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LANDSCAPING & EXTERNAL WORKS
Taking a holistic approach to SuDS design allows architects to employ the best solution for the site
These principles are all interlinked, and most SuDS schemes will include a variety of solutions for maximum effect. Taking a holistic approach to SuDS design allows architects to employ the best solution for the site. This means they may choose to use a combination of SuDS devices such as permeable paving, rain gardens, tree pits and blue/green roofs to create a series of small ‘sub catchments.’ This can often better manage the water volume than one device alone, as well as enhancing the quality of the water and contributing to biodiversity. However, that’s not always possible. Permeable paving can be used across projects of all types as a standalone solution for managing water run-off and creating amenity spaces; it also fi lters water by trapping and breaking down harmful pollutants within the stone. This means it supports three out of the four SuDS principles directly.
Permeable paving can also prove to be a good solution if the local planning authority requests that architects provide a ‘betterment’ of SuDS and water management. That’s because the scheme’s hard surfaces, such as asphalt roads,
footpaths, roof space, and car parking, etc, can all be switched to permeable paving relatively easily.
Addressing concerns about costs There’s a misconception that SuDS can be too expensive for all but medium to large projects. Certainly, making late design changes to add SuDS to a scheme will increase project costs. Planning SuDS into the scheme from its inception will not only help with planning compliance, but also help ensure they are more cost-effective than standard drainage; they may not require the extensive excavation, pipework, manhole covers or gullies required etc. Traditional gully drainage systems also require regular cleaning to prevent the drainage system from becoming blocked by debris; otherwise, fl ooding can occur even during normal rainfall. In contrast, maintenance for SuDS schemes can be incorporated into the normal landscaping budget – permeable paving, for example, requires minimal maintenance.
Michael McIvor-New is permeable paving specialist at Tobermore
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
ADF JULY/AUGUST 2026
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