Drainage solutions – a recent case study
When it comes to the hard landscaping of any of our garden designs, sustainable drainage systems are crucial to the success of the garden – how it will work for our client and how it will look and last over the years.
The garden we are currently constructing is a good case study, as the garden is split on two levels and at the end of the patio there is a step up to the next level. As the design required a level paving area, it was important to install an ACO drainage channel along the length of the paving just before the step up. This will ensure that surface rainfall drains away efficiently from this area. With its chrome finish and slim line appearance, the drainage channel fits in well with the modern design of the garden.
Another step we took in the construction of the paving area, to promote good drainage, was to build in a standard fall away from the house – meaning the patio slopes very slightly down, away from the house. This will further enable water to drain easily away and into the drainage channel. The channel is in turn connected to two new soakaways, which we installed using Aquacell Eco crates.
Paving – Sawn Indian Sandstone
In previous blogs I have explored the subject of different paving options available on the market. This garden is of interest here too, as it is the first time a client has asked us to install sawn edged Indian Sandstone. As can be seen in the photos, the sawn edges, laid to a consistent 10ml joint, create a contemporary feel, whilst the colour ‘Buff Brown’ looks effective with its subtle tones. The Sandstone is sandblasted, creating a textured finish on the surface of the stone and adding slip resistance.
Softwood Sleeper Walls & Beds
What also works well in this garden is the use of softwood sleepers to create retaining walls and plant beds. By using sleepers with bevelled edges, we’ve created a softer look which compliments the subtle colours and feel of the Indian Sandstone paving. Next step will be to install more soil to level off the beds, ready for Alison’s planting design to take shape!
