In the vast majority of home designs, driveways end up being an afterthought. But, as the entryway into a home, they can also set expectations for the rest of the property. So, it’s worth considering other more creative, sustainable paving options. And one that we implore you to consider, is grass pavers.
WHAT ARE THEY
Grass pavers, otherwise known as permeable pavers, are an alternative to concrete, aggregate or standard paving options. Made up of individual pavers to create a pattern of your choice, what makes these different is that they’re laid with empty cells for grass to grow and rainwater to permeate the soil. And, without a doubt, their unique design is sure to help any home stand out from others on the block.
BENEFITS
We can’t lie, grass pavers haven’t been front of mind in our past builds, but we’re keen to change that. So, let’s consider what makes grass pavers so good, and why they might be perfect for your next project.
1. Longevity
When prepared correctly, grass pavers are designed to withstand heavy duty traffic just as well as any other driveway. One area they differ, however, is in their easy maintenance. As stains and cracks inevitably occur over time, concrete and aggregate options can be difficult and costly to repair. In contrast, it’s much easier and more affordable to replace a few damaged grass pavers without having to replace the whole driveway. Plus, the grass makes any damage less noticeable in the first place.
2. Permeability
As we mentioned earlier, grass pavers will result in a permeable surface that reduces runoff. This is becoming increasingly important in flood susceptible areas but is also vital for soil health everywhere. On top of this, they help keep fast flowing water from building up in the soil, reducing erosion.
3. Heat control
Who hasn’t done the awkward barefoot run over hot summer concrete at some point in their lives? Large areas of paving and concrete can absorb and hold significant amounts of heat. With grass pavers, the smaller surface area and grass growing in the cells helps reduce heat absorption. Rather than your typically hot Aussie driveway, these will be closer in temperature to a cool back lawn.
BEST USE
Grass pavers will result in a slightly uneven surface, so they’re ideally used for driveways. Depending on your needs, though, they can also be suitable for garden paths or courtyards.
ARKLEN EXAMPLE
Our favourite example of grass pavers in an Arklen build is Dalgety Street, East Fremantle. Here, Darklight Design made thoughtful use of grass pavers to provide a unique, angular driveway. With sustainability at the forefront of many design choices, they were the perfect addition to this home.
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Photography: Arklen