Located in the heart of Debrecen, Hungary, Kossuth Square is one of the country’s largest and most cherished public spaces. Surrounded by historical architecture and cultural landmarks, this central square required a sensitive and modern landscape renovation that would preserve its aesthetic while incorporating advanced infrastructure. A key part of the project’s success was the integration of a Hunter Industries irrigation system, carefully designed to manage water use efficiently while supporting the square’s diverse vegetation.
A Heritage Landscape with Modern Needs
Maintaining lush green lawns, flowerbeds, and tree-lined walkways in a bustling public space like Kossuth Square presented a unique set of challenges. Water needed to be applied efficiently and accurately to diverse plant types, and system components had to be discreet and durable in high-traffic areas. Moreover, the city wanted to minimize water use and reduce maintenance through automation and smart controls.
The Hunter System: Technology with Precision
Hunter partnered with local installer Ker-Tész Kft. to design and implement a system tailored to the square’s scale and environmental needs. The following Hunter products were used:
- ICC2 Controller: A controller unit that offers high station capacity and flexible programming for complex commercial landscapes.
- EZ Decoder System (EZDS): Integrated with the ICC2 Controller, EZDS enables efficient two-wire communication to field decoders, reducing wiring complexity and trenching in the historic square.
- Solar Sync® Sensor: This weather-driven sensor automatically adjusts watering schedules based on local climate conditions, improving seasonal water use efficiency.
- PGV Valves: These reliable and proven field valves deliver consistent operation across various flow and pressure conditions.
- MP Rotator® Nozzles: Installed throughout the site to provide highly uniform coverage at low precipitation rates, these nozzles reduce runoff and overspray — critical for urban landscapes with paved surfaces.
A Model of Efficient Urban Design
Since its installation, the system has delivered noticeable improvements in water management, with the Solar Sync Sensor reducing unnecessary irrigation and MP Rotator Nozzles improving coverage efficiency. The EZDS has simplified system expansion and troubleshooting, supporting ongoing landscape evolution without disruption.
The Kossuth Square project demonstrates how Hunter’s smart irrigation technologies can preserve the elegance of a historic site while delivering modern efficiency and control. It serves as a model for urban green space design, blending tradition with innovation to create a sustainable future.
Read the full site study here.