Drainage in Australian Outdoor Living Spaces

Outdoor living areas can significantly improve the usability and comfort of a home or development. This includes everything from small balconies in medium- or high-density housing to spacious patios with pools in premium residential projects.

The Value of Outdoor Living in Australia
Australian architects excel at designing outdoor spaces that complement the local lifestyle, maximising natural light, airflow and views while creating spaces for leisure and social activities.

However, protecting both the outdoor space and the building from surface water and external moisture is a critical design consideration. Efficient drainage safeguards occupant safety, prevents property damage, and supports compliance with National Construction Code (NCC) Volume One – Performance Requirements FP1.4 and FP1.7, which address surface water management and dampness control.

Balconies in Medium- and High-Density Developments
Balconies often act as private outdoor spaces in medium- and high-density housing. Allproof offers a range of drainage solutions that meet Australian Standards while maintaining visual appeal in compact spaces:

• Tile Jacks can be installed above the waterproofing layer to create level thresholds.
• Balcony Dome and Overflow Drains provide safe water removal, or an Allthrough System can be selected for downpipe-connected balcony drainage.
• Soffit Covers minimise the visual impact of overflow penetrations on the balcony below.
• Stainless Steel Overflow Grates include integrated cowl covers to prevent accidental activation when neighbours wash balconies or water plants, as water can flow through tile spacings into an open overflow outlet.

Accessible Indoor–Outdoor Flow
Accessibility and step-free transitions are key design goals for many Australian homes, especially in ageing-in-place and adaptable housing projects. Level thresholds provide:

• Smooth transitions between internal and external areas.
• Better accessibility and mobility outcomes (refer AS 1428.1).
• Protection from surface water entry.

For paved or concrete finishes, a threshold drainage channel designed to meet NCC Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions and AS 3996 (Access Covers and Grates) provides an efficient solution.
Allproof’s Level Threshold Systems are available off-the-shelf or custom-made, with options including R11 slip-resistant wedge wire grates (AS 4586) or tile insert grates for a seamless aesthetic.

Surface Water Management
Managing surface water is critical to prevent accidents, property damage, and non-compliance with the NCC. Allproof offers multiple solutions to meet performance and aesthetic needs:

• Slot Drains (galvanised or stainless steel) attach to Allproof’s polymer concrete and domestic channel systems (made from 100% recycled plastic).
• A continuous 15 mm slot enables concrete or pavers to be laid right up to the edge, leaving only a minimal visual break (or hiding the slot entirely between pavers).

Slot drains terminate at a tile insert sump, providing maintenance access and sediment collection. For outdoor showers, kitchens or centralised drainage points, Allproof’s Storm Series and tile insert pits provide reliable performance.

Partnering with Allproof
Engaging Allproof early in the design process ensures drainage solutions are selected to meet NCC requirements, Australian Standards, and aesthetic preferences.
Allproof products are manufactured from durable materials, designed for performance and compliance, and made to integrate seamlessly into outdoor living environments.