Bohunt School Drainage & Landscaping Improvements, Horsham West Sussex

Phase 1: Drainage Installation & Surface Restoration

The first phase focused on addressing surface water management and improving the drainage system around the school’s play equipment and pond area.

• Excavation & Trenching:
  A 75-metre trench was excavated from the puddling area surrounding the play equipment down to the man-made pond. The trench was designed with a fall of approximately 10 mm per metre to ensure a consistent water flow.
• Pipework Installation:
  A 150 mm twin-wall perforated pipe was laid within the trench, before being backfilled with shingle to encourage water dispersion. The system was then topped with Type 3 aggregate and re-covered with wood chip to restore the play surface and maintain usability.

Phase 2: Paving & Sub-Base Construction

The second phase concentrated on upgrading paved surfaces and ensuring durability for both pedestrian and vehicle use.

• Excavation & Sub-Base Preparation:
  Grass areas were excavated to create space for new paved pathways. A fully permeable sub-base was installed over a vehicular-grade membrane, ensuring longevity and structural integrity.
• Laying Paving:
  A screed layer of permeable grit was applied, followed by carefully selected paving to match the existing surfaces as closely as possible, maintaining consistency across the school grounds.

Phase 3: Landscaping, Drainage & Surfacing Works

The final phase delivered large-scale landscaping improvements and the installation of durable surfaces for long-term use.

• Flower Bed Excavation & Preparation:
  A total of 817 m² of flower bed areas were excavated at the main school, along with an additional 126 m² at the primary school. All waste material was removed from site to maintain a clean working environment.
• Drainage & Sub-Base:
  A geotextile membrane was laid across the areas, followed by a 6F2 crushed concrete layer, with provision made for additional drainage as required. Three new shrub beds were created within the primary school grounds.
• Final Surfacing:
  The sub-base was finished with a primary grade Type 1 aggregate. Two hand-laid asphalt layers were then applied:
  AC20 dense binder at 50 mm
  AC6 dense binder at 25 mm

This combination provided a robust, smooth, and long-lasting finish, suitable for the high footfall areas within the school grounds.

Outcome

The project delivered a fully integrated drainage and landscaping solution across Bohunt School’s main and primary campuses. The works have significantly improved surface water management, enhanced durability of paved and landscaped areas, and created a more functional and visually appealing environment for pupils and staff.