Natural Aquifer Blocks

Smart, sustainable water management for the future

A natural solution for a pressing challenge

Hydrorock aquifer blocks offer a revolutionary way to manage water on-site using the power of nature.

The blocks are engineered from natural basalt rock spun into mineral wool and wrapped in a protective geo-filtration membrane, enabling them to mimic the behaviour of natural aquifers.

Lightweight, modular and easy to install, they’re a versatile solution for drainage systems of all sizes.

Hydrorock is already a proven solution in large-scale projects across Europe and central to urban resilience strategies like China and Singapore’s “Sponge Cities.”

As the exclusive fulfilment partner to Hydrorock UK and Ireland, we can now help you overcome significant challenges in water management, here in the UK.

Basalt
Wool
Block

Rapid absorption, intelligent release

Hydrorock absorbs water quickly – up to 950 litres per cubic metre – and holds it until the surrounding soil needs it.

This intelligent release system reduces runoff, aids infiltration and supports stable ground conditions. Unlike traditional crate-based solutions, Hydrorock integrates with the surrounding soil, helping manage compaction and mitigate flood risk through pressure-regulated flow.

Designed for on-site flexibility

Hydrorock’s modular design allows for fast, on-the-spot configuration adjustments, making it a resilient choice for unpredictable site conditions.

Our expert consultants work closely with you from design to installation, helping you tailor the system layout and achieve both compliance and performance goals on time and on budget.

Built to last - and support the environment

Hydrorock blocks are manufactured from natural, inert materials, providing exceptional durability and long-term performance. They are capable of withstanding heavy loads of up to 2,000 kg/m², making them suitable for use even beneath car parks.

Designed to maintain high performance over decades, these blocks do not require any environmentally harmful materials or treatments. This makes them an ideal solution for developments that need to meet sustainability targets or planning requirements without sacrificing reliability.

Natural
minerals

Withstand
heavy loads

Superior
longevity

Sustainable
material

Real-world cost savings

Hydrorock delivers financial, logistical and environmental advantages:

  • Lower materials cost

Typically 10% less than crate-based systems.

  • Faster installation 

Save up to 50% on labour and time thanks to minimal excavation and simple backfill.

  • Reduced vehicle movements

Lighter loads and smaller equipment needs mean lower transport and spoil-away costs.

  • Low-maintenance design

No system shutdowns required. Maintenance is easy, non-invasive and cost-effective.

  • Long lifespan
    With a 75-year life expectancy, performance is consistent from day one.

Proven performance, scalable to any project

Hydrorock systems are in place across diverse sectors and landscapes:

  • Blue and green roofs
  • Roadways and car parks
  • Commercial and residential sites
  • Infrastructure and civil engineering works

 

Whether you’re managing water on a rooftop or under a motorway, Hydrorock scales to suit the job.

Benefits of Hydrorock versus Plastic Crates

  • An innovative solution made from 100% natural mineral wool.

  • Hydrorock provides natural aquifers, managing surface water and creating storage wherever it’s needed.

  • Holds up to 94% of its volume in water—fully natural and entirely sustainable.

  • Lightweight, modular blocks that are simple to configure, handle, and install.

  • Designed for easy push-fit assembly into modules or scalable systems for attenuation, infiltration, and irrigation—ideal for both new builds and retrofit applications.

  • Requires less excavation compared to conventional drainage systems.

Key benefits
Plastic Crates
Gravel
Hydrorock Systems
Supports surrounding soil
Holds water (by/within itself)
Water held in suspension
Filters water (by/within itself)
Self-regulates discharge rate
Totally natural material
Behaves as a solid material with structural integrity
Unaffected by tree root penetration
Efficient infiltration - very low soil permeability
Used in irregular shapes spaces
Can be permanently left in the ground
Can be endlessly recycled
Recycled at no cost to owner
Attenuation open-pipe water release
Cannot suffer catastrophic collapse
Acts like a natural aquifer
Infiltrates through bottom and sides
Infiltrates by capillary action
Water rises internally by capillary action
Positive benefits
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