Strol SmartPave vs. Traditional Paving: A Comparative Analysis

In the realm of outdoor design and landscaping, the choice of paving material can significantly impact both aesthetics and environmental sustainability. While concrete and asphalt have long been the go-to options for driveways, pathways, and outdoor spaces, there’s a growing demand for alternatives that prioritise sustainability without compromising functionality or visual appeal. SmartPave is an innovative and eco-friendly paving solution that challenges the status quo. SmartPave holds pebbles in place and has a geotextile backing welded to the honeycomb design that prevents soil migration and weed growth, helping to maintain dry, flat and stable pathways.

In this blog, we delve into the advantages of SmartPave over traditional paving methods within Australian conditions, ranging from sustainability and drainage to ease of installation and aesthetic appeal.

SmartPave Permeable Pavers are a Sustainable Solution: 

One of the most prominent advantages of Strol SmartPave over traditional paving methods is its sustainability, especially in the context of Australia’s diverse weather conditions and environmental challenges. Australia experiences a wide range of weather patterns, from scorching heatwaves to heavy rainfall, posing significant challenges for outdoor infrastructure. Its 100% recyclable nature ensures that at the end of its lifespan, SmartPave can be repurposed, reducing the burden on landfills and promoting circular economy principles.

In regions prone to excess rain and flooding, SmartPave superior permeability plays a crucial role in mitigating stormwater runoff and preventing waterlogging. Traditional paving materials like concrete and asphalt exacerbate runoff issues, leading to soil erosion and contamination of waterways. SmartPave’s porous structure allows rainwater to infiltrate the surface, promoting natural drainage and reducing the risk of erosion. This is particularly beneficial in areas with fragile ground conditions, where erosion can compromise the stability of roads, pathways, and other outdoor infrastructure.

Furthermore, SmartPave sustainable attributes contribute to the preservation of Australia’s diverse ecosystems, including coastal regions vulnerable to erosion and sea-level rise. By minimising impervious surfaces and promoting groundwater recharge, SmartPave helps maintain the ecological balance of sensitive habitats, such as mangroves, wetlands, and dunes. As Australia grapples with the effects of climate change, including rising temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events, sustainable paving solutions like SmartPave offer a resilient and environmentally conscious approach to infrastructure development.

Drainage with SmartPave Permeable Pavers:

SmartPave exceptional permeability not only addresses drainage concerns but also offers additional benefits in maintaining the health of surrounding gardens, particularly in Australia’s challenging environmental conditions. In regions characterised by erratic rainfall patterns and water scarcity, efficient water management is essential for sustaining lush greenery and thriving vegetation. SmartPave’s porous structure allows rainwater to infiltrate the surface and percolate into the underlying soil, where it can be evenly distributed to surrounding gardens and landscaping features.

• Efficient Water Distribution: SmartPave evenly distributes rainwater into the surrounding soil, preventing pooling and ensuring optimal moisture levels for plant growth.
• Prevention of Water Runoff: Unlike impermeable surfaces such as concrete and asphalt, SmartPave mitigates the risk of water runoff, reducing soil erosion and preserving the integrity of garden beds and landscaping features.
• Improved Soil Health: By promoting natural drainage and aeration, SmartPave helps maintain soil health and fertility, creating a conducive environment for robust root development and nutrient uptake.
• Conservation of Water Resources: SmartPave’s water-permeable properties contribute to water conservation efforts by minimising the need for supplemental irrigation and reducing water wastage.
• Enhanced Biodiversity: The ability of SmartPave to support healthy vegetation and soil conditions fosters biodiversity, attracting beneficial insects and wildlife to the garden ecosystem.

Permeable paving systems, like SmartPave, contribute to the replenishment of soil moisture levels and promote healthier root development in adjacent green spaces. By preventing water runoff and minimising soil compaction, SmartPave helps create an ideal environment for plant growth and vitality. This is particularly beneficial in urban settings, where traditional impermeable surfaces contribute to heat island effects and impede natural water infiltration, leading to soil degradation and reduced biodiversity.

SmartPave is easy to install

Compared to the labour-intensive process of laying concrete or asphalt, installing SmartPave is a breeze. The innovative honeycomb cell design, combined with a geotextile base already attached to the paver, ensures quick and straightforward installation, significantly reducing both time and effort. Whether it’s a patio, pathway, or outdoor recreational area, SmartPave offers unmatched ease of installation, making it accessible to homeowners and contractors alike. Its lightweight and modular components streamline the installation process, making it accessible to both professionals and DIY enthusiasts, enabling faster project completion, minimising disruptions and enhancing overall efficiency. This makes it an ideal choice for both residential and commercial applications, where time and budget constraints are significant factors.

Below is a step-by-step guide outlining the installation process of SmartPave:

• Preparation: Begin by preparing the site for installation, ensuring that the area is clear of any debris, vegetation, or existing paving materials. Excavate the area to the desired depth, considering factors such as slope, drainage requirements, and base preparation.
• Base Preparation: Create a stable base for the SmartPave system by compacting the soil, or for driveway or areas with heavy vehicles you will need to dig down and compact 100mm of AP20 to provide a solid subbase. Ensure that the base is level and evenly compacted to prevent settling or shifting over time.
• Geotextile Installation: Normally a layer of geotextile is used to cover the prepared base to serve as a weed barrier and stabilise the sub-base, but with SmartPave, each paver has the geotextile layer welded into the back, so no pebbles can sneak underneath and no weeds can find a way through.
• SmartPave Placement: Begin laying the SmartPave pavers in the desired pattern or configuration, starting from one corner of the area and working your way outwards. Interlock the individual units by clipping the male and female connections together, ensuring a snug fit and even surface.
• Cutting and Shaping: You can easily use a handsaw or power tool to cut the SmartPave units to size as needed, especially around edges, curves, or obstacles. Ensure precise cuts to maintain the integrity of the installation and achieve a professional finish.
• Fill Material Placement: Once the SmartPave pavers are in place, simply fill the open cells with the desired fill material, such as decorative stones, pebbles, or hoggin. Spread the fill material evenly across the surface, using a rake or shovel to ensure uniform coverage and level the surface as needed. You can then lightly compact the surface material if you desire.

By following these simple steps, you can achieve a professional-quality installation of SmartPave in a fraction of the time and effort required for traditional paving methods. No matter what type of outdoor space you’re creating, SmartPave offers unparalleled ease of installation, making it the ideal choice for projects of any scale or complexity.

Aesthetic Appeal with Permeable Paving 

Beyond its functional benefits, SmartPave offers a wide range of design possibilities to suit any outdoor space. The stabilising properties of SmartPave allow for the incorporation of decorative stones, pebbles, or hoggin, creating visually appealing surfaces with rustic charm or modern elegance. Whether you prefer a natural, organic look or a sleek, contemporary design, SmartPave can be customised to complement your aesthetic preferences and enhance the overall appeal of your property. With its versatility in design and ability to seamlessly blend into any landscape, SmartPave offers endless possibilities for creating stunning outdoor environments that stand the test of time.