C A S E S T U DY
1. Innovative rainbow arch downspouts as gateway feature. © AtkinsRéalis
2. One of ten typical schools masterplans. © AtkinsRéalis
SuDS for Schools An AtkinsRéalis case study using SuDS in North West England. Simon Ward AtkinsRéalis with United Utilities developed an innovative ten-school pilot programme to look at primary school grounds around the North West of England, principally to help solve issues of local and wider network flooding. A straightforward process was enacted and then replicated across each school. We applied a ‘lessons learned’ experience from school to school and achieved hugely successful outcomes despite limited budgets and short programmes, with construction often limited to school holidays. In particular, the provision of ponds was discussed with schools individually due to the health and safety risks. Some welcomed it as a positive feature, accepting they would monitor access (they didn’t want fenced solutions), while others simply declined. The vision for these relatively small interventions was not only to prevent localised
network flooding through rainwater management, but to add value to the schools; inspiring curiosity about the links between nature and the weather through the subtle beautification of the school grounds. This approach delivered wellbeing, healthier spaces and increased biodiversity, whilst educating pupils about climate resilience and how creative water management can produce fun and practical spaces. The idea was to take roof and surface water and either slow the flow into the piped system, or move it altogether, into ponds, rain gardens, water butts, planters and swales. We developed innovative and playful features, which also provide visual stimulation. The key impacts and contributions of these design interventions is to help ‘slow the flow’, reduce damaging flood events, and, for very modest sums, deliver greater resilience to the local drainage network. For example, proposals included a rainbow arch, which forms the approach to one of the
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schools' main entrances. This diverted roof water into a rain garden via a series of coloured arched pipes, referencing the interaction of sun and water and the Covid rainbow symbol of the time, for a more hopeful future. Rain chains were also designed as well as fun downspouts, with decorative collector beds, willow shelters and domes also helping to put the ‘fun’ into the ‘fun’ctional aspects of these projects. Some schools also engaged pupils to help in the planting of their rain gardens. Our installations have delivered a host of other benefits around sustainability, which include social and educational value for pupils.
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