Permeable concrete: a sustainable, future-proof solution for residential and commercial properties

19 December 2024

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From home tennis courts to urban rain garden support, there are hundreds of applications for permeable pavements — and all of them have a positive impact on our environment. ArchiPro caught up with Stuart Girvan of Permcon to learn more.

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Materials & Craft Building & Renovating Sustainability Outdoor living Permcon

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Amber Suckling

Boasting significant environmental benefits, permeable concrete is growing in popularity as a ground cover solution in New Zealand for both residential and commercial properties. Stuart Girvan, director of Permcon and passionate advocate for the use of permeable concrete, finds this progress exciting, as is the opportunity to share his insights on the product.

"Permeable pavements are a practical solution with significant environmental benefits,” Stuart says. “From a holistic aspect, permeable pavements do better by returning water to the ground, reducing strain on stormwater systems, and mitigating heat in urban areas. They also help to replenish aquifers, take pollutants out of stormwater, and reduce runoff, all while alleviating pressure on stormwater networks. It’s an environmental win across the board."

As an excellent material for carparks, driveways, and private roads, it’s no surprise that many of Stuart’s projects fit within these categories. However, there are many innovative ways to use permeable pavements in both residential and commercial applications. ArchiPro spoke with Stuart to learn more.

"From a holistic aspect, permeable pavements do better by returning water to the ground, reducing strain on stormwater systems, and mitigating heat in urban areas."

"If someone is considering extra parking for a trailer or a boat, for example, permeable concrete would be ideal. Not only does it mean you won’t surpass the impermeable ground-cover ratio, it’s actually incredibly practical; you bring the boat back from the ocean, wash it down, and the water drains away into the ground."

Permeable concrete in residential applications

Typically the main driver for permeable concrete specification in residential properties is the impermeable/permeable ground-cover ratio. Depending on the size of your land, you may be restricted by the amount of impervious material you can use.

"If someone is considering extra parking for a trailer or a boat, for example, permeable concrete would be ideal. Not only does it mean you won’t surpass the impermeable ground-cover ratio, it’s actually incredibly practical; you bring the boat back from the ocean, wash it down, and the water drains away into the ground," Stuart explains.

Permeable concrete is also a great solution for leisure areas such as tennis courts, pool surrounds, and entertainment spaces.

“Tennis courts are 550 m at their full size, which is a large amount of hardstand. We recently installed permeable concrete for a home court in Herne Bay, and then Tiger Turf installed their artificial surface tennis court on top, which is also permeable. It allows the water to go through without impact on the impermeable/permeable ratios. The interesting thing about that particular job is that the court meets the International Tennis Federation standards, so the likes of Roger Federer could play tennis on it!”

"There’s huge synergy in using permeable pavements alongside rain gardens, particularly in car parking bays. It helps filter pollutants before water reaches the rain gardens, reducing their load and improving stormwater management."

By installing permeable concrete in large hard-stand areas you can provide adequate drainage and reduce stormwater run-off, filter water that enters local waterways, support rain gardens, and alleviate heat issues common on large concrete areas in summer.

Permeable concrete in commercial applications

Sustainable design is a growing concern for commercial projects, particularly in the education space. Schools often have large hardstand areas to accommodate sports courts, outdoor learning, and playgrounds. By installing permeable concrete in these locations you can provide adequate drainage and reduce stormwater run-off, filter water that enters local waterways, support rain gardens, and alleviate heat issues common on large concrete areas in summer — a benefit for both students and teachers.

Inspired by the permeable pavement applications in California and many European countries, Stuart is passionate about encouraging local councils to look at permeable pavement as a solution to support urban rain gardens.

"There’s huge synergy in using permeable pavements alongside rain gardens, particularly in car parking bays. It helps filter pollutants before water reaches the rain gardens, reducing their load and improving stormwater management," he explains.

"I’m happy to chat with anyone — from homeowners to developers to councils. Whether they choose my product or not, it’s about educating people on the value of permeable pavements and making sure the right solution is implemented for the right environment."

Learn more about Permcon.