Coffee Drive Thru
Project Details
Sector: Commercial
Location: Cardiff
Date: November 2022
Situation
The development of a Coffee drive-thru in Cardiff needed to comply with the Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) Approval Body (SAB) requirements. The site faced a significant challenge: limited space for traditional green infrastructure due to the building footprint, parking spaces, and drive-thru access. The developers required a compact yet effective solution for managing stormwater runoff.
Task
The goal was to design and implement a sustainable drainage system capable of capturing, attenuating, and treating roof runoff from the site. The solution also needed to align with environmental and aesthetic goals, such as increasing biodiversity and enhancing the site’s visual appeal.
Action
Two Large SuDSPlanter® units were chosen to address these challenges. These units, made with durable and sustainable materials, were installed near the drive-thru ordering window to optimise site usability and aesthetics.
By redirecting roof runoff into the planters, the system filtered pollutants, provided temporary water storage, and gradually released water, reducing stress on drainage systems. The SuDSPlanter® units were pre-filled with layers of filtration media and plants, tailored for biodiversity and stormwater management.
Result
The SuDSPlanter® units successfully met SAB requirements, providing an efficient and compact drainage solution. They not only managed roof runoff effectively but also added greenery and biodiversity to an otherwise impermeable urban site.
The solution demonstrated how SuDSPlanter® could integrate functionality with ecological and aesthetic benefits, further supporting Costa Coffee’s commitment to sustainable development.
Supporting Insights from SuDSPlanter®
- SuDSPlanter® units are designed for urban environments where space is constrained, offering stormwater management, pollution filtration, and biodiversity enhancements.
- The Cardiff installation reflects a broader trend toward sustainable urban drainage, combating challenges like urban flooding and runoff pollution.
- The units are constructed with materials that are 100% recyclable, underlining their role in promoting circular economy principles.


Coffee Drive Thru

Project Details
Sector: Commercial
Location: Cardiff
Date: November 2022
Situation
The development of a Coffee drive-thru in Cardiff needed to comply with the Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) Approval Body (SAB) requirements. The site faced a significant challenge: limited space for traditional green infrastructure due to the building footprint, parking spaces, and drive-thru access. The developers required a compact yet effective solution for managing stormwater runoff.
Task
The goal was to design and implement a sustainable drainage system capable of capturing, attenuating, and treating roof runoff from the site. The solution also needed to align with environmental and aesthetic goals, such as increasing biodiversity and enhancing the site’s visual appeal.
Action
Two Large SuDSPlanter® units were chosen to address these challenges. These units, made with durable and sustainable materials, were installed near the drive-thru ordering window to optimise site usability and aesthetics.
By redirecting roof runoff into the planters, the system filtered pollutants, provided temporary water storage, and gradually released water, reducing stress on drainage systems. The SuDSPlanter® units were pre-filled with layers of filtration media and plants, tailored for biodiversity and stormwater management.

Result
The SuDSPlanter® units successfully met SAB requirements, providing an efficient and compact drainage solution. They not only managed roof runoff effectively but also added greenery and biodiversity to an otherwise impermeable urban site.
The solution demonstrated how SuDSPlanter® could integrate functionality with ecological and aesthetic benefits, further supporting Costa Coffee’s commitment to sustainable development.
Supporting Insights from SuDSPlanter®
- SuDSPlanter® units are designed for urban environments where space is constrained, offering stormwater management, pollution filtration, and biodiversity enhancements.
- The Cardiff installation reflects a broader trend toward sustainable urban drainage, combating challenges like urban flooding and runoff pollution.
- The units are constructed with materials that are 100% recyclable, underlining their role in promoting circular economy principles.
Recent Commercial Case Studies
Coffee Drive Thru
Solar Panel Carport at Innovation House
Surrey County Council
The Flood and Climate Resilience team identified a need to reduce downstream flood risk by managing roof water runoff and slowing its flow into surrounding sewer systems. Beyond flood mitigation, the project aimed to add recreational value and encourage employee engagement through innovative design and planting.
More questions?
Why not drop us an email if you have any further questions or require any more information.

More Questions?
Why not drop us an email if you have any further questions or require any more information.