Giving new life to old harbour sites.
In Neumühlen, just such a derelict harbour site has been given a new use in the form of a flood protection polder. Here, five attractive residential and office buildings have now been ranged along the River Elbe like a pearl necklace.
With an existing terrain height of only 4.50 m above standard zero level ("Normal-Null" or NN), this utilisation was only possible with appropriate flood protection measures.
For this purpose, the concept of a "dyke-like flood protection wall" was developed. On account of the stability of the jointless reinforced concrete plinth, used as a garage, the known criteria for a flood-proof mound structure could be applied for the determination of the required heights of the flood-protection structure. Leading down from the upper edge of the polder on its river side to the height of the determined maximum calm water level is a wave-calming, erosion-proof slope and a broad stairway. As specified, these measures now give protection against floods of up to 7.60 m above standard zero.
The polder is a water engineering construction performing a protective function, but its structure has been optimised in such a way that it also functions as the load-bearing plinth for the five buildings arranged along it.
Generous stairways invite pedestrians to take a stroll beside the Elbe.
© Skyphoto / BIN (3), BIN, BIN