What is a rainwater fence?

A rainwater fence is a property boundary that also serves as a storage system for collected rainwater. Instead of being made entirely from wood, metal or other conventional fencing materials, water storage elements are integrated into the structure.

The principle is simple: rainwater, for example from a roof, is directed through a downpipe into a storage system. There, it is collected and stored for later use, such as watering the garden or other suitable applications.

Unlike a conventional water butt, the storage tank is not positioned separately in the garden. Instead, it becomes part of a wall or fence structure.

There are several possible design approaches. A rainwater fence can form a suitably secured section of a property boundary or be combined with traditional fence panels.

The important consideration is that the structure meets the requirements for both safe rainwater storage and secure installation.

Why use a garden boundary for rainwater storage?

In many gardens, the available space is carefully planned. Terraces, lawns, flower beds, seating areas and pathways should all fit together harmoniously.

This often leaves little room for larger water storage tanks.

A rainwater wall makes use of the length of an existing or planned property boundary, adding another function without requiring a separate storage tank elsewhere in the garden.

Less space required for rainwater storage

A conventional water tank with a capacity of 1,000 litres can require a considerable amount of space. Especially in narrow gardens behind terraced houses, finding a suitable location for such a tank is not always easy.

A slim rainwater wall distributes the storage volume across a greater width while maintaining a relatively shallow depth.

Collect rainwater for dry days

Rainwater collected during wetter periods can later be used to water flowers, shrubs, trees and vegetable beds.

This can help reduce the amount of mains drinking water used for garden maintenance. The quantity of rainwater actually available depends on factors such as the connected roof area, rainfall and individual water consumption.

Combine functionality with garden design

A rainwater wall does not have to look like a conventional water tank.

With its uniform surface structure and the possibility of integration into existing garden designs, it can become a visible architectural feature.

This combination offers interesting possibilities, particularly for contemporary gardens, clean lines and minimalist architecture.

Wooden fence or rainwater fence: What are the differences?

A traditional wooden garden fence and a rainwater fence do not perform exactly the same functions.

A wooden fence primarily provides a boundary, privacy and visual appeal. A rainwater fence adds the ability to store water.

Which solution is right for you depends on your individual requirements.

If you simply need an affordable privacy screen, a traditional fence may be a suitable option. However, if you also want to store larger quantities of rainwater, an integrated rainwater wall is worth considering.

The two concepts are not mutually exclusive. Combining wooden fencing with a rainwater storage system can also be a practical solution.

1,000 litres of rainwater storage with a depth of just 30 cm

How much rainwater can actually be stored in a wall like this?

The HARVES Rainwater Wall is a modular storage system developed for space-efficient rainwater harvesting.

This allows a considerable amount of water to be stored within a relatively slim structure.

The key difference compared with many conventional water tanks lies in its shape. Instead of concentrating the volume in a round or cube-shaped tank, the water is distributed across a wide, flat wall element.

This creates new possibilities for property boundaries, house walls, garages and other suitable outdoor areas.

How long will 1,000 litres of rainwater last?

Actual water consumption depends on the size of the garden, the plants, weather conditions and the watering method used.

The following examples provide a general indication:

These examples are purely theoretical calculations and assume a completely full tank with the entire water volume available for use.

Nevertheless, they demonstrate that even a single module can provide a valuable reserve of water for garden maintenance.

Particularly useful for small gardens and terraced houses

In urban residential areas, limited space is often one of the biggest challenges when designing a garden.

Terraced houses frequently have narrow gardens with clearly defined property boundaries. The available space needs to be used efficiently without making the garden feel overcrowded.

A rainwater wall can offer an interesting alternative to a large, freestanding water tank.

For example, a module could be positioned along an existing solid garden wall or incorporated into the design of a new property boundary.

Combining the system with other materials is also possible. Wood, metal, planting and rainwater storage can be coordinated to create a harmonious overall appearance.

However, the actual module dimensions should be considered early in the planning process. The HARVES Rainwater Wall is 175 cm high and 225 cm wide. Not every existing fence structure can therefore be replaced without modifications.

Especially when planning a complete garden redesign, it makes sense to consider rainwater storage from the very beginning.

How does the HARVES Rainwater Wall work?

The HARVES Rainwater Wall was developed as a modular system for collecting and storing rainwater.

Water enters the storage module through a suitable inlet. An integrated filter helps prevent larger debris from entering the tank.

The collected rainwater can then be accessed through the designated connections and used, for example, for garden irrigation.

Connecting multiple modules

One of the system's key advantages is its modular design.

Individual storage modules can be connected using appropriate fittings, allowing them to operate together as one larger storage system.

This makes it possible to expand the available capacity step by step.

For private gardens, even one module may be sufficient. Larger properties or gardens with greater irrigation requirements can benefit from multiple units.

The most suitable capacity should be determined by the available space, the connected roof area and the expected water consumption.

What should you consider when installing a rainwater fence?

Although a rainwater wall may look similar to a conventional fence panel, there is one important difference: it carries the weight of the stored water.

A load-bearing foundation and secure fixing

The rainwater wall requires a level, sufficiently load-bearing surface and a suitable fixing system.

The HARVES Rainwater Wall is designed for installation against a suitable wall or as a freestanding unit with appropriately engineered support.

If the system is to form part of a property boundary, the structure must also be designed to accommodate wind loads and local site conditions.

A conventional fence post or basic garden fence is not automatically suitable as a load-bearing support.

Connecting to the rainwater downpipe

Before installation, it is important to determine how rainwater will be directed from the roof into the storage system.

In addition to the inlet, a suitable overflow arrangement is required. Once the maximum storage capacity is reached, excess rainwater must be able to drain away in a controlled manner.

Depending on the property, this water may be directed towards an appropriate infiltration system.

Maintenance and cleaning

Like any rainwater storage system, a rainwater wall requires occasional maintenance.

This includes regularly checking the inlet filter, inspecting the connections and cleaning components when necessary.

These measures help maintain the long-term functionality of the system.

Local building regulations and rainwater drainage requirements should also be considered during planning and installation.

How much does a rainwater fence cost?

The cost of a rainwater fence depends on how the system will be installed and used.

Installing a module against an existing suitable wall may involve different structural requirements from building an entirely new freestanding property boundary.

The main cost factors include:

• Number of storage modules required
• Type of fixing and supporting structure
• Preparation of the foundation
• Connection to the rainwater drainage system
• Design of adjoining fence sections
• Any necessary installation work

A direct price comparison with a conventional wooden fence therefore does not tell the whole story.

A rainwater fence provides an additional storage function. With a traditional fence, a separate rainwater storage system would be required to achieve the same purpose.

The important consideration is therefore not only the price per linear metre, but also the functions included in the overall investment.

Is a rainwater wall a sustainable solution?

Collecting rainwater where it falls can be a useful part of a more sustainable garden design.

Using stored rainwater for irrigation can reduce the amount of treated drinking water required for garden maintenance.

At the same time, the system makes it possible to temporarily store rainfall and use it when needed.

The HARVES Rainwater Wall is made from UV-stabilised polyethylene and is designed for outdoor use. The material used is recyclable in principle.

However, the overall environmental impact of the system also depends on its service life, manufacturing process, transport and the amount of rainwater actually reused.

A well-planned combination of rainwater storage, water-efficient irrigation and suitable infiltration areas can therefore be particularly beneficial.

HARVES Rainwater Wall: Making rainwater storage part of your garden design

A water butt does not necessarily have to stand beside the house. And a property boundary does not have to serve only as a privacy screen.

With the HARVES Rainwater Wall, both functions can be combined within a thoughtfully designed garden.

The system provides approximately 1,000 litres of storage capacity per module with a depth of just 30 cm.

Thanks to its modular design, rainwater storage can be adapted to different property sizes and requirements.

This creates interesting new possibilities, particularly for modern gardens, terraced houses and outdoor areas where space-efficient solutions are needed.

If you are planning a new garden or considering replacing your existing boundary fence, it is worth including rainwater harvesting in your plans.

Because sometimes, the best place to create additional rainwater storage is exactly where a wall or fence was already planned.

Frequently asked questions about rainwater fences