Society
20.11.25
ADVERTORIAL
Society
Surface Unsealing with Grijsen
Grijsen’s solutions stand for a greener urban environment. Photo: Grijsen
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In times of increasing climate change and extreme weather events, the issue of surface de-sealing is gaining growing importance in urban planning. The impacts of climate change are now impossible to ignore and pose major challenges for our urban environments. In many places, our cities are completely sealed, disabling natural regulatory mechanisms. This is where the Dutch company Grijsen comes in, offering innovative solutions to increase greenery in urban areas – even where conventional greening strategies reach their limits.
The Problem of Sealed Urban Surfaces
Sealed surfaces in cities lead to a range of problems:
- Overheating of inner cities due to heat retention
- Overloaded sewer systems during heavy rainfall
- Reduced groundwater recharge
- Loss of habitats for plants and animals
- Deteriorated air quality
Transforming sealed surfaces into green, permeable zones can help rainwater seep into the ground, promote biodiversity and significantly improve the urban climate. However, in densely built-up city centres, conventional de-sealing often faces obstacles such as underground infrastructure or limited space.
Innovative Urban Greening Approaches by Grijsen
As a leading manufacturer of urban furniture for public spaces, Grijsen has developed several innovative concepts that allow for increased greenery even in areas with limited options. The following examples show how well-designed street furniture can incorporate both functional and ecologically valuable elements into the urban landscape.
Parklets: Mobile Green Oases for Built-Up Streets
One particularly flexible approach is the use of parklets developed by Grijsen, such as those implemented in the town of Geldern. The concept is both simple and effective: mobile urban furniture creates seating areas with integrated greenery, offering city dwellers small yet valuable oases in their daily lives.
Especially in narrow, traffic-heavy streets like Hartstraße in Geldern, where there is no room for traditional tree planting, parklets with integrated planters provide an excellent alternative for more greenery and improved public space quality. With inviting seating and additional bicycle racks, these installations become places for social interaction and relaxation in the heart of the city.
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Planting-Seat Combinations: Multifunctional Features for Public Squares
Another impressive example of Grijsen’s innovative thinking can be found on the renovated market and town hall square in Waalwijk. Thirteen unique objects have been installed here: benches that each provide space for a tree or planting in the centre of the unit.
These multifunctional elements consist of:
- 4 mm thick, hot-dip galvanised and double powder-coated steel for maximum weather resistance
- Carefully crafted hardwood seating with rounded edges for increased comfort
- A specially glued backrest with finger-jointed connection to the seating surface
The timber used is exclusively from 100% FSC-certified tropical hardwood forests and rated in the highest durability class, guaranteeing a theoretical lifespan of at least 25 years even without further treatment. The square is inviting not only during the day – a lighting concept ensures an atmospheric scene in the evening. The planters include built-in sockets, and the outdoor benches are fitted with LED lighting.
Winterswijk: Small Measures with Big Impact
The project in Winterswijk vividly demonstrates how effective de-sealing measures can be implemented even under challenging conditions such as limited space or extensive underground infrastructure:
- Trellises as simple, quick-to-install greening elements for climbing plants
- Targeted removal of sealed surfaces and their transformation into vibrant green areas
- Integration of insect hotels to support urban biodiversity
- Modern rainwater management systems such as “Tin Bins” to cope with heavy rainfall
- Additional urban furniture such as tree benches and litter bins to enhance public spaces
Benefits of Grijsen Solutions for Municipalities and Planners
Grijsen’s concepts for de-sealing and urban greening offer a range of benefits for urban planners, landscape architects and municipal decision-makers:
- Flexibility: Modular elements can be adapted to a wide variety of urban situations
- Quick implementation: Grijsen solutions can be realised relatively promptly compared to large-scale redesigns
- Cost-efficiency: Targeted interventions require lower investment than extensive de-sealing projects
- Multifunctionality: The elements combine ecological value with practical use for city residents
- High acceptance: The combination of greenery and attractive public spaces is well received by the population
- Durability: High-quality materials and workmanship ensure long service life with minimal maintenance
Conclusion: Systematic Sustainable Urban Development
The projects presented by Grijsen in Geldern, Waalwijk and Winterswijk clearly show how well-designed urban furniture can make an effective contribution to surface de-sealing. While these solutions cannot replace the complete unsealing of entire urban areas, they offer valuable supplements and alternatives in places where larger-scale measures are not feasible.
With its clear focus on innovation, quality and a strong sense of social and environmental responsibility, Grijsen sets standards for forward-looking urban design. Headquartered in Winterswijk, the internationally active company also operates a German branch in Hambühren, supporting municipalities in achieving major impact with small measures – a crucial step toward climate-resilient cities.
For more information on the projects and collaboration opportunities, visit www.grijsen.de or watch the video.
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