Animating Outdoors with Public Water Features from Waterco

Animated water gardens on the River Thames Riverlight (London, UK)
"Being such an important and exclusive development - and iconic location - the equipment had to be of the highest quality and that's why Waterco was our preferred choice."

Consistently high-quality water required for luxury London redevelopment.
Quality assured mechanical and biological filtration solutions.
Chlorine-free system eliminates intrusive chemical odours.

Setting: The future of London riverfront living

Described as an "architectural classic of the future," Riverlight consists of 806 apartments housed in six pavilions located directly on the riverfront in the heart of the new Nine Elms development on London's South Bank. Designed by world-renowned architects Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, the mixed-use concept incorporates a river walk - slightly raised to allow views over the river wall to the Thames - and sophisticated network of water gardens.

Public water features from Waterco

Challenge: Animating outdoor areas with public water features

With roughly 60 per cent of the £200 million scheme designated as public open space, the landscaping needed to have its own distinct character and attract visitors by animating outdoor areas with a series of water features.

There are 11 water installations integrated within the beautifully landscaped gardens and children's play area, including three lagoons (two containing natural pond life), two fountain water features comprising of five high clear stream jets, two reflection pools, one three-tier step cascades with waterfall, and three additional waterwalls.

Being such an important and exclusive development - and iconic location - the equipment had to be of the highest quality and that's why Waterco was the preferred choice for Nick Roberts, managing director of Fountains Direct.

"One of the biggest challenges that we face as a designer of water features is to deal with the possibility of silt build-up along with windblown debris entering the water features from trees and the surrounding landscaping," he explains. "This debris can enter the water features which then needs to be removed through filtration to ensure that they remain clean at all times. This is done by a series of pre-filtration systems called 'sack filters' along with the main filtration systems comprising of the Waterco Micron Commercial range."

Correct purification is also extremely important to ensure that the public do not become ill through water borne diseases, as well as ensuring that the water looks crystal clear at all times.

"We have been exclusively using Waterco for water treatment equipment for a number of years now and that coupled with the fact that its equipment has been manufactured and supplied for over 30 years all over the world, in many different applications, meant that we had full confidence in both the supply, product quality, and service."

Outdoor landscapes from Waterco

Solution: Waterco's enduring quality, proven track record and superior performance

Water plays a major role in the design of Riverlight's outdoor landscape, with the various waterfalls and water features seamlessly integrating public and private areas.

Housed in two separate plant rooms, this ambitious water project is maintained by the following combination of Waterco filtration and sanitisation solutions:

5 x SMDD750 Micron Commercial Filters.
2 x SMD1800 Micron Commercial Filters.
15 x Hydrostar Commercial Pumps.
4 x BH5000 Cast Iron Commercial Pumps.
5 x Lacron Pond Master 36" bead filters.
5 x MultiCyclone 16 Centrifugal filtration units.
2 x Hydroxypure Deluxe 100 chlorine free sanitisation systems.

"The installations were broken up into five main systems and it was a vital requirement of the specification that the water quality was of the highest clarity," Nick explains. "The Pond Master bead filters were installed on the natural life lagoons where both mechanical and biological filtration was required."

Waterco's Hydroxypure chlorine-free sanitisation system was chosen for the two naturally treated lagoons, ensuring the water remains crystal clear at all times.

"The media used in the commercial filters include Waterco's Ecopure glass media and Bio-Mec bead media for the bead filters," explains Nick. "This media is perfectly suited for this installation and produces great results with easy backwashing and reduction of water usage."

Conclusion: Al fresco aquatic spaces to relax in and enjoy

Interactive sculptures, landscaped play features, walking trails, water gardens and light-filled open spaces - no wonder Riverlight is considered one of the UK's largest and most exciting regeneration initiatives.

"When we were asked to be involved in such a prestigious project, we were more than delighted," says Waterco Europe CEO Tony Fisher. "The water features designed and installed by Fountains Direct are an integral part of the Riverlight development, and Waterco's extensive range of filtration and sanitisation solutions help bring the architect's vision to life."

Riverlight
www.fountains-direct.co.uk
www.waterco.com