Creating the space
volume of 636m3,” explains Burgess.
Permeable deals with excess water is
Construction began in October 2014
“Although infiltration rates in the 1037m2
far superior to standard block paving,”
and the team immediately came up
lower parking area were not as favourable
continues Jon Weston, “The amount of
against challenges with the seasonal
as the upper level due to the soil based
water that the product can deal with in a
weather. Craig Burgess, Tarmac Project
clay ground structure, they were still well
short time is impressive, keeping the areas
Development Manager, explains: “Starting
above the national average at 0.163m/hr.”
dry and clear.”
any project later in the year presents
Jon Weston at Pick Everard adds, “Topmix
By engaging early with Tarmac, Pick
its own unique challenges due to the
Permeable concrete provided higher flow
Everard were able to convey the individual
increased amount of groundwater present
rates through its structure compared
requirements and issues specific to the
on site. Topmix Permeable is very easy
with other permeable surfaces. As the
site. In doing so, the design was able to
to install, so whenever there was a break
infiltration rates of the underlying ground
move away from traditional block paving
in the weather, we were able to make
were so good, using a surface with a very
and Tarmac were able to deliver a bespoke
substantial progress. The close relationship
good drainage rate made perfect sense.”
solution using Topmix Permeable concrete.
we had with our client was key because
it meant there was clear, open and
Installation and project management
consistent communication between all the
The concrete was installed by a Tarmac
teams involved. It was a critical element in
Construction Solutions team, who were
ensuring that the project was delivered on
on hand throughout the project to
time to the high specifications of the client
offer expertise and to ensure that the
despite these challenging conditions.”
installation was successful. “A benefit of
Local topography meant that the team
adopted a different approach for the
combined pavement and drainage
design on the upper and lower car parks.
The 1,817m2 upper car park was to be
used exclusively by cars and was entirely
This in