Redesign of the Enzufer near the Pulverturm in Vaihingen an der Enz

The construction project on the banks of the Enbe river in Vaihingen made the river, which had previously been separated from the city by a bank wall, accessible to the population and visitors. The aim of the planning was to create recreational and adventure areas close to the city, which would help the citizens of Vaihingen to gain a new piece of local identity.

The structurally rich redesigned banks now provide high-quality habitats for many aquatic organisms in the previously uniform and canal-like Enz bed. The planning was developed after numerous expert discussions about the overall concept and individual contents to an all-round coordinated and well thought-out design, in which the sometimes difficult boundary conditions such as limiting pipeline routes, relief structures of the combined sewer system, parking and traffic space situation, cityscape characterizing woody vegetation, integration of the historic townscape, etc. could be equally considered and harmonized.

The project Enzuferumgestaltung is divided into 3 subareas:

Area 1:
-The partial swing and opening of the riverbank wall and the installation of mobile flood protection walls ensure direct access to the Enz and open up new recreational space on the riverbank.
-The narrowing of the road space creates room for new green areas and flatter embankments.
-A paved plaza area with electricity and water connections provides recreational space for festivities.
-The 3-part, height-shifted step deck with wood plank decking and transparent steel cable railing opens up the view of the Enz to visitors.
-Three rows of stones for resting are located along the path and in the new embankment; wooden seat pads provide more seating comfort.
-The hard, very monotonous and linear embankment was structured locally with groyne-like fills close to nature: Thus, in the future, it will represent visually attractive staging areas and habitats valuable in terms of water ecology.

Area 2 :
A new lighting concept and the widening of the walkway offer visitors the opportunity to stroll comfortably from area 1 to area 3.

Area 3:
-The opening of the seawall creates direct access to the river. Loosely placed stairways arranged in groups provide access to a wooden deck that is just above the reservoir level of the Enz River, making it easy to get in and out of mooring boats. In addition, visitors can dangle their feet comfortably in the water on hot summer days and enjoy the welcome refreshment.
A small square with a comfortable seating area was created on the area of the adjacent traffic green; hedge plantings screen the adjacent road.
Structural buildings, which act equally in the aquatic, amphibian and terrestrial areas, also improve this third area in terms of water ecology and appearance.