Why Rockflow?

Urban climate adaptation

Municipalities are facing increasing challenges caused by climate change. More heavy rainfall, longer dry periods and heat waves present more challenges to the urban environment. Existing solutions often fail in the face of our changing climate. On top of this, European, national and regional regulations all set standards for dealing with rainwater. What’s more, society demands sustainable solutions, with a primary focus on pleasant living environments in urban areas.

Rockflow builds towards urban climate adaptation. To do this, we use ingenious fully circular solutions made of stone wool. Our underground system offers solutions for collection, storage and infiltration of rainwater in the same place it fell, leaving the space aboveground available to be used for urban infrastructure, etc. Rainwater is rapidly captured underground, preventing possible flooding. Depending on the situation, the water then infiltrates into the groundwater, can be used for urban greenspaces or diverted to the existing sewer system with a delay.

This is how Rockflow works

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Rockflow - Groessen - Stedelijke klimaatadaptatie

Ingenious solutions

Solving the challenges of climate change in an urban environment is a real art. There is an urgent need to tackle problem areas. Economic, technical and societal interests all affect the choice of solution. Rockflow has a solution to meet the needs of each of these diverse interests.

At first sight, Rockflow looks like a solid block of stone, yet a Rockflow element can absorb up to 95% of its own volume in water. This is extremely useful in urban spaces with little available room, allowing capture of large quantities of rainwater in a relatively small space. Installation is fast and easy. Its unique fibrous structure makes Rockflow exceptionally strong and able to maintain its shape in both wet and dry conditions. To cap it all, Rockflow solutions are 100% circular.

A naturally circular solution

Rockflow solutions are by nature circular solutions. ROCKWOOL produces Rockflow from locally sourced stone combined with waste flows from the construction industry. This makes Rockflow a naturally occurring material. The material’s unique properties make it appropriate for capture, retention and infiltration of rainwater. At the end of its useful life - generally speaking, it lasts decades - Rockflow elements are easy to remove. ROCKWOOL uses the elements as a raw material for new stone wool products. Currently Rockflow elements are already composed of a high percentage of recycled material.

More information about the circularity of Rockflow

Header video - Stedelijke klimaatadaptatie - Rockflow

Why Rockflow?

Climate issues

Climate change has an effect on the liveability of a city. Climate change in an urban environment is clearly noticeable through too much water, too little water and heat stress.

rockflow urban climate adaptation city drone rain overview high level aerial view

Why Rockflow?

Urban challenges

More intense precipitation and longer periods of drought present cities with new challenges to keep a city livable.

Rockflow in practice

Rockflow solutions have already been used for several years for climate adaptation purposes. Depending on the situation, Rockflow has a range of solutions, focussing on rainwater capture, retention and infiltration.