Welcome back return readers and to any new visitors! Here at Architerra, we have been designing and fabricating architectural elements like planters, retaining walls, edging, fire and water features, trellises, and other products for several years now.  I started Architerra to provide high quality and customizable landscape products that integrate with the landscape.  However, after success in our core products, our team struggled with how to make a meaningful impact on the health and function of landscapes.

Having grown up on the waters of Puget Sound and mesmerized by its beauty and awesomeness, I felt a responsibility to preserve it for future generations.  I began my career by earning a degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Washington, and spent the last 10 years as a landscape contractor specializing in complex projects as well as newer technologies such as green roofs, stormwater mitigation, gabions and metal features. 

As the team and I were exploring different options to create functional products we started to focus on stormwater.  Common onsite stormwater management solutions are; green roofs, permeable pavers, dispersion trenches, rain catchment, and bioretention planters.  Bioretention planters are commonly below grade rectilinear shaped concrete basins.  Already having the experience and knowledge of constructing large scale custom planters, commercial, and rooftop planters; we realized bioretention was the solution.  We decided the planters should be commercial grade, cost effective, and match different architecture styles.  They should also be fully customizable while still offering standard options.

Recuro bioretention planters are built from thick gauge steel and aluminum, heavy duty design and bracing, and can be placed just about anywhere on site.  They can be placed above grade, on structure or partially buried. 

There are many benefits to our product over standard cast concrete; which you will find in most residential and commercial landscapes. Concrete basins require a proportionally large footprint on urban lots. They can be difficult and costly to customize, and integrate with the surrounding architecture.  Our bioretention planters provide you with many options and arrive at your site fully finished and ready to be put to use.  Our hope is to provide our customers with the perfect stormwater management solution in one cost effective, simple to install, and attractive package.

Recuro is approved by Washington State Department of Ecology as a functional equivalent technology (approval letter) and is designed to meet City of Seattle design standards.  Recuro is available for purchase as a standalone planter with an optional full component package (piping, hardware, seals, and training) and filter media.  We deliver locally in the Pacific Northwest and ship LTL and full trucks nationwide.

Planters are available in modular sections for larger filter requirements or hard to reach places. These too, are available for on grade or on structure placement. They can be pedestal set with other manufacturers’ roof deck style pavers or with our leveling feet.  Modular sections allow for larger configurations than would otherwise be feasible.

Besides the ecological benefit, bioretention planters can be a pleasing landscape or architectural element.  We offer design and engineering services for designers and building stakeholders to ensure your stormwater management designs meet code and integrate with the architecture of your space.  Whether you are a homeowner, contractor, design firm, or municipal agency we would like the opportunity to discuss your project and stormwater management needs.