Posts by Tom_Hodson
Permeable Paving for Trees
A video interview with the original designer of Martlesham Park and Ride, Suffolk – one of the projects involved in the recent trials discussed in our Latest Post – reveals major benefits of concrete block permeable paving (CBPP) for trees and other green infrastructure. Constructed in 2003, this large out-of-town car park receives regular daily…
Read MoreProving Permeable Paving
Recent trials of various, older concrete block permeable paving projects following long-term use back-up previous research, endorse current minimal maintenance recommendations and debunk misconceptions about clogging up of joints. Concrete Block Permeable Paving (CBPP) technology has proven itself over successful use around the world since the mid-1980s. Two decades of experience in the UK has…
Read MoreModern Methods of Paving
Modular concrete paving meets today’s Modern Methods of Construction ethos for engineered and prefabricated products, and the increasing use of efficient, fully mechanised site processes enhances the benefits. A new guidance document has just been published on the detailed design and installation of modular concrete paving, covering block paving, flags and kerbs. Concrete block paving…
Read MoreModular Multifunctional Paving for Change
Outdoor space has taken on a fundamental importance with Covid-19 and a fresh approach is needed to designing and selecting paving to meet a wide range of new requirements. Multifunctionality, sustainability and the ability to deliver changing needs over time are key to paving today. Apart from social distancing measures directly related to Covid-19 itself,…
Read MoreOptimising Permeable Paving
https://www.paving.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Optimising_permeable_paving_with_flow_control_CPD_720p.mp4 A new CPD webinar – presented by Bob Bray of Robert Bray Associates, with over 20-years’ experience in SuDS and landscape design – explores how straightforward flow controls can optimise permeable paving and SuDS. It covers techniques including water storage in paving compartments deployed around a site, to integrate SuDS within development and avoid…
Read MoreRebirth of the Home Zone
Several longer-term, wider issues considered important for some time – but left on the back-burner – are now re-surfacing, with the pandemic acting as a catalyst accelerating action. In particular, there is a new drive for walking and cycling to reduce obesity, and also address pollution and climate change resulting from car travel. The focus…
Read MorePaving for Change
https://www.paving.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Reinstatement_Video.mp4 During the pandemic, outdoor space has taken on a new importance. But, apart from temporary measures directly related to Covid 19 itself, the pandemic has also triggered a fundamental rethink about other aspects of how we live and work, with major implications for our public realm and the paved environment. The future is uncertain…
Read MorePost-pandemic Paving – Delivering a Better Public Realm
Expanded and updated 26th June 2020 Announced in May, the government’s post-pandemic investment package for cycling and walking provides a unique opportunity to transform the streets and public spaces of our towns and cities. Established and innovative new techniques – using modular concrete paving systems – offer adaptable, low-intervention, retrofit solutions to these new challenges,…
Read MoreProtecting our Environment with Permeable Paving
A recent GLA report highlights the damage caused by vehicle pollution in road and surface water drainage to our rivers and streams. Concrete block permeable paving offers the obvious starting point to address this growing problem. Pollution is present and can build up on all hard surfaces used by vehicles (including electric), from motorways to…
Read MorePermitted Paving & Planning Requirements
2019 – another year of flooding around the UK – provided a timely reminder of the importance of sustainable drainage (SuDS). Although a requirement for most new developments, other planning measures encouraging SuDS also apply to paving around existing properties. They are explained in brand new editions of Interpave’s ‘Permitted Paving’ and ‘Paving for Rain’…
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