Case studies

Trinity C of E Primary School Hybrid SuDS Planters

Making School Playgrounds Flood Resilient: Hybrid SuDS Planters for Trinity C of E Primary School

Meristem Design partnered with Civic, Lewisham Council and Trinity C of E Primary School to deliver a tailored sustainable drainage solution for the school’s playground, which had experienced repeated flooding due to its position at the base of a steep gradient and limited natural turf and drainage.

The design introduced a series of custom SuDS planters, Hybrid SuDS planters and channel drains to slow and capture both roof and surface water run-off, reducing pressure on the existing drainage system.

All installations were designed to be practical yet interactive, with our team running a planting workshop with students to engage them in their new, greener and improved playground.

The goal of the project was to introduce retrofit sustainable drainage infrastructure to reduce flood risk in the playground by slowing and managing surface and roof water run-off. A key objective was to ensure the interventions were both practical and interactive, improving playground conditions while enhancing the overall experience for pupils and staff.

As the space lacked biodiversity and natural turfing, the installations also aimed to bring greenery and wider wildlife to the school, creating additional spaces for learning.

We developed a range of tailored installations to enhance the school playground, address flooding issues and create a greener, more interactive space for pupils and staff. As the space lacked biodiversity and natural turfing, the interventions also introduced planting that supports wildlife and provides new opportunities for outdoor learning.

Integrated SuDS Planters

Installed bespoke SuDS and Hybrid planters to capture, store and gradually release surface and roof water. This is to reduce peak flow during intense rainfall events and mitigate flood risk across the space

Drainage Improvements

The project introduced channel drains at key locations to intercept and redirect surface water, improving overall water management and protecting areas from pooling

Rainwater Harvesting

Incorporated a water butt to collect roof run-off more efficiently to promote water reuse in the school

Biodiverse and Sensory Planting Scheme

Designed a rich planting strategy including trees, grasses and edible plants to increase biodiversity, attract wildlife and create learning opportunities. We ran a planting workshop with the students to help them plant and care for their new green spaces.

The interventions have significantly improved the playground and the school’s resilience during periods of heavy rainfall. The project has helped reduce surface water build-up and eased pressure on the existing drainage systems while enhancing the usability and appearance of the space. A more resilient and enjoyable environment has been created for pupils and staff throughout the year.

Reduced Flood Risk and Surface Water

The introduction of SuDS planters and channel drains has helped control runoff more effectively, reducing the frequency and severity of flooding

Improved Drainage

Water is now captured, slowed and redirected through the installations which reduces strain on existing drainage systems

Engaging Spaces

The edible and sensory planting scheme combined with nature workshops has created more opportunities to learn and interact in the playground. The workshops taught pupils practical planting skills that they can use to maintain the space

Biodiversity Boost

The introduction of the planting scheme has created habitats in the playground, attracting and supporting wildlife

Client

Lewisham Council and Trinity C of E Primary School

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