Cunette

Cunette

Cunette is a term used in landscape architecture and urban design to describe a narrow, linear drainage channel or gutter, typically constructed of stone or concrete, that is designed to collect and convey surface runoff water along the edges of streets, pathways, or other paved surfaces. The primary function of a cunette is to efficiently manage stormwater by directing it away from areas where it could cause damage or inconvenience, such as building foundations, pedestrian walkways, or vehicular traffic lanes. Cunettes are often incorporated into the overall drainage system of a site, working in conjunction with catch basins, storm drains, and other water management features to prevent flooding and erosion. The design of a cunette can vary depending on the specific requirements of the site, with factors such as the expected volume and velocity of runoff, the slope of the surrounding terrain, and the aesthetic preferences of the designer influencing the choice of materials, dimensions, and profile of the channel. In some cases, cunettes may also serve a secondary function as a visual or physical boundary between different zones of a landscape, such as separating a pedestrian area from a roadway or defining the edge of a garden bed

Drainage, stormwater management, urban design, landscape architecture, water conveyance, surface runoff

— John Armstrong