Advancements in Permeable Pavements
Over the last 20 years we have seen major advancements in permeable pavements. The first permeable paver was introduced here in North America in 1989.
The system was introduced by UNI-GROUP U.S.A. which introduced the UNI Eco-Stone.® Since the introduction of the Eco-Stone the UNI-GROUP U.S.A. has introduced three more pavers to their family. They include Uni Ecoloc, Eco-Optiloc, and Eco-Priora for details on the different pavers in the UNI Family click here.
In New England there are two UNI manufacturers. They are Ideal Concrete Block and Unilock. Ideal is a local manufacturer with a plant in Massachusetts. Unilock on the other hand is a manufacturer with plants in the eastern United States and in Canada. Unilock was the first company in North America to manufacture concrete pavers. Unilock alone has six different styles of permeable interlocking concrete pavers (PICP) including the brand new Town Hall pictured below that replicates an old clay brick without compromising the strength of a manufactured concrete product. Since the Eco-Stone is more "commercial" looking many manufacturers have come out with new pavers many of which can be installed as either permeable or traditional interlocking system.
This helps to bridge the gap between residential and commercial applications. This is a really neat advancement in the industry.
One company that is leading the way into the new permeable paver look is Techo-Bloc. Techo-Bloc is educating contractors on the installing permeable pavements in conjunction with rain water harvesting systems. To see the educational video's check out Techo-Bloc's own Youtube channel. Aquascape produces components for these rainwater harvesting systems as well as supplies for building ponds and water-features.