Role: Landscape Architect and SUDS Designer

​

Clients: Robert Bray Associates/Anne Thorne Architects

 

An exciting Passivhaus co-housing project  based around a historic mill, Colchester, Essex.

 

As the catchment was prone to flooding, runoff was to be controlled to a very low '1:1 year' flow rate. This planning  requirement lead to a landscape that held back rainwater wherever possible - including on blue roofs. Such an extensive distribution of 'source control' SuDS elements creates character, and in addition it has protected the historic central millpond from having to 'work' as a  rainwater storage feature - instead it was allowed to remain as a biodiverse, beautifully calm centrepiece. 

​

The SuDS scheme was designed to function passively, and with simplicity, in order to enable community management, maintenance and participation in the landscape.

​

This from the Cannock Mill Cohousing Facebook page:

​

We appreciate the benefits of this professionally designed and executed scheme for managing flood risk and protecting our site, which is well-drained with intentional damp or bog garden areas. Water collects only where designed with no big puddles or muddy areas. The Mill Pond has clean rainwater flowing into it - very beneficial and ecological: we already have a moorhen family and a heron.