Introduction: A Water-Smart Timber Research Center
The NEST Timber Research Center in Sant Adrià del Besòs, Barcelona, is redefining sustainable water management in urban developments. Designed as an innovative hub for timber research and ecological design, N.E.S.T is focused on material exploration and creating a circular water system that maximizes efficiency, reduces waste, and integrates natural treatment solutions.
Water is a critical resource, and in a climate-sensitive region like Barcelona, rethinking its use is essential. By combining rainwater harvesting, water recycling, and constructed wetlands, NEST serves as a blueprint for water-conscious urban infrastructure.
Optimizing Water Consumption: From Demand to Efficiency
The estimated yearly water demand for the N.E.S.T building is 7,489,785 liters. Through a mix of technological interventions and behavioral strategies, the project has successfully reduced its projected consumption from an initial estimate of 8.75 million liters.
Key Water-Saving Strategies
NEST integrates a variety of approaches to reduce water consumption, including:
Low-flow fixtures in all residential and research spaces (reducing water waste in faucets, showers, and toilets).
Efficient irrigation systems using treated and recycled water for landscaping.
Soil moisture sensors to prevent overwatering and optimize irrigation cycles.
Water-efficient laboratory equipment in the research facility.
User awareness campaigns promoting responsible water usage, including signage encouraging shorter shower times.
Through these combined measures, N.E.S.T significantly reduces both potable water dependence and wastewater output, creating a more sustainable water cycle.
A Three-Tier Water Supply Strategy
To further minimize reliance on municipal water sources, N.E.S.T utilizes a three-grade water system, each suited for specific uses:
Grade 1 – City-Supplied Potable Water (25.52%)
- High-quality drinking water sourced from Barcelona’s municipal system.
- Reserved for residential needs, drinking, cooking, and laboratory research where pure water is required.
Grade 2 – Rainwater Harvesting (22.93%)
- Collected from rooftops and permeable surfaces, then filtered and stored.
- Used for washing, slop sinks in fabrication labs, and non-potable needs.
- Annually, the system captures 1,732,074 liters of rainwater, reducing dependence on city supply.
Grade 3 – Recycled Wastewater (51.55%)
- Wastewater from sinks, showers, and other non-contaminated sources is treated and reused.
- Covers irrigation, toilet flushing, and cleaning processes.
- On-site constructed wetlands serve as a natural filtration system, reducing chemical treatments.
With 65% of wastewater being recycled, this system dramatically improves efficiency while keeping water in circulation.
Rainwater Harvesting: A Climate-Responsive Solution
Barcelona experiences irregular rainfall patterns, making it crucial to store and optimize water use. The NEST rainwater harvesting system captures rain through multiple strategies:
✔️ Green roofs: Absorb and filter rainwater, reducing stormwater runoff.
✔️ Bioswales & permeable surfaces: Slow down and direct rainwater into planted areas, preventing erosion.
✔️ Underground cisterns: Store collected water for use during dry months.
This approach not only provides an alternative water source but also helps mitigate urban flooding, a growing challenge due to climate change.
Monthly rainfall quantities are multiplied with the collection area, then with a coefficient of absorption depending on the surface type to get an accurate estimate.
Constructed Wetlands: A Natural Water Recycling System
Rather than relying on energy-intensive wastewater treatment plants, N.E.S.T employs on-site constructed wetlands to naturally clean and recycle water.
How It Works
Plants and soil microorganisms break down pollutants, removing organic matter and excess nutrients.
The treated water is then filtered further and stored for reuse.
The system supports local biodiversity, turning wastewater treatment into an ecological asset.
By adopting this nature-based solution, N.E.S.T aligns with the circular economy model, proving that waste can be repurposed into a valuable resource.
Water-Efficient Landscaping & Irrigation
NEST’s landscaping strategy prioritizes native, drought-resistant plant species that require minimal irrigation. Some key techniques include:
- Low-pressure drip irrigation at soil level to prevent evaporation.
- Mulching with organic materials like bark and straw to retain moisture.
- Hydrozoning, which groups plants with similar water needs together for efficient watering.
- Smart irrigation controllers that adjust watering schedules based on weather conditions.
By implementing these measures, the outdoor public and private gardens require significantly less water, contributing to the overall conservation efforts.
Case Studies & Inspiration
The NEST project takes inspiration from global best practices in sustainable water management.
VanDusen Botanical Garden (Canada): Reduced water use by 20% through rainwater collection and underground cisterns.
New York Smart Green Roofs: Increased rainwater retention by 10.4% through real-time controlled rainwater harvesting.
Modular Blue-Green Roofs (Europe): Integrated water storage and plant-based filtration, reducing urban flooding risks by up to 25%.
These case studies demonstrate that integrating rainwater harvesting, green roofs, and smart irrigation can lead to massive long-term water savings—an approach that N.E.S.T. successfully implements.
Conclusion: A Blueprint for Future Developments
The N.E.S.T. Timber Research Center serves as a model for sustainable urban water management, proving that:
Circular water systems can drastically cut municipal water reliance.
Green infrastructure like wetlands and green roofs can enhance biodiversity and reduce urban heat islands.
Technological and behavioral interventions can optimize water use without compromising functionality.
With water scarcity becoming an increasing global challenge, projects like N.E.S.T offer a replicable framework for future urban developments. By integrating intelligent design with nature-based solutions, we can create buildings that are not just sustainable but regenerative.
