07/10/2026
How can you intercept surface water runoff on a steep gradient?💧
We worked alongside Lewisham Council and Civic to deliver a Hybrid SuDS planter scheme in Trinity Lewisham . Swipe through to see how we did this ➡️
The school sits as the bottom of a steep playground gradient which previously had no grass or natural turfing to absorb rainfall, meaning surface water would quickly run downhill and contribute to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.
Hybrid SuDS Planters were tailored and stepped to accommodate the gradient, with the units installed in a shallow excavation. This allows them to function more like a rain garden, capturing both surface runoff and direct rainfall.
Aco channel drains run alongside the planters, capturing runoff from the playground and directing it into the planters’ attenuation base.
The stored water is then gradually released, while also helping to support plant growth through capillary action.
8 months later and the planting has survived the brutal UK heatwaves and is looking amazing.