Redlees Park Hybrid SuDS Planters

Innovative Flood Resilience: Rain Garden SuDS Planters for Isleworth Bowling Club

Client

Hounslow Council

Location

Sectors

Products & Services

Project overview

Meristem Design worked with Hounslow Council to transform the entrance of Redlees Park with a series of innovative hybrid SuDS rain planters. These ground-level planters combine rainwater management with biodiverse planting to deliver a greener, more welcoming gateway into the park. Not a typical rain garden installation – the bespoke hybrid SuDS planter project is an example of how sustainable drainage systems can be integrated into public spaces while providing multiple environmental and community benefits.

Goal

The project aimed to:

Create a welcoming and functional park entrance by introducing natural elements that enhance biodiversity and add aesthetic value for the local community and visitors.
Deliver flood resilience through innovative SuDS by designing a drainage system that mitigates sudden water influxes, prevents localised flooding, and supports long-term water management.

Scope

The project focused on the design, construction, and planting of SuDS rain planters at the entrance and car park of Redlees Park. This included integrating sustainable drainage features into the existing landscape using a hybrid approach and ensuring the planting scheme was both resilient and beneficial to pollinators.

Solutions

Meristem Design developed and installed a series of partially submerged hybrid SuDS planters that capture, store, and slowly release rainwater while supporting a carefully selected planting palette. The planters were sunk 200mm into the ground with Hydrorock at the base, enabling them to capture surface water, attenuate it, and make it available for plants to utilise. The planters were made with powder-coated steel and designed in a vibrant blue to stand out as a distinctive feature.

Hybrid SuDS System

Each planter is constructed with a partially submerged base filled with Hydrorock, allowing water to flow in and be absorbed upwards into the planting substrate. This provides both storage and gradual release of water back into the drainage system.

Water Attenuation and Flood Management

Surface water is drawn into the planters, stored in the hydrorock, and slowly released. This reduces pressure on the drainage network during heavy rainfall, mitigating surface water flooding at the site.

Biodiverse and Resilient Planting

A mix of drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and native plant species were chosen, including Achillea millefolium, Nepeta Walkers Low, Geranium Rozanne, and Verbena Lollipop. These plants will provide year-round visual interest and support pollinators.

Design and Aesthetic Integration

The bright blue planters bring colour and character to the site while acting as a clear boundary between different parking areas. The shingle edges provide a clean finish, ensuring water can easily reach the planters.

Impact

The Redlees Park Hybrid SuDS Planters represent an innovative approach to sustainable urban drainage. By combining both SuDS Planters and rain gardens, the project has delivered a resilient and multifunctional landscape feature that enhances the community’s connection to the park while reducing flooding.

Flood Resilience

Surface water is captured, stored, and released gradually through the Hydrorock system, reducing the likelihood of localised flooding and easing demand on the sewer network.

Enhanced Biodiversity

The planting scheme supports pollinators, adds habitat variety, and contributes positively to the local ecosystem.

Improved Public Realm

The colourful, well-designed planters create a more welcoming and distinctive entrance, improving the experience for visitors and users of both the park and community facilities.

Hybrid and Innovative Design

The design of the rain garden SuDS planters provides a different and effective way of managing rainwater. By digging into the ground, but using a typical planter design, the hybrid SuDS demonstrate an innovative example of sustainable drainage systems.