Why Permeable Concrete Driveways Are the Future of Sustainable Home Design

Sustainability has become more of a priority for home design in New Zealand and the rest of the world. As we explore newer and better ways to build homes, we discover eco-friendly alternatives for frequently used materials such as concrete. 

Concrete is a common material used for homes, particularly for walkways, sidewalks and driveways. Are there any alternatives to standard concrete that are better for the environment? 

Consider permeable concrete, which is a sustainable solution that’s growing in popularity due to its many eco-friendly, practical, and aesthetic benefits. This innovative solution can help with water conservation, flood prevention, and even the reduction of urban heat islands. 

What Is Permeable Concrete and How Does It Work?

Standard concrete is formulated with cement, coarse aggregates, water and sand. Permeable concrete is made of the same materials – but without sand. This simple yet significant change means that permeable concrete has an open-cell structure, with about 20% of the concrete having interconnected voids. This means that rather than passing over solid standard concrete, water can flow through these interconnected voids.

The classic permeable concrete we offer at AquaPave has a drainage capacity of approximately 22,000 mm per hour, reducing pressure on drainage systems and potentially preventing flooding during rainstorms.

Rainwater can filter through this concrete into the ground or a gravel layer underneath, contributing to groundwater recharge and allowing water to naturally percolate back into the soil.

Cities and towns are increasingly adopting permeable paving solutions to combat the environmental challenges of creating new urban homes and buildings. Along with residential driveways, permeable concrete can also be used for commercial spaces, further helping everyone benefit from this innovative solution. This is another step we can take towards supporting green infrastructure and sustainable urban planning without sacrificing strength, durability, aesthetics, or quality for urban areas. 

Permeable concrete can also help us future-proof homes and areas, reducing the dangers of floods and stormwater runoff issues. Along with eco-friendly advantages, a permeable driveway can add long-term value to properties and make them more appealing to future buyers. 

Aside from essential environmental advantages, permeable concrete can also be very aesthetically pleasing. We at AquaPave are the only purveyors of ultra fine permeable concrete in New Zealand, which looks more like coarse sand than exposed aggregate. Choose from our wonderful array of integral colours for your new driveway, pavement, sidewalk, or patio, to easily select the look that suits your home design. This way, you can feel good about your eco-friendly choice while improving your home’s visual appeal.

Why Permeable Concrete Driveways Are Perfect for Sustainable Homes

Why should you choose permeable concrete over standard concrete for your home?

Water Conservation. Permeable concrete driveways help conserve water by allowing water to soak into the ground instead of flowing into storm drains. This reduces the need for artificial irrigation in nearby landscapes by keeping the water in the soil.

Flood Prevention. Water can flow through permeable concrete rather than pooling over it, so you can help reduce the risk of floods in your community. Floods can be very dangerous and can carry hazardous substances. Stagnant flood water can also cause serious structural damage to homes. So, permeable concrete can prevent a variety of issues for your home and your family. 

Reducing Urban Heat Islands. The urban heat island effect is where urban areas are much warmer than nearby rural areas. Traditional pavements can contribute to this by absorbing heat from the sun and then re-radiating it into the environment. On the other hand, permeable concrete encourages convective air flow and creates cooler surfaces. 

Filtering Out Harmful Substances. Water runoff can carry harmful substances like oil and heavy metals, which can hurt the local environment if it gets into bodies of water. Permeable concrete filters out these substances before water returns to the natural environment.

Reduced Maintenance. Permeable concrete driveways generally require less maintenance than conventional options since they prevent pooling on concrete and erosion caused by water runoff. In particular, the concrete we offer at AquaPave is strong enough to withstand heavy vehicular traffic and everyday use, and it lasts 3-5 times as long as asphalt.

This eco-friendly concrete solution is an investment that can save you money in the long run through reduced maintenance costs and preventing potentially expensive damages. 

Selecting the Right Sustainable Solutions for Your New Zealand Home

Sustainability is something that we should all strive for, and permeable concrete makes it easy to improve your home’s eco-friendliness, aesthetics and property value. We at AquaPave are passionate about protecting the environment, and we’re thrilled to help thoughtful clients such as yourself meet your home sustainability goals. 

How can we help with your home project? You can use our contact page to get in touch with us.

AquaPave: Marching towards a sustainable future with innovative concrete solutions.