Sustainable Drainage for Heritage Sites
We helped slow the flow at three Suffolk church sites with optimised rainwater management.
Find out about our collaboration with Reclaim the Rain.
Reclaim the Rain are doing important work across Norfolk and Suffolk, helping communities:
- reduce flood risk
- improve water resilience
- rethink how water is managed day to day
Their work has been recognised nationally as one of 25 successful projects funded through Defra’s Flood and Coastal Resilience Innovation Programme (FCRIP).
This rainwater capture project tied in perfectly to their overall goals.
In need of effective sustainable drainage at your site? Get in touch
The project goal?
The aim was to capture, slow, or store rainwater in the places where it would make the biggest difference, while respecting the character and importance of these much-loved community buildings.
The challenge we faced
When Reclaim the Rain approached us, it was clear that each church came with its own set of challenges:
- Different roof sizes.
- Different drainage layouts.
- Different priorities when it came to aesthetics, biodiversity, and protection during heavy rainfall.
What they shared, though, was a common question:
With so many rainwater products available, all with different costs, performance claims, and features, how do you know which solution is actually right for each site?
Our approach
We started with data.
Using our optimisation modelling and specialist expertise, we looked at how rainwater behaves across each site: where it falls, where it flows, and where pressure builds during heavy downpours.
To ensure the right device is in the right place, we identify the roof area the intervention will be connected to.
Our solution agnostic approach allowed us to identify:
- what each church needed to achieve
- where rainwater could be most effectively managed
- which interventions would deliver the greatest benefit over time
The solution
Based on the modelling results, we designed and installed a set of tailored rainwater interventions across the three churches.
To choose the best device for the job, we evaluate all interventions, demonstrated by this graph.
Each solution was chosen to suit the specific site - whether that meant prioritising storm mitigation, maximising storage, or supporting biodiversity.
The impact
The project delivered long-term benefits for both the buildings and the wider community:
- Reduced pressure on ageing drainage systems
- Smarter management of heavy rainfall during intense storms
- Improved resilience for important community and heritage spaces
- A more sustainable, practical approach to everyday water challenges
Just as importantly, the project supports Reclaim the Rain’s wider goal of showing how data-led, place-specific solutions can help shape better thinking around water resilience and future policy.
Create a more flood-prepared future for your site.
What our partner said
"We would be happy to recommend Our Rainwater to others seeking practical and evidence-based rainwater management solutions and those who want to prioritise community engagement."
Our Rainwater demonstrated a high level of professionalism throughout the process. Their communication was clear, and they were responsive to feedback and questions. The modelling and analysis they provided was of excellent quality and well presented.
We’ve also had a positive experience working with the communications team, who have been collaborative and kept us well informed about their plans for sharing information about the project online..."
What’s next?
The approach used here provides a strong, repeatable model for other heritage sites, community buildings, and organisations looking to manage rainwater more intelligently, without compromising on character, cost, or performance.
