

A technological leap compared to earlier projects is the integration of water and energy:

• Heat Exchangers: Thermal energy is extracted from the warm shower water before the purification process begins.
• Impact: This energy is used to preheat incoming fresh water, significantly reducing the energy demand for hot water preparation throughout the building.

3. Rainwater Harvesting

As is standard for Skanska, the greywater system is supplemented by an advanced rainwater management system:

• Storage: Precipitation is collected in large underground retention tanks.
• Landscaping: The water is used for the automated irrigation of private gardens and communal areas. This prevents soil dehydration on the slope (the name “Čertův vršek” translates to “Devil’s Hill”).

4. Benefits for Residents

The system at Čertův vršek is designed to enhance comfort while simultaneously reducing costs:

• Water Savings: Reduction in potable water consumption by approximately 32%.
• Independence: The building is less vulnerable to rising water prices or summer restrictions on water usage in Prague.
• Value Retention: Properties with such high ecological standards achieve significantly higher resale values in the Prague market.

Conclusion

Čertův vršek demonstrates the perfection of the greywater concept within the premium segment. It is not just a residential building, but a closed-loop resource cycle that proves modern architecture can actively contribute to environmental protection.

Today, this project serves as a benchmark for the entire Czech construction industry in the field of urban water efficiency.

Realisation: 09/2022

Partner: Koncept Ekotech

Investor: Skanska

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