Irrigation - Biological Water Treatment - Water Retention
Planning,
treating and
using water.
IBW is a private research and testing institute for irrigation, biological water treatment and water retention. We combine applied research, independent expert assessments and manufacturer-neutral specialist planning - nationally and internationally.
01 - Services
What we provide for your project
IBW is a private company with five closely connected areas of expertise - from initial specialist planning to independent material testing and training.
Planning, Specialist Planning & Site Supervision
Open-space and planting planning for swimming ponds, water technology, swimming pond technology and irrigation systems.
Water Analyses
Physical and chemical testing for irrigation and water systems - including practical recommendations for action.
Expert Reports & Preliminary Assessments
Independent assessments create clarity and transparency in planning and construction processes and help prevent planning errors.
Material Testing
Testing for irrigation systems, water treatment systems and water retention systems in our own testing laboratory.
Training & Lectures
Training courses and lectures in national and international contexts, for example on new legal requirements.
Not sure which service your project needs?
Request advice -02 - Fields
Three water-related fields of expertise
The name IBW stands for our three core areas: Irrigation, Biological Water Treatment and Water Retention.
I - Irrigation
Irrigation
Irrigation as a way to compensate for water deficits during dry periods is becoming increasingly important. IBW plans, optimizes and secures the quality of sprinkler systems - from private gardens to industrial sites.
- Hydraulic concepts & irrigation planning
- Uniformity measurements
- Manufacturer-neutral consulting
B - Biological Water Treatment
Biological Water Treatment
The construction and maintenance of swimming ponds has become an important field for medium-sized landscaping companies over the past 15 years. IBW researches biological treatment through planted filter zones.
- Flow-through filters & filter substrates
- Planting variants for filter zones
- Root penetration depth of aquatic plants
W - Water Retention
Water Retention & Management
Wetlands, whether natural or constructed, provide fascinating habitats and also contribute to water treatment. IBW develops retention systems for cleaning and reusing water.
- Water retention for treatment & use
- Constructed wetlands & green roofs
- Greywater treatment
03 - Research & Lab
Applied Research, Testing Laboratory & Test Sites
Through applied research and testing, IBW ensures that water-related structures and construction technologies function sustainably and reliably over the long term. IBW carries out basic and contract research as well as third-party funded research that was previously conducted at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, Bernburg department.
Water Analyses
Physico-chemical examinations with recommendations from a technical and plant-physiological perspective.
Soil Analyses
Soil-physical and chemical examinations including plant-physiological tests.
Field Investigations
Classification and analysis of undisturbed soils directly on site.
Expert Reports
Preliminary expert reports and independent construction inspections help protect against construction and planning errors.
Quality Management
Quality management starts during planning - a QM plan for each construction project helps avoid unexpected maintenance costs.
Applied Research
Ensuring that water-related structures function sustainably and reliably over the long term.
Test Sites
Long-term trials at three locations
IBW's test sites are located in Bernburg, Baalberge and Overstedt. Long-term trials are conducted there on horizontal filters for koi and fish ponds, alternative greening of steep pond walls, floating islands and the root penetration depth of aquatic plants - up to a 6-hectare potato field where different irrigation methods are tested.
Bernburg
Baalberge
Overstedt
04 - References
Selected Projects
IBW works manufacturer-independently for public and private clients - from irrigation concepts and construction supervision to specialized water analytics.
GIZ - Addis Ababa
Peace and Security Building of the African Union
Intensive planning and on-site construction supervision for the implementation of the outdoor facilities of the Peace and Security Building of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Erick van Egeraat - Moscow
Planting Design in Moscow
Planting planning and support with water treatment and pump selection for a project by the renowned architecture firm Erick van Egeraat - with special requirements for winter hardiness.
G2 Landscape Architects
Gut Hasselburg, Altenkrempe
Irrigation planning including a quality assurance concept for sustainable maintenance of the pop-up irrigation system and compliance with high standards.
BASF - Ludwigshafen
Irrigation Concept for approx. 70 Systems
Development of an irrigation and quality management concept for around 70 existing BASF irrigation systems - cross-brand and manufacturer-independent.
Atelier Dreiseitl - Abu Dhabi
Irrigation & Substrates, UAE
Consulting on irrigation and substrates for a construction project in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Labor Braga - Dr. N. Gaeng
Cooperation in Project-Based Water Analytics
Cooperation agreement with BRAGA laboratory: limnological consulting, expanded laboratory capacities and access to a flame spectrometer for special analyses.
05 - About
Prof. Dr. Andreas Thon
IBW combines landscape architectural practice, scientific research and technical testing. The focus is on robust water-related structures, transparent planning and manufacturer-neutral consulting.
Publications & Teaching
- Dissertation (2014): "Investigation of planting variants and flow through the filter zone of small swimming ponds", University of Vechta.
- Master Thesis (2009): "Shallow Constructed Wetlands for Greywater Treatment - Intermittently Flushed Wetlands as Roof Gardens in Mediterranean Countries".
- Leadership of BIM working groups in landscape architecture (FLL e.V. & buildingSMART e.V.).
- Lecturer at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences (irrigation technology) and HGU (building construction & small architecture).
Professorship for construction technology in landscape architecture at Hochschule Geisenheim University (HGU).
Doctorate (Dr. rer. nat.) at the University of Vechta - dissertation on planting variants and flow through the filter zone of small swimming ponds.
Foundation and development of IBW as a private research and testing institute; establishment of a specialized aquatic plant nursery.
Completion of the international master's degree "Master of Landscape Architecture".
Research at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences (BMBF project) on vegetation in flow-through filters of private swimming ponds.
Diploma in "Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning" at TFH Berlin; until 2006 partner in a landscaping company with around 35 employees.
Training as a gardener specializing in landscaping and sports field construction.
06 - Contact
Let's talk about your project
Address
IBW - Prof. Dr. Andreas Thon
Grosse Au 19
65391 Lorch
Grosse Au 19
65391 Lorch
Profile
Private research and testing institute for irrigation, biological water treatment and water retention.