Creating sustainable homes is rapidly becoming central to design and architectural considerations as we continue to integrate new and innovative ways to minimise our impact on the environment. Permeable paving is a pavement system comprising purpose-designed paving units and specially graded base materials to allow water to move freely through the base or be stored within the pavement.
Whether you are starting a new build or simply renovating, sustainable design can be implemented at any phase of a project. From planning the homes’ orientation, choosing green wall solutions in the early phases, installing new paving or a water tank later, anyone can create an eco-friendly home or space that best suits them.
“The benefits of using permeable paving such as Adbri Masonry’s Turfgrid are endless, and it’s a landscape design solution that should be utilised more,” Adbri Masonry ambassador and landscaping expert Jason Hodges says.
Often, when thinking of designing an eco-friendly home, people focus on the interior elements or structural and architectural concerns. However, landscaping solutions are also a great option when looking to integrate innovative green systems. Eco-friendly landscaping designs can double up as aesthetic and functional spaces that can be created to complement the look and feel of the entire home.
To design a stylish and sustainable backyard space, a key tip is to focus on colour, texture and pattern when selecting materials. A key material in the outdoor and landscaping market is permeable paving which can greatly enhance the curb appeal of a home and create functional and lovely garden paths, walkways and driveways.
“There are numerous reasons why homeowners are looking to create sustainable homes. The most common reason is for better energy consumption, meaning lower running costs and more money in your back pocket. Other drawcards include a desire to reduce the environmental footprint and increased property values, with sustainable homes often having a higher resale price,” Jason says.
“Available in a charcoal colour, Turfgrid is ideal for a darker theme. Think textured charcoal design elements and pavers, perfect for creating either a moody aesthetic or recreating a Balinese-like garden.
“Include a collection of greens or reds through the planting scheme to add a pop of colour and interest to the outdoor space, completing the look.”
As more land is developed and covered with impervious surfaces, stormwater and river systems are under increasing pressure to manage the high volumes of surface run-off which enters them. This increases the potential for downstream flooding and erosion.
As an alternative to conventional paving, permeable paving systems also encourage water to infiltrate through the pavement surface and substructure to the ground below, easing the pressure on these already overburdened systems.
“Not only does it function as a usable design element, but permeable paving also reduces surface run-off assisting with localised flooding, serves as both a mechanical and biological filtration for the environment and can be used to harvest water, using a submersible pump which converts rainwater into grey water and irrigation for the home,” Jason says.
