BOUND SURFACING
REDISCOVER MODULAR PAVING
The trade association Interpave invites urban designers , landscape architects and contractors to take a fresh look at precast concrete paving to enliven hard landscaping , while meeting the challenges of climate change , sustainability and the changing role of outside space .
Precast concrete paving continues a long tradition of modular elements laid to create a hard surface . But unlike extracted materials such as stone or clay , precast concrete block , flag , kerb and related paving products are fully engineered and manufactured under modern , controlled conditions . This ensures accurate product and joint size , colour and texture , slip / skid resistance and other performance characteristics . So , precast concrete paving offers a unique predictability with consistent , trouble-free performance over the longer term .
Modular concrete paving from Interpave manufacturer members is uniquely placed to satisfy today ’ s changing demands . Distinct units and designed variations in colour , texture and shape break up areas giving visual interest and a human scale not possible with formless materials such as asphalt . Pigment technology today allows a much wider choice of colours , ranging from vibrant to muted tones , as well as varied mixes of colours that can emulate other materials .
Surface treatments can also be applied to paving blocks , flags and kerbs to give different textures , some exposing the inherent aggregates . Surfaces can be honed for a flat finish or polished , or shot blasted to look weathered , or ‘ tumbled ’ for a more rugged , naturalistic appearance . Combining these attributes with the range of shapes and sizes available enables designers to select paving styles , whether traditional or contemporary , enhancing environments from historic areas to vibrant new city spaces .
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