Hydrorock Sustainable Attenuation System

A high-performance water management system that delivers attenuation, infiltration and irrigation in one solution, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic soakaway crates.

Product Features

Provides attenuation, infiltration and irrigation in one system
Suitable for everything from gardens to highways
Sustainable alternative to plastic soakaway crates
Designed to support SuDS and nature-based solutions
Available in multiple densities for different load requirements
Flexible system for projects of all shapes and sizes
Name

Product Description

A smarter way to manage water below ground

Managing rainwater effectively is becoming more important, whether you are dealing with surface water in a garden or designing drainage for a large development.

Hydrorock offers a different approach. Instead of hollow plastic crates, it uses engineered stone wool blocks to store, filter and release water. The result is a system that works with water naturally, rather than simply storing it and moving it elsewhere.

Go beyond traditional soakaways

Standard plastic attenuation crates are designed to hold water temporarily, but they offer little in terms of filtration, irrigation or long-term environmental value.

Hydrorock is different. Its structure allows water to be stored, gradually released into the ground and retained where needed to support planting. This creates a more balanced approach to water management.

It can be used for

  • Attenuation to reduce peak flows
  • Infiltration to return water to the ground
  • Irrigation to support planting and green infrastructure

 

Built for flexibility across projects

No two sites are the same. That is why Hydrorock is available in a range of block types with varying densities and performance characteristics.

This means it can be configured for

  • Light-use areas such as domestic gardens and landscaped spaces
  • Areas with occasional foot traffic
  • Heavily trafficked zones such as roads and highways

Whether you are a homeowner installing a rain garden, or an engineer designing for a major scheme, the system can be tailored to meet your specific requirements.

 

Supports sustainable drainage and biodiversity

Hydrorock fits naturally into SuDS strategies and nature-based solutions.

By enabling infiltration and supporting planting, it helps create systems that do more than manage water. It contributes to healthier landscapes, more resilient urban environments and improved biodiversity outcomes.

This makes it particularly valuable for projects targeting sustainability goals or biodiversity net gain.

 

A lower impact alternative

Plastic attenuation crates are widely used, but they rely on fossil-based materials and typically serve a single purpose.

Hydrorock offers a more sustainable option. It reduces reliance on plastic while delivering additional functionality, helping you meet environmental targets without compromising on performance.

Additional Information

How it works

  • Rainwater enters the Hydrorock system from surface drainage
  • Water is stored within the open structure of the blocks
  • It is gradually released into the ground or used to support planting
  • Peak flows are reduced, helping prevent downstream flooding

Why choose Hydrorock over plastic crates

More than storage
Hydrorock stores, filters and supports water use, rather than simply holding it temporarily

Supports living systems
Works alongside planting and biodiversity rather than separating water from the landscape

Flexible performance
Can be configured for different loads, from gardens to highways

Lower environmental impact
Reduces reliance on plastic while supporting sustainable drainage strategies

Applications

  • Domestic rain gardens and water management schemes
  • Soakaways for residential properties
  • Commercial landscaping and public realm projects
  • Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS)
  • Road and highway drainage infrastructure
  • Developments requiring attenuation and infiltration solutions

Specification

Configuration options

Hydrorock is available in a range of block types to suit project needs

  • Lower density blocks for landscaped and lightly loaded areas
  • Higher density options for trafficked surfaces and structural applications
  • Configurations tailored to required storage capacity and load-bearing performance

Installation

  • Installed below ground as part of a SuDS or drainage design
  • Can be combined with rain gardens, permeable surfaces or planting schemes
  • Designed to fit a wide range of site layouts and constraints
  • Typically specified and installed as part of a wider drainage system

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hydrorock used for?

It is used for water attenuation, infiltration and irrigation within SuDS and drainage systems.

Is it a direct replacement for soakaway crates?

Yes. It can be used instead of traditional plastic crates, offering additional benefits such as filtration and water retention for planting.

Can it be used in domestic projects?

Absolutely. It is suitable for homeowners creating rain gardens or managing drainage issues on their property.

Is it strong enough for trafficked areas?

Yes. Different block densities allow it to be used in applications ranging from gardens to highways.

Do I need a specialist to install it?

For larger or structural applications, design and installation should be carried out by professionals. For smaller garden projects, it can form part of a broader rain garden or drainage solution.