For SoliDrain, I helped design a nature-inspired water system that channels runoff through gill-like structures to remove particles ad store water before infiltration. This project pushed me to combine biomimicry with practical engineering, focusing on ease of maintenance and sustainable drainage. It strengthened my skills in problem-solving and environmental design and deepened my interest in creating smart, low-tech solutions for urban infrastructure.

SoliGrill

When we started working on SoliDrain, our research focused on competitors and real-life examples of green roofs and permeable paving. What we saw was that most existing solutions struggled with water storage and long-term plant maintenance.

That’s where the cup system came in. We designed modular trays with integrated cups that collect and hold rainwater. This way, plants can sustain themselves with less maintenance, while excess water is guided back into the ground. From there, we explored two different design approaches to see how this idea could work in practice.

Integration

SoliGrill took the same cup system and applied it with Biomimicry

The gutter system, inspired by the basking shark’s gill structures, filters excess water before letting it infiltrate the ground. But the real focus is the experience: Instead of having grass directly at ground level like traditional permeable parking spots, the grill structure lifts the pressure off the plants, giving them extra room to grow below the surface. Cars rest on top of the grill, cutting only what grows through, while the rest of the vegetation develops freely underneath. This not only protects the plants but also supports soil health, biodiversity and micro-ecosystems at a lower level.

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