Heracles Almelo Asito

The Permavoid 85Sport system, installed in three compartments under the field, captures rainwater as it falls and makes it capillarily available to the natural grass. This layer under the entire playing field ensures optimal drainage and also serves as a water buffer, with a capacity to store more than 600m³ of water. When the grass needs water the Permavoid 85Sport system, through the use of capillary cones and capillary geotextile, passively provides water from below in a natural way. The system also includes an air layer, which, together with the available water, creates optimal growth conditions for the pitch.

Heracles Almelo aimed not only to transition to natural grass but also to do so in the most optimal and sustainable manner. For this reason, Heracles Almelo chose to install the Permavoid 85Sport system underneath the playing field. In combination with the Rainup PRO sensor technology, the Permavoid 85Sport system provides complete control over water and air under the field, ensuring optimal growth conditions for the natural grass pitch.

The Permavoid system is further equipped with an air duct around the playing field. This air duct is connected to both the Permavoid system under the field and two fans. These fans can create slight positive or negative pressure if desired. During heavy rainfall, negative pressure shortens the reaction time for drainage and speeds up the actual draining process. In the event of water demand by the pitch, the capillary action can be enhanced by applying slight positive pressure. Additionally this function, combined with the existing air layer, helps to quickly warm the field at low temperatures and reducing heat loss to the subsoil. This results in significantly lower energy consumption, leading to cost savings.

By using Rainup PRO sensor technology which measures both the soil moisture percentage and the amount of water present in the Permavoid 85Sport system, combined with the necessary control technology, it is possible to manage water where needed. This proactive management guarantees the continuation of matches and optimal conditions for natural grass.