Posts - Interpave

Sustainable Street Renewal with Permeable Paving

Imminent requirements for mandatory sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) on developments herald a much wider application of concrete block permeable paving. But this approach is also needed to renewal of existing impermeable paving, in order to reverse the sealing-up and flooding of our towns and cities. This issue was highlighted in the November 2022 National Infrastructure…

Mandatory SuDS for England

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are set to become mandatory on developments in England next year, heralding the wider use of permeable surfaces throughout our towns and cities. ‘The Flood and Water Management Act 2010’ included provisions for effectively mandatory SuDS on developments, approved by local authority ‘SuDS Approving Bodies’ (SABs). But these provisions were not…

Accelerating Permeable Paving

Addressing climate change continues to grow in urgency, demanding far wider application of permeable surfaces to reverse the sealing-up of our towns and cities. This is now set to accelerate with an important new report, heralding urgent government action and calling for a prompt, coordinated response from local authorities and water companies, as well as…

Modern 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. Concrete block paving – which has been used for decades on projects ranging from the most demanding heavy-duty applications to the purely decorative – is uniquely placed…

Permeable Paving and Trees in Synergy

Helping to address climate change, street tree planting and retention of existing trees in developments – with provision for long-term maintenance – are now embedded in planning policy. Concrete block permeable paving offers an important opportunity to help satisfy these requirements simply, integrated with SuDS and contemporary urban design. The 2021 ‘National Planning Policy Framework’…

Transforming Paving with Concrete Block Permeable Overlays

Low-intervention permeable paving overlays can transform worn-out paving and deliver SuDS, green infrastructure and healthy streets. To understand how, it’s worth reminding ourselves of the unique characteristics and attributes of modular concrete paving generally. Concrete Block Paving This long-established technology is based on high-strength, interlocking units installed with granular material filled joints and laying course.…

Redefining the Post-pandemic Public Realm

The pandemic has heralded a fundamental rethink of our public realm showing that a fresh approach is needed to designing the spaces between buildings with multifunctional and long-life but adaptable solutions, ready to meet climate change requirements. Apart from temporary measures for social distancing, the pandemic has accelerated implementation of issues raised in the past…

Permeable Paving Helps Meet New Planning Requirements for Trees

Extensive urban tree planting and retention of existing trees, with provision for long-term maintenance, has just become a priority with new government policies taking effect. Concrete block permeable paving offers an important opportunity to help satisfy these requirements with irrigation, integrated with SuDS, hard surfaces and urban design. The latest requirements for street trees have…

Proving 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…

Modular 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,…