We join forces with the Municipality of Athens for an Athens that is changing

A new, green and energy autonomous pocket park was handed over to the residents of the historic district of Kolonos, at the junction of Kilkis and Alamanas streets, with the exclusive sponsorship of the HERACLES Group, within the framework of the "Adopt your city" program. The open green space is accessible to all, reflecting the common vision of the Municipality of Athens and the Group for more "green" and sustainable neighborhoods in the heart of the city. "Pocket parks", as they are called, are considered important in tackling crime, combating isolation in densely populated cities and, above all, in protecting the environment.

A project with a positive carbon footprint in Athens

The neighborhood park in Kolonos is the 2nd one created in Athens. The choice of the materials used was very carefully selected in order to mitigate the phenomenon of the urban thermal island and to absorb 54kg of CO² per year

We contribute to the "green" upgrade of the center of Athens

The construction of the pocket park in Kolonos was based entirely on environmentally friendly materials after a special study. In the park we find green concrete solutions for the floors and recycled wood for the benches. The densely planted evergreen and deciduous trees and plants were considered suitable due to their high adaptability to the urban environment and their low needs for watering and care. After all, the park is designed to provide shade, sunshine and ventilation all year round. In addition, an underground irrigation system covers in the most efficient way the plants' watering, as well as an innovative ventilation network ensures their smooth growth. The lighting of the park is done autonomously by a photovoltaic system of advanced technology, which includes a digital panel with information on temperature, humidity and other environmental parameters.

New public infrastructure based on the principles for sustainable construction

The neighborhood park of 100m² in the area of Kolonos was constructed with Lafarge Special Concrete and specifically the green concrete Hydromedia and the architectural series Artevia. These are innovative concrete solutions of high aesthetics with improved environmental footprint throughout their life cycle. Specifically:

Permeable concrete, Hydromedia

The Special Concrete Hydromedia is the most "green" and sustainable solution for rainwater management. It offers high runoff (330lt / m2 / min), so that rainwater returns directly to the ground enriching the natural underground reservoirs. It has a low carbon footprint and contributes to the improvement of the thermal island effect occurring to the Athens capital, during summer months, as well as, the improvement of the microclimate.

Decorative concrete, Artevia Stone

The Special Concrete Artevia Stone with a realistic feeling of natural stone was used for the construction of 30sqm floor as well as on 20sqm perimetric benches. It reflects the solar radiation and eliminates energy absorbed in the form of infrared radiation. At the same time, it contributes to the safety of the visitor thanks to its non-slip properties.

Decorative concrete, Artevia Desactive

Artevia Desactive Special Concrete is based on natural aggregates, thus it gives a textured feeling with pebbles or tiles. It has a lower carbon footprint in the whole range of its life cycle and is an optimal solution for outdoor areas, as it ensures long-term durability and easy maintenance.

We give "life" again to Athens neighborhoods

The green upgrade of urban areas aims to turn public spaces into meeting places for social interaction and relaxation. The pocket park in Kolonos is a refreshing change that has transformed a rundown urban space into a new green space, open to all. At HERACLES Group we continue to consistently serve the principles of sustainability and responsible entrepreneurship, putting into practice every day our commitment to move to more sustainable and climate-neutral cities.

See more about Lafarge Special Concretes at our leaflet here

Lafarge Special Concrete