The first sustainable urban drainage system to use recovered tiles
We speak with Monica Leiva from TRENCADÍS DE SEMPER, S.L to find out all about how the company developed the innovative LIFE CERSUDS system.
 LC. Can you tell us Trencadís de Semper S.L does?
ML. The company produces ceramic mosaics, specialising in trencadís, a technique based on the principles of modernist art, which uses tile fragments to create ornamental works. Famous examples of trencadís, which in Catalan means chopped or minced, are works by Gaudí like La Pedrera or Güell Park in Barcelona. We offer custom-designed decorative floor and wall coverings. We use a wide variety of ceramic tiles, which allows us to create a huge range of effects and styles. We are based near the heartland of the ceramics industry in our province, which makes it easier for us to research and use the most suitable materials for each artistic project.
LC. How did you get involved with the Life Cersuds project? Is this the first time you have participated in a project like this or have you done something similar previously?
ML. It was a challenge for us, and we had lots of questions at the beginning, but we were really excited about it. We were sure it would be a great experience, especially knowing that our partners would be prestigious companies that would open our minds to other points of view and push our limits. Although we have never participated in a project like this, we did know the philosophy of the European Commission’s LIFE projects. Now we are very proud to be helping to make one of them possible. It is also great to feel that we are building on our skills and knowledge.
LC. . Can you tell us about the process? What technologies did you use to cut, stack and stick the pieces, pack them and move them to where the work would be done? What difficulties did you encounter?
ML. It was a complicated process to coordinate, but in the end everybody involved, including the suppliers, worked together really well to make it a success.
This is a new product, which means it has had its challenges and involved research at each step in its production (trial and error).
Aspects that seemed simple at the outset turned out not to be so easy once we started the process, but there were also some pleasant surprises when we changed some aspects of the process.
LC. What is the best thing that has happened to you during the project and what has caused you the most headaches?
ML. The best thing has been sharing a work philosophy between all the stakeholders and feeling a sense of shared satisfaction, proving that the effort is worthwhile. You can achieve great things when you join forces. It was great to know that when times were tough we were not alone.
The biggest headache for us was when the difficulties and unforeseen problems that arose during the process slowed down production, leading to worries that we would not meet our deadlines.
LC. What does TRENCADÍS DE SEMPER think of this experience? Would you participate in a project like this again?
ML. As you can see, we are very pleased to have taken part in this project, working alongside people with a great sense of professionalism who, despite coming from such different backgrounds and and markets, share the same goals. I believe that these experiences create new ties and new expectations.
Even though Trencadis de Semper is a company that focuses on manufacturing we have been really pleased to take part in this innovative project. We would definitely like the chance to carry on working to achieve new goals .
|
onstrator project carried out in LIFE CERSUDS and installed in Benicàssim managed runoff water as expected. Of 17 rain events recorded between August and March 2019, only five of them required use of the conventional drainage system.
Cycle of Innovation Days in Managing urban drainage: "Efficiency and Sustainability for Adapting Our Cities to Climate Change"
