Case Studies
Here are a selection of Bristol based SuDS case studies
Bristol University Auditorium, Green and Blue Roof
Bristol University Auditorium, 8 Priory Road, Bristol, BS8 1PY.
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A green roof and blue roof have been used here to reduce surface runoff and provide storage volume for attenuating storm events. This was fitted with a greenroof to reduce the rate of surface water runoff.
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WSP were appointed by Sweett Group on behalf of the University of Bristol for the structural and drainage design of the auditorium.
The blue roof was supplied and fitted by Alumasc / Harmer and the green roof was supplied and fitted by Blackedown.
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Embleton road, rain gardens and swale
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Retrofit rain gardens – planted build outs retrofitted along Embleton Road, doubling-up as a traffic calming measure, outside of Little Meads Primary Academy.
Swale as part of an existing green area, adjacent to the local playground
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This project brought the community together, involving local residents and primary school students.
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Reduced flood risk – 15,500% increase in rain water attenuation
100% of people surveyed thought the street environment had been improved
88% of children through the road felt safer
60% of residents thought the new street design would encourage more people to meet
Redland School, Car park swales and Green Roof
Runoff from the car park is treated with a petrol interceptor before discharging into the swales. There are two dry retention ponds which are planted with a selection of species which thrive in saturated conditions, such as bistort. Stone filter drains further aid infiltration. The systems has an overflow to a nearby watercourse for extreme events.
This enormous green roof stores a large amount of rainwater, preventing flooding.
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The design uses the natural slope of the site. The green roof covers the main school building and is accessible from ground level.
The sedum mats provided by Erisco-Bauder. These were laid over a layer of fleece in which the plants then take root. The Bauder mats were planted with a wide variety of Sedum plants, some of them suited to wet conditions and others suited to better drained soils. Runoff from the roof enters the SuDS system onsite.
The biodiversity value of the site has also been increased by the planting of 160 trees and hundreds of shrubs and border plants, all native species.
The roof also acts as teaching and learning space.
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It has been observed that flows have still discharged from the roof days after intense storms, demonstrating its attenuation role.
Barratt Homes Permeable pavements
Installing a permeable paving sustainable urban drainage system (SUDS) eradicates surface pooling and puddles while allowing rainwater to be harvested and reused. Its use can reduce the risk of flooding and help control the amount of water that enters the drainage infrastructure.
Bristol City Council insisted that Barratt Homes’ ND10 at the Zone development installed a SUDS as part of the planning conditions, a condition set to become mandatory nationwide when The Flood and Water Management Act 2010 comes into force.
ND10 at the Zone uses Hanson Formpave’s Aquaflow permeable paving SUDS in Golden Brindle and Charcoal as well as the company’s Aquasett and Chartres traditional paving to meet planning conditions and ensure the road to the development meets Bristol City Council’s standards for adoption.
Bristol Harbourside, SuDS, Swales
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This development brought 664 new homes around Bristol’s harbourside with green infrastructure used throughout.
This included a 40m x 8m green wall, green roofs and sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS). A tree lined promenade, planted with wild flowers, leads from the Millennium square to the waterfront, Increasing access to the water’s edge. The SuDS collect rainwater from roofs through a series of collection dishes, channels and rills that irrigate the vegetation planted along the promenade.
Floating reed beds were also constructed to filter rainwater and surface water before it enters the harbour as well as enhancing biodiversity and green space within the city.
