HUNDRED YEAR STORM GARDEN
Hundred year storm is shorthand for an extreme rain event that has a one-percent chance of occurring in a given year. In New York City, it refers to a storm that drops approximately 3.5 inches of rain in a single hour. These likelihood of these intense storm events are increasing every year.
Functionality and beauty in equal measure was the brief for this back garden in Astoria, Queens where persistent flooding was causing more concern than relaxation.
In that spirit, our approach utilized bluestone paving, ornamental gravel and structured plantings to conceal a network of catchment basin tied into drywells and thoughtfully place french drains for redirecting and capturing stormwater resulting in a clean, modern haven for family gathering, play and lounging.
20,000 GALLONS
DIVERTED PER YEAR
OUTFALL: EAST RIVER (RFK TO WHITESTONE)
PHOTOS COURTESY OF JAKE SALYERS