Eco-permeable surfaces, a way to avoid the "rain tax"
For years, the country's hydrological situation has been the subject of discussions on how to develop spaces, not only public ones. This year, the temperature of these discussions is raised further by the prospect of subjecting relatively small plots of land that have less than 50% biologically active area to the so-called rain tax. Does the desire of property owners to create environmentally and wallet-friendly arrangements mean abandoning stable paths and driveways?
Nature and concrete
Providing conditions for natural plant vegetation and rainwater drainage, biologically active areas are now an important part of neighborhood development. In many cases, it is difficult to achieve a satisfactory share of them in the total area of the plot, which consists, for example, of a house, a garage and a small area around them. Wanting to additionally develop this area with a driveway or path, we can therefore reach for concrete openwork slabs from the Libet Decco collection, the design of which includes special free spaces that allow precisely the free drainage of rainwater into the ground and the development of greenery. We also have an interesting alternative to openwork, in the form of solid cubes, but with characteristic large gaps. Creating larger gaps between the elements, they too effectively combine concern for water resources with the need to have paved walkways, openwork cubes and slabs have been replaced for years.
What else is worth knowing about eco-surfaces?
- Depending on the design and paving concept, they provide a diverse range of water permeable surfaces - from a few to tens of percent.
- At the same time they maintain the necessary functionality of paths and driveways
- In the universal and easy-to-build shapes of squares, rectangles or hexagons are inscribed remarkable compositions of interior walls
- The free spaces between them can be filled with grass or decorative aggregates, creating interesting arrangements adapted to the appearance of the surroundings
- In addition to concrete products, plastic grids, successfully used to protect and stabilize grassed substrates, are growing in popularity
Modern retention
A very good complement to the qualities of eco paving will be additional solutions responsible for rainwater management. In addition to classic wells and retention tanks, this is increasingly being done by special infiltration boxes. Attached to the gutter system and discreetly installed underground, they allow efficient collection of rainwater for storage or infiltration into the soil. They prove themselves not only as a means of rational water management in a situation of increasing water scarcity. The ability to regulate its flow also allows us to protect the plot from flooding on torrential days, when suddenly there is an excess of water.
Changes in regulations can significantly modify our original vision for the arrangement of our surroundings. However, regardless of the extent to which they finally come into effect, we ourselves should also take care of the home space in terms of its impact on our environment. Let's create green zones, let's use environmentally friendly building materials, let's discuss our needs with a designer who will look with an expert eye to make the most of our plot's potential. And then... let's enjoy it in every season.
For more information, visit the company's Libet S.A. page on the A&B portal.
