Now more than ever before, landscape professionals are being challenged to rethink how outdoor spaces are designed and maintained. Much of this pressure stems from the frequency and intensity of weather events that continue to dominate our news feeds, forcing clients to contend with everything from heavy rainfall and site flooding to prolonged periods of drought conditions. These weather-related concerns make it increasingly important to consider how landscaping strategies can contribute to a project’s overall performance and resiliency.
This is where Low Impact Development (LID) strategies come into play.
Underground water containment systems address site drainage needs
LID is a nature-based approach that works best when it follows a few simple but powerful principles to help manage water closer to where it falls. For example, underground water containment systems are one solution that can help landscape professionals put LID into practice. A modular, stackable, underground water containment system like Rainstore3 from Invisible Structures can capture stormwater for temporary storage and safe infiltration over time while allowing the surface area to remain functional. In some cases, it also creates an opportunity for water reuse. This system can be incorporated into a range of applications, from multifamily properties and commercial developments to municipal parks, athletic fields and outdoor event spaces.
Because Rainstore3 is installed underground, it allows landscape professionals to address project drainage needs without dedicating valuable surface area to visible stormwater infrastructure. Its modular design provides flexibility when it comes to system layouts and depths, making it truly adaptable to a variety of site conditions. So instead of dedicating above-ground areas to water management features, the project site can remain available for planting areas, gathering spaces, recreational uses and other outdoor amenities that clients value (and actually want to look at).
Don’t overlook what’s below the surface
Installing a subsurface solution like Rainstore3 ultimately gives landscape professionals another tool to help solve drainage issues that might otherwise limit a project’s potential. And rather than treating stormwater management as a separate project requirement, it can become part of the integrated LID landscape design that supports long-term performance without compromising the function or aesthetics of the site.
To learn more about putting LID strategies into practice, landscape planners and architects are invited to participate in Invisible Structures’ continuing education presentations.