Drainage for a historical landmark

Company Richard Brink supplies dewatering solutions to listed castle complex

Bingen am Rhein, 08.12.2022. Extensive repair work was recently carried out at Klopp castle to seal and restore a terrace area which doubles as the roof of the restaurant below. The project took both visual and functional aspects into account, in due consideration of the building’s significance. This was largely achieved through the use of drainage channels and gullies from Richard Brink GmbH & Co. KG.

The town of Bingen am Rhein in Germany’s Rhineland-Palatinate region is home to historic Klopp Castle, a protected landmark that offers an idyllic panorama from its hilltop position. Built between 1240 and 1277, the castle’s history is shaped by destruction and reconstruction. Located in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, the castle has been classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002. The complex has maintained its current constellation since the end of the 19th century, and has since housed the office of Bingen’s mayor and part of the municipal government. It has been regarded as the town’s landmark ever since being reconstructed following the Second World War.

Extensive restoration

As a building of historic importance, the castle frequently undergoes necessary restoration work. The most recent work was carried out in its south-east section, on its 222-square-metre terrace. Not only is this a great place to stop and take in views of the Rhine River, it also forms the roof of a restaurant located underneath. Over time, leaky bituminous sheeting and resulting damage to the castle’s structural fabric have made extensive restoration unavoidable. Hence the town’s decision to remove and rebuild the area’s entire substructure.

The company Gründach Westerwald GmbH & Co. KG from Kölbingen in Rhineland-Palatinate was commissioned to install new drainage membranes, lay concrete slabs on a gravel bed, and incorporate appropriate dewatering solutions. With an eye to monument protection, it was important that the outcome of the project did not distract from the antiquated style of the castle. The installers chose to run a line of drainage channels that would span the entire length of the terrace and collect any rainwater falling onto the exposed space before systematically directing it away. Two gullies with matching covers were also installed at two separate points on the terrace, ensuring the fabric of the building is well defended against pooling water in the future.

Best solution, from experience

In their search for suitable products, Gründach Westerwald GmbH & Co. KG placed a lot of importance on a precise fit and high-quality workmanship. They wanted to use height-adjustable gullies that feature a gravel trap so as to permanently prevent the drain from becoming blocked. Based on positive past experiences, the project managers looked to the product portfolio offered by Richard Brink. “The manufacturer is known in the market for its custom solutions in terms of design and dimensioning and has been able to provide us with functional products for a great many construction sites in the past,” says Christian Streller from Gründach Westerwald GmbH & Co. KG.

With its Hydra drainage gullies, the metal products manufacturer offers height-adjustable models for point drainage that are suitable for slab or stone flooring which is loosely laid in gravel fills or beds. It also has a broad range of drainage channels and matching gratings.

Besides the two drainage gullies made from hot-dip galvanised steel with inlet dimensions of 400 x 400mm and an adjustable height ranging from 70mm to 100mm, a total of 16 metres of Stabile drainage channels, which run over several drainage points, were also installed as part of the project. The company Richard Brink also made the channels from hot-dip galvanised steel with an inlet width of 160mm and a height of 40mm. The channels run in parallel with the balustrade, providing a perfect fit and a look that coordinates well with the surrounding concrete paving slabs. The 20 x 3mm longitudinal bar gratings add the finishing touches. They underscore the desired classic and timeless look, and are respectful of the building’s significance.

On completion of the work, the installers were full of praise: “Collaboration with the company Richard Brink was highly solution-oriented, as always. The high quality of the products makes our work on site much easier. And we’re really pleased with the level of workmanship. The Richard Brink product catalogue was able to cater to our client’s special requests and requirements. Even custom solutions are provided quickly, and always at a reasonable price,” Streller praised.