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The Cactile roof tile system captures, filters and stores rainwater, helping to combat water scarcity and flooding in a sustainable way.
Water is an essential resource for life and the proper functioning of our cities. However, managing the right amount of water is a constant challenge. A lack of water causes problems such as severe droughts and difficulties in maintaining crops, while excess water causes flooding and waterlogging in urban areas. With this in mind, a French startup has created an innovative solution: a system of tiles (Cactile) that capture and filter rainwater, offering a sustainable alternative to ensure the efficient use of this resource.
How did the idea of tiles that store water come about?
The tile system, called Cactile, was developed by the specialist in hydroelectricity and river flow management, Jean-Baptiste Landes.
The inspiration for the creation came from cacti, plants known for their ability to store water, even in arid climates with little precipitation.
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The idea is that, like cacti, the tiles can collect, filter and store rainwater efficiently.
The Cactile is made of galvanized steel, a material that guarantees durability and resistance to adverse weather conditions.
With an advanced design, the tiles can retain up to 96% of the water that falls on sloping roofs, preventing large volumes of water from being wasted or causing flooding.
Technology that goes beyond capture: Intelligent filtering and storage
Cactile tiles not only capture rainwater, but also filter it immediately.
Through specially designed inlets, the system prevents the passage of leaves, branches and other debris that could compromise the quality of the stored water.
The filtered water is then directed to an integrated reservoir that can store up to 40 liters per square meter.
One of the great advantages of the system is that it can be installed in both new constructions and renovations, allowing existing buildings to adapt to this sustainable technology.
The weight of the complete system, including stored water, is just 60 kg per square meter, making it a lightweight and viable alternative to other traditional roofing solutions.
Benefits for families and cities
The technology proposed by Cactile tiles presents a series of advantages for those who adopt the system.
For residents, the possibility of storing rainwater for domestic use, such as watering gardens, cleaning and even flushing toilets, represents significant savings on their water bill.
Furthermore, by reducing dependence on the public supply network, families become more self-sufficient, especially in periods of drought or rationing.
In urban areas, the use of this technology can help prevent flooding, as the tiles capture a large part of the rainwater, reducing the volume that would go directly to the sewage system or flood streets and avenues.
The collected water can be used to irrigate green areas, which is essential to help reduce temperatures and increase soil permeability, preventing the formation of heat islands in cities.
Optimized design for maximum water capture
One of the striking features of the Cactile is its simplified design, which allows for quick and easy installation.
With an automated control system, it is possible to manage the use of stored water, making the process even more efficient.
The design was developed based on advanced studies of fluid mechanics, allowing capture to be efficient even during heavy rains.
The fact that the system does not depend on electric pumps to transport stored water is another important difference.
Water is driven by gravity directly to points of use, such as toilets and taps, eliminating energy costs and reducing environmental impact.
Smart tiles are a sustainable solution for the future of cities
The development of smart tiles involved collaboration with experts in engineering, design and construction, ensuring that the technology met the structural needs of urban and rural buildings.
The first installations are scheduled for 2025, with a pilot project scheduled for late 2024.
Until then, the startup plans to further improve the system, increasing the collection efficiency and the quality of the filtered water.
With growing concerns about climate change, solutions like Cactile become increasingly relevant.
Capturing rainwater, preventing flooding and ensuring the sustainable use of this resource is a way of contributing to water security and quality of life in cities.
Smart tile technology shows that, even with existing materials and known techniques, it is possible to create innovative solutions that make a difference in everyday life and help to face current environmental challenges.
The adoption of systems such as smart tiles not only promotes sustainability, but also offers a concrete answer to the issues of water scarcity and flood management.
Cities that are better prepared and adapted to deal with rainwater are an important step towards a greener and more balanced future.
For more information about Cactile tiles, visit the official website by clicking here!
What a wonderful idea! May it spread throughout the world, and congratulations to those involved!
The idea is interesting. I think it's better to capture rainwater through the gutter.