A simple palette of hard landscape
materials defines the road hierarchy
and creates a language that unifies
the whole site. Simple and ‘clean’
materials predominate, so that an
open feel to the site is maintained. The
precast concrete block paving was
carefully selected to complement the
buildings, with a silver-grey granite
finish. Concrete kerb units are also
used extensively – both raised and
flush with the paving – as well as
concrete flag paving, granite setts and
buff bound gravel.
The site is adjacent to the Beam
River and a multi-award-winning
wetland park, home to a variety
of wildlife including Great crested
newts. Therefore, as part of a general
approach towards improving ecology
and biodiversity, water management
using SuDS was considered important
and extensive areas of concrete
block permeable paving are included
Here, master-planning needs to
consider traffic usage during the
construction phases, not just after
final completion.
For example, structural design of
the paving may need to cater for
construction vehicles or temporarily
throughout. high volumes of diverted traffic.
The northern half of Phase 1 is Similarly, concrete block permeable
characterised by a higher density
urban courtyardbuilding, surrounded
by hard landscaped areas and
incorporating a landscaped courtyard
utilising precast concrete paving.
Phase 2 in the north west of the site
includes another large courtyard block
with inner landscaped area, linked to
two other blocks by the more formal
streetscape, including the Mixed-Use
Street bus route. The now-completed
Phase 3 comprises three distinct,
separated areas running north-south.
Phase 4 remains under construction.
paving must be protected against silt
run-off from construction works and
vehicles.
Essential Resource
Interpave has just published the new
Edition 7 of its definitive guidance
document ‘Design and Construction of
Concrete Block Permeable Pavements’.
The guide is intended for planners,
urban designers, landscape architects,
engineers, local authorities and other
decision makers to assist them in
Precast Paving Long-term the design, construction, approval
As a result, a substantial amount permeable paving.
of the precast concrete paving was
installed with the first phases of the
project, although also serving more
recent phases, and has now been in
use for over 6 years. Interpave has
regularly visited and photographed
the project – most recently in June
2018 – and observed the longer-term
robust performance of the paving.
Phased projects such as Orchard
Village present particular challenges
for hard-landscape design, particularly
with paving serving various phases.
and maintenance of concrete block
This latest edition includes an
extensive new Glossary and covers
the most recent permeable paving
techniques, such as overlays to
existing road constructions and
enhanced, predictable water storage
using flow controls.
The structural and hydraulic
engineering design procedures have
been comprehensively updated and
new, straightforward maintenance
and reinstatement guidance added.
The new guide and case
study are freely available to
download via Interpave’s
new website
www.paving.org.uk
Issue 35 2019 Landscape & Urban Design
31