Sustainable Drainage for Heritage Sites
We recently partnered up with Reclaim the Rain on a project across two historic churches in Suffolk, installing rainwater solutions designed to work with each site.
The 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
Reclaim the Rain are doing important work across Norfolk and Suffolk, helping communities reduce flood risk, improve water resilience, and 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).
When they 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.
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 two churches.
Each solution was chosen to suit the specific site - whether that meant prioritising storm mitigation, maximising storage, or supporting biodiversity.
In need of effective sustainable drainage at your site? Get in touch
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.
