As our urban environments grow, so does the challenge of managing rainwater. Traditionally, rainwater in cities is swiftly directed into drainage systems which can become overwhelmed during heavy rainfall, leading to flooding.

SuDS planters offer a smarter way to handle this water by mimicking the natural process of rainwater absorption and release that occurs in nature. It's a modern-day problem in need of a modern-day solution.

What are SuDS Planters?

SuDS planters are an innovative element of urban design that serve as part of what's known as Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS). Their purpose is to address the challenge of managing rainwater in built-up areas where concrete and asphalt can often lead to rapid runoff and flooding.

These planters work by collecting rainwater runoff from rooftops. The water is then absorbed by a special soil mix which plants within the planter use to grow. Any excess water is stored within the planter's layers and released slowly over time, reducing the burden on conventional drainage systems and lowering the risk of flooding.

It's a simple concept with complex benefits, easing the strain on urban drainage systems while bringing a touch of green to our cities.

Introducing AquaPlanter®: A Step Forward in SuDS Technology

AquaPlanter® stands as a distinguished leader in the SuDS market, marking its prominence not only through its capability to manage rainwater runoff but also through its contribution towards climate-resilient infrastructure in London.

These planters are fabricated in our London workshop and are perfectly designed to fit into any urban setting, seamlessly working with any existing drainage infrastructure to lower the risk of flooding and promote a greener environment.

Benefits of AquaPlanter®:

• Award-Winning Excellence: AquaPlanter® has earned prestigious recognition for its impactful role in sustainable water management. Our collaboration on a project installing 564 SuDS Planters in London's flood-prone schools was celebrated at the Flood and Coast Awards.

• Hydrorock® Integration: Our newest collaboration with Hydrorock® solutions represents a major advancement in our lineup. By swapping out conventional shingle for a more effective and eco-friendly alternative, we've significantly improved the water-holding and management performance of our planters.

• Improving Water Quality: AquaPlanter® plays a crucial role in enhancing urban water quality by reducing overflow during heavy rainfall. This action helps keep our waterways cleaner and healthier.

• Flood Risk Reduction: Whether for new projects or retrofitting existing spaces, AquaPlanter® offers an efficient solution to manage flood risks without the need for expensive and extensive drainage system upgrades.

• Eco-friendly Design: AquaPlanter® contributes to more sustainable urban environments by promoting water-conscious and eco-friendly drainage methods.

• Community and Educational Opportunities: Beyond their functional benefits, AquaPlanter® units act as interactive educational tools, fostering sustainability awareness and community involvement in environmental stewardship.

Research-Supported Performance:

The collaboration with Kings College London has produced compelling research, showcasing how our planters can significantly manage stormwater. This extensive study provides us with data-backed confidence in the AquaPlanter®'s ability to alleviate pressure on city drainage.

Study Overview:

• Methodology: Researchers measured soil moisture at various depths within the planters and gauged water volume from downpipes, correlating it with rainfall intensity and roof coverage. This effort monitored about 30 planters, equipped with weather stations, across multiple schools.

• Monitoring Effort: This comprehensive analysis, potentially the most thorough SuDS monitoring effort to date, extended over nearly a year. It analysed how different rainfall patterns affect water retention and flooding, revealing that our planters absorb a substantial amount of stormwater at both surface and sub-surface levels.

• Flood Mitigation Efficacy: The planters showcased remarkable flood mitigation potential, typically holding about 1 cubic meter of stormwater monthly. On average, a single event sees a planter retaining 60-80 litres of water, suggesting that while planters seldom reach full capacity, they significantly mitigate flood risk during most rain events.

• Preliminary Conclusions:

  • On average, each planter can store 0.32 cubic meters of water when dry, suggesting a collective potential to divert 157 cubic meters of water from urban drainage systems if fully saturated. 

  • Planters effectively store water from roof areas, significantly contributing to managing stormwater, especially since most hourly/daily rainfall volumes are below 5mm. 

  • Performance varies based on several factors, including roof drainage area and planter maintenance.

These findings illuminate the AquaPlanter®'s potential not just as a sustainable drainage solution but as a transformative tool for urban environments facing increasing rainfall variability and flooding risks.

Explore the Advantages of AquaPlanter® for Your Organisation:

AquaPlanter® is designed with urban water management in mind, ideal for:

• local governments,

• building contractors,

• educational institutions,

• architectural firms.

It aligns with both government policies and sustainability goals, offering a straightforward solution to urban drainage challenges.

Request Your Free Site Survey Today!

We're pleased to extend an offer for a complimentary site survey* to ensure AquaPlanter® meets your specific requirements. Our SuDS Planters are delivered fully assembled and ready for installation, supported by our comprehensive installation and nationwide delivery services, ensuring a seamless experience for you.

Complete our Contact Form, and let's work together to foster a greener future.

*Free site surveys are available in the Greater London area, conducted with our environmentally friendly electric vans. For those outside London, we still offer a free survey based on 3D designs, making sure our bespoke service reaches you, no matter your location in the UK.

comparing SuDS planters to rain gardens:

A rain garden is a shallow depression planted with deep-rooted native plants and grasses, positioned to receive runoff from hard surfaces such as a downspout from a roof, driveways, or streets. It allows the rainwater to be absorbed into the ground naturally.

SuDS planters, on the other hand, are more versatile and can be installed above ground on hard surfaces. They are self-contained units that not only manage stormwater, like rain gardens but also offer additional flexibility for urban spaces where ground planting might not be possible.

Both are sustainable options, but SuDS planters are particularly beneficial for denser urban environments where ground space is at a premium.

In Summary:

AquaPlanter® is more than just an improvement in SuDS technology; it's a dedication to a smarter, greener way of urban life. As we keep innovating and bringing solutions like AquaPlanter® to life, we welcome you to partner with us in designing the cities of tomorrow.