Landscaping and green space development at Hornbach Colentina

5 min read

The landscaping project for the new Hornbach store in Bucharest represents a benchmark for sustainability in modern commercial construction, demonstrating on a large scale that retail infrastructure can coexist harmoniously with nature.

With a total intervention area of approximately 14,000 m², the project was designed to go beyond conventional aesthetic standards, placing particular emphasis on ecological functionality and long-term efficiency.

The work is currently nearing completion, with all environmental requirements imposed on new urban construction being strictly observed. A central element of the concept is the integration of a 3,600 m² parking area constructed with ecological grid paving. This solution allows rainwater to drain naturally directly into the soil and has been seeded with a special mix of drought-tolerant plants, capable of withstanding thermal stress and vehicle traffic without compromising the green appearance. The remaining horizontal area is defined by a dense plant cover consisting of 9,600 ground-cover plants, which help limit erosion and retain moisture in the substrate.

Vertically, biodiversity is supported by the planting of 150 plane trees of various sizes, selected for their high capacity to filter dust and provide shade, thereby contributing to the reduction of the urban heat island effect. These are complemented by 2,000 shrubs and young plants, which add further volume to the green space. To define the perimeter and create a natural barrier against noise and pollution, 580 linear metres of hedging were installed, providing a cohesive and well-maintained appearance throughout the site.

Special attention was given to the area designated as UTR v4 under the urban planning regulations, covering 4,700 m². Within this area, we implemented an innovative water management solution: a 1,200 m² rain garden. It also functions as a natural reservoir for collecting and infiltrating rainwater, supporting the local ecosystem even under challenging climatic conditions. In addition, a Miyawaki-style urban forest was established. This ultra-dense urban afforestation method promotes rapid vegetation growth and, over time, creates a patch of natural forest.

To ensure the long-term viability of all these plants, we also designed and installed a complex, fully automated irrigation system adapted to the specific needs of each area. It covers a total area of 9,200 m², divided into 3,900 m² served by sprinklers (for lawn and ecological grid areas) and 5,300 m² served by drip irrigation (for ground covers, trees, shrubs and hedges). The technology includes rain and water-flow sensors that continuously monitor water requirements and automatically stop irrigation in the event of rainfall or system failures, eliminating unnecessary resource waste.