During heavy rainfall, water flows off Clandeboye Primary school’s roof and playground and can flood neighbouring residential areas. Drawing inspiration from the natural environment and children’s love of play, we designed a rainwater garden consisting of ponds, cascades and bog gardens to collect and store storm water before slowly releasing it, reducing local flood risk.
Clandeboye Rainwater Garden is the first project of its kind to be completed on the Education Authority’s property in Northern Ireland. Our passionate advocacy of the scheme and rigorous application of industry best practice safety guidelines persuaded the initially reluctant Education Authority to approve it. Material excavated from the ponds was reused to create play mounds and a slide, while tree stumps were re-purposed to form stepping stones and seats.
Teachers at the school believe the opportunity for explorative outdoor play and interaction with the outdoors has led to fewer playground accidents and behavioural incidents. Through the project, AECOM led decision makers to learn more about the multiple benefits of sustainable drainage, which inspired other similar projects across the country.