SuDS Planters Boost Drainage for RBKC apartments

Client

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

Location

Sectors

Products & Services

Project overview

Barlow House and Allom House are two large 1950s apartment blocks in W11 on Walmer and Clarendon Rd where increased intense rainfall has heightened flood risks. Meristem Design was commissioned by RBKC Council to develop sustainable drainage solutions that alleviate pressure on the local drainage network.

Goal

We were asked by RBKC council to help find solutions that can ease stress on the local area drainage system. Our SuDS planter solution aims to reduce the flood risk and enhance the communal spaces while slowing the flow of rainwater runoff.

Scope

The project involved the installation of seven SuDS planters across both apartment blocks including a drought-tolerant planting scheme, 80m2 of new green space across buildings and a 600 litre water butt for residents.

Challenges

Both blocks have pitched roofs that drain via downpipes into the underground water ways surrounding the blocks. This area has faced an increasing risk of surface water flooding due to intensified rainfall patterns. As climate change has led to more frequent and severe downpours, the drainage network has struggled to cope, heightening the flood risk.

Solutions

By combining effective water capture with resilient planting, we wanted our SuDS planters to not only manage rainfall but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of the residential space. Wherever possible in communal areas with existing downpipes we suggested the innovative SuDS solution to slow water drainage rates and develop additional attractive planting areas for the residents living there.

The planting scheme includes a range of low maintenance hardy Mediterranean and Prairie species that are drought tolerant yet able to grow in wet soils during periods of heavy rain. We also set up at 600 litre water butt on one of the down pipes that the residents can use in hot months to water their communal courtyard vegetable garden.

Rainwater Capture

We positioned SuDS planters beneath existing downpipes to intercept rainwater directly, reducing the rate of runoff entering the drainage system.

Community Enhancement

Installing seven planters strategically across both sites has created 60m² of new green space for residents to enjoy and engage with.

Resilient Planting

Introduced drought-tolerant Mediterranean and Prairie plants, chosen for their resilience in both dry and wet conditions, ensuring low-maintenance yet effective planting.

Water Storage Solutions

Installed a 600-litre water butt in the communal courtyard to support residents in maintaining their vegetable garden, providing them the opportunity to get involved in their areas green spaces.

Impact

By combining effective water management with community benefits, this project has transformed Barlow House and Allom House into more sustainable and resilient residential spaces. During the course of the installation the residents we met were very happy with the new planters and were interested to learn about the benefits they will bring to their area.

Over the coming weeks, we will be extending this scheme through the installation of a number of small 100L water storage butts in the private gardens of some of the residents.

Reduced Flood Risk

The SuDS planters slow down rainwater runoff, easing pressure on the drainage system during heavy downpours.

Enhanced Green Space

The addition of 60m² of new garden planting has improved the visual appeal of communal areas while supporting biodiversity.

Empowered Residents

Water butts have enabled residents to maintain their communal and private gardens sustainably, promoting engagement with their local environment.

Improved Climate Resilience

The drought-tolerant planting scheme ensures the planters remain effective and attractive throughout changing weather conditions, reducing maintenance requirements.