Carmel

The Carmel tree grate is an element that acts as a transition between the generally orthogonal geometry of paving and the circular perimeter that surrounds a planted tree.

The ring-type system is inspired by the concentric rings of the economical wood or coal-fuelled stoves that existed at the start of the 20th century. A design elaborates in collaboration with the technical services of ONCE (the Spanish Organisation for the Blind), to improve accessibility in the Carmel neighbourhood in the city of Barcelona. The success of the Carmel 120 led to the edition of the rest of the collection, with larger and smaller diameters.

The collection has a series of variants with an outer square concrete or a circular steel frame. Carmel 160, 120 and 100 are elements formed by two pieces of prefabricated concrete. The plane of the paving inside it can be optionally lengthened with one or two concentric rings made from cast aluminium. Carmel Circular 160 and 120 have the steel circular frame with the same circular cast aluminium rings. The exclusive use of the concrete frame or circular steel frame without the aluminium rings is an economical solution that adds improved accessibility as compared to conventional solutions with a square format.

The fountain was designed in 2000 to complement the collection of tree surrounds. Its cylinder shape is attractive and discreet in the urban environment. It has a concrete base that houses pressure regulation and shut-off valve mechanisms and a hidden drain trap that makes it unnecessary to build auxiliary installation pits. The channel from the exterior is open-ended, to reduce clogging.

Manufactured in reinforced concrete with an etched and waterproof finish, and supplied in grey. Galvanised steel frames coated with black paint for a wrought iron-like effect. Cast aluminium rings coated with black oven-enamelled paint for a wrought iron-like effect.

Carmel with a concrete frame is recommended as a guard for trees in the presence of paving slabs. Carmel Circular is recommended for seamless “in situ” asphalt or concrete slab paving.