Botanica in Prague

installation of 2 greywater-recycling-systems 4000 l per day (GWI 4.2-4.000) and 6000 l per day (GWI 6.2-6.000)

The Botanica K project in Prague’s Jinonice district (developed by Skanska Residential) is considered a milestone in sustainable housing in the Czech Republic. It was the country’s first residential project to implement a large-scale greywater recycling system.

The project was so successful that Skanska further refined the system for its subsequent Prague developments, such as Čertův vršek and MOCU – MODŘANY Sugar Factory.

Water management in the residential project Botanica

Botanica K marks a turning point in the Czech construction industry. Here, Skanska proved that greywater recycling is highly sensible—both economically and ecologically—even for large-scale residential complexes.

1. The First Greywater Recycling System in the Czech Republic

Botanica served as the pilot project for greywater usage in the Czech residential sector. Its successful implementation set the benchmark for all subsequent Skanska projects in Central Europe.

• Collection: Water from showers, bathtubs, and washbasins is collected via a separate piping system.
• Treatment: The building’s basement houses a treatment plant utilizing a Membrane Bioreactor (MBR). This technology uses ultra-fine membranes to physically strain out particles and bacteria, guaranteeing exceptionally high water quality.
• Reuse: The treated water is pumped back into the apartments to be used for toilet flushing.

2. Impressive Savings

Operational data from Botanica demonstrates the system’s efficiency:

• Potable Water Savings: Residents save up to 25–30% of their daily drinking water consumption.
• Volume: In a facility of this size, thousands of cubic meters of water are kept in circulation annually instead of being discharged directly into the sewage system.

3. Rainwater Harvesting

In addition to greywater, Botanica consistently utilizes rainwater:

• Cisterns: Large underground storage tanks capture runoff from the roofs.
• Landscaping: The district’s extensive green spaces (hence the name “Botanica”) are irrigated almost exclusively with rainwater.
• Microclimate: Targeted onsite irrigation and infiltration help reduce urban heat effects within the neighborhood during the summer.

4. Acceptance and Costs

A crucial aspect of the Botanica project was tenant education.

• Transparency: Residents were informed about how the system works to eliminate any reservations regarding “recycled water.”
• Operating Costs: The initial investment costs are amortized over the years through significantly lower water and sewage fees for the homeowners’ association.

Conclusion for the Prague Location

In a city like Prague, which increasingly faces dry summers and falling groundwater levels, Botanica is a vital reference project. It proves that modern living comfort and strict resource conservation can harmonize perfectly.

Botanica K paved the way for Czech legislation and construction practices to recognize greywater systems as a standard solution in urban planning.

Realisation: 2016/2017

Partner: Koncept Ekotech

Investor: Skanska

LINK

Technical features:

• gray water recycling plant GWI 6.2-6.000 (Bontanica 1)
• gray water recycling plant GWI 4.2-4.000 (Bontanica 2)