LANDSCAPING SERVICES
They should be individually designed to give a sense of identity and community .
MODULAR CONCRETE PAVING The guidelines recognise that paving materials need to give each Home Zone visual appeal and definition of a specific character . Most of the paving in Home Zones will be shared surfaces without traditional stepped kerbs to identify the carriageway . So , a variety of colours , patterns and textures is needed to clearly differentiate public from ‘ private ’ spaces and shared areas from nonvehicular , as well as identifying particular features .
Modular concrete block and flag paving is ideally suited , meeting the criteria set out in the guidelines including proven long-term performance , durability and minimal maintenance while offering endless variety in shape , scale , colour and texture . In terms of design , a wide choice of colours is available from Interpave members – ranging from vibrant to muted tones , as well as varied mixes of colours that can emulate other materials such as stone or clay . Surface treatments can also be applied to paving blocks , flags , kerbs and other products to give
different textures , some exposing aggregates and others giving a weathered appearance .
In addition , different shapes and sizes , ranging from large flags to the smaller paving blocks , give the diversity called for in guidelines to suit the particular scales of different spaces . Despite the huge choice , precast concrete paved surfaces give consistent frictional characteristics and joint widths ensuring safety and ease of use by the whole community . All these attributes combine to enable designers to select paving styles ranging from traditional to contemporary , giving each Home Zone its own special character .
LOW INTERVENTION CHANGES The concept of a uniform surface shared by people and vehicles is fundamental to Home Zones and modular concrete paving is ideally suited to both . In addition , weather-independent ‘ dry ’ construction methods optimise available working times to fit in with the requirements of residents . There are no curing delays before the paving can be used or noxious fumes as encountered with asphalt and , as only small plant and equipment is needed , noise and disturbance is minimised . Importantly in these uncertain times , modular concrete paving can be lifted and re-used for layout changes and new requirements or access to services .
With existing streets , the Home Zone surface will generally be created by raising the carriageway level up to meet the footway , eliminating stepped kerbs . This can be achieved economically with limited intervention using an overlay construction of modular concrete paving units . But there is a convincing case to consider concrete block permeable paving , a multifunctional SuDS technique providing an inherent drainage system that requires no additional land take for water storage . It also offers a range of additional benefits , including pollution removal – with a gradual supply of clean , treated water as an asset – and even potential for urban cooling .
PERMEABLE PAVING INNOVATIONS The innovative concept of concrete block permeable paving overlays is used for existing streets to provide a well-drained surface level with the footway . But it opens up wider possibilities for all hard-surfaces , including those around existing housing . It also sets the bar for adaptable , multifunctional modular paving in new developments as well . With good design , this approach can meet the latest drive to encourage walking , cycling and social distancing – with minimal interventions and maximum flexibility – whilst reducing flooding , pollution and overheating .
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