Tupman House Bioswale

Detention basins for surface water management: Tupman House Bioswale

In collaboration with Metis Consultants, Norman Rourke Pyke and Southwark Council, we helped to deliver a detention basin at Tupman House in Southwark to help combat the issue of flooding in the area. The bioswale was designed by Metis and NRP while Meristem Design formulated the planting plan to prioritise both drought tolerance and flood resilience.

The scheme introduced a greener and less invasive way of managing water, incorporating existing infrastructure into the design to boost biodiversity and water efficiency into the residential estate.

The project aimed to introduce more efficient and functional surface water management to Tupman House as part of Southwark Council's wider flood action plan that sets out to reduce flood risk across the borough and boost climate resilience. An additional goal of the scheme was to enhance green space by introducing more greenery and plant species into the area, attracting pollinators and wider wildlife.

The project site was situated on the Tupman House estate garden and involved the excavation of a bioswale that measured 2.1m wide with an surface area of 165.5m². The estimated catchment area of the bioswale was 739m² and it's estimated storage capacity is up to 44.8m³.

The planting plan consisted of over 1000 plants of 17 different varieties, each selected for their qualities of drought and salt tolerance, and water resistance. Some of the species include:

Anelmanthele lessoniana
Eupatorium cannabinum
Salvia pratensis
Verbena officienalis

To address the concerns of flooding at Tupman House, a collaborative approach of engineering and planting expertise was combined to create a bioswale design that both actively manages surface water and boosts biodiversity.

Detention Basin Design

A bioswsale was designed and sized to efficiently capture and slow surface water from the surrounding area

Utilising Existing Infrastructure

The detention basin was connected via a gully to existing roof downpipes, meaning that surface water from the roof of the residence was able to enter the bioswale, boosting its catchment area and therefore, its impact

Drought and Salt Tolerant Plant Species

Plants were selected based on their ability to withstand extreme dry spells and salty ground conditions due to the shingle growing medium that lined the basin as well as changing weather conditions

Flood Resilient Planting

The plant design also prioritised species that can withstand excess standing water to ensure the bioswale continues to function in the long term

The intricate design of the detention basin delivers benefits for the environment, the surrounding infrastructure and the residents living in Tupman House.

Surface Water Management

The Tupman House bioswale has improved the management and slowed the journey of surface water across the residential space

Safer Outdoor Space

The reduction in flood risk at the estate means that residents can more often and more safely make use of their green space

Seasonal Interest

An array of flowering plant species creates visual interest and additional bulb planting gives the area a vibrant boost in spring time

Wildlife and Habitat Support

Dense planting and pollinator-friendly species create spaces that attract pollinators and other species that support biodiversity in the area

Client

Southwark Council

Location

Sectors

Local Authorities

Products & Services

Rain Gardens

Landscape maintenance

Landscaping

Design

Before

After

Featured products, landscapes & services

Rain Gardens

Transforming surface runoff into a sustainable solution, rain gardens capture rainfall before it enters the piped network and either releases it slowly into the network or allows it to infiltrate into the ground, preventing flooding.

Landscape maintenance

Landscaping

At Meristem, we transform outdoor spaces in London and across the UK through carefully considered planting, turfing, nature gardens and more. Our landscaping services enhance biodiversity, improve stormwater management, and create green spaces that thrive in urban environments.

Design

We specialise in designing beautiful, sustainable urban greening solutions and products that bring nature into public, commercial and residential spaces. From concept to final design, we work closely with clients to ensure that every element is crafted to meet their unique needs, aesthetic preferences, and sustainability goals.

Get in touch

If you like what you've seen in our case study and want to learn more about how this could work in your setting, please get in touch.

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Tupman House Bioswale

Detention Basin Design

Utilising Existing Infrastructure

Drought and Salt Tolerant Plant Species

Flood Resilient Planting

Surface Water Management

Safer Outdoor Space

Seasonal Interest

Wildlife and Habitat Support

Before

After

Featured products, landscapes & services

Rain Gardens

Landscape maintenance

Landscaping

Design

Get in touch

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