Innovative Eco House Design saves rainwater with StormBank^TM

For two pioneering eco houses being built in drought-hit South London, rainwater harvesting is a top priority. A showcase site for the Save the Rain^TM campaign, the Landells Road houses use Hydro’s StormBank^TM rainwater recycling system to provide water for toilets and external use (eg. cars and gardening) to save water resources and reduce utility bills.

Owner and developer, Bill Bradley explained:” It’s everyone’s responsibility to use precious water resources carefully, as anyone living in the South of England this summer can testify. I believe that we all need to do what we can to save rain so, when developing these houses, I installed rainwater harvesting as well as energy efficiencies and other sustainable aspects into the house design.”

The two detached 4 bed houses are located on an infill brownfield site surrounded by Victorian properties in Dulwich, SE London. Site Manager for the developing company Talisman Manufacturing, Paul Smith, explains: “The rainwater is collected from the green roofs which are planted with sedum for insulation and to be CO2 friendly. Via the filtration layers built into the roofs, the rainwater is collected in the StormBank tanks, and pumped on demand for the non-potable uses. We chose the StormBank^TM system as we found Hydro particularly responsive to our eco-requirements and unfazed by our need for practical information. Also, it was a very easy system to install. ”

“The StormBank^TM™ tanks, with integral pumps and filters, are sited under the courtyards of the two houses. They were installed as the foundation work for the houses was completed, so that the necessary pipework for the stormwater drainage inflow and the outlet to the specially marked rainwater pipes in the house could be put in place before we built the houses,” explained Smith.

Hydro International’s StormBank^TM rainwater harvesting system collects rainfall from roofs, passes it through the system’s stainless steel filter and delivers it to the building clean and free from particulate matter. StormBankTM incorporates the highest quality tank and filter technology, providing water that is suitable for toilet flushing, vehicle washing and the garden.

The StormBank^TM Domestic and Industrial systems are available in a choice of tank sizes designed for homes and businesses depending on the scale of the project and the projected usage rates. Each is available with high strength vehicle loading covers, for convenient installation under driveways, paths or gardens.

The StormBank^TM Domestic system is designed for easy installation and maintenance for homeowners. The StormBank^TM Industrial system is ideal for larger applications and includes a second pump for delivery at high demand rates.

StormBank^TM storage tanks are made of rotomoulded polyethylene with no seams or weak points and therefore provide excellent strength and stability. The tank can be installed using sand or gravel for backfill, drastically reducing the time spent on site during the installation. For added ease of installation, the filter, inlet and overflow are supplied pre-fitted.

Technical Note:

The building design is by Hampson Williams Architects and other low ecological impact features of the development at Landells Road include the paralam timber frame construction which was bolted to metal fastening points cast into the foundation slab. This type of construction was employed to reduce any loading effect on the adjacent buildings and garden walls. The timber frame is completed with high grade insulation infill and a cedar clad exterior.

In addition, about 50% of the envelope is glazed in order to maximise the use of daylight and solar gain but, to avoid overlooking the neighbours, the glazed aspects are centred on the courtyards, and some of the roof is also glazed. In accordance with Southwark planners requirements, the scale of the houses is modest, and the form broken up to avoid large blank elements to its appearance. As well as the sedum roofs, extensive planting will maintain the garden appearance.

If you would like any further information on StormBank^TM or any of Hydro International’s stormwater, wastewater and sewage treatment systems, please call 0800 269371. Alternatively, for information on rainwater saving, visit www.savetherain.info, or call 01275 337977.

Hydro International, which has offices in the UK, USA and Ireland, provides cost effective solutions for controlling the quantity and improving the quality of water with minimal maintenance. Hydro products have won international awards for outstanding contributions and technical innovation in the water industry. Hydro operates in the water and wastewater sector and the stormwater sector for the construction industry and, through its acquisition of the Vexamus Water Ltd in 2005, offers an enhanced coverage of treatment solutions to the municipal sector.

For further technical support, please contact: Catrin Lilly on Tel: 01275 878371, Fax: 01275 874979, e-mail: enquiries@hydro-international.co.uk or www.hydro-international.biz