Permeable pavers are increasingly gaining the attention of media, builders and property owners alike because of growing efforts to effectively manage storm water in municipalities and watershed districts across the country. Permeable pavers not only help to reduce runoff and maintain water quality through their functionality, but – as one residential project demonstrates – they prove that aesthetic appeal need not be sacrificed to achieve environmental responsibility.
Set back only 90 feet from Lake Winnebago, one of Wisconsin’s largest inland lakes, the residential site on Firelane Rd. in Menasha, WI offered its owners the opportunity to build their dream retirement home in an ideal setting. However, its proximity to the lake also presented challenges in meeting DNR regulations governing waterfront development. There was not enough square footage left after the home was built to create a typical impervious concrete or asphalt driveway long or wide enough to meet the occupants’ needs, without violating DNR regulations.
Determined to keep their driveway the size they wanted, the owners set out to find a landscape contractor experienced in working with permeable paver surfaces. A friend of the couple recommended Stumpf Creative Landscapes of Menasha, a local landscaping company which had recently completed a few similar projects. Wise selection and creative use of materials resulted in a nationally recognized, award-winning permeable paver driveway that meets environmental requirements while delivering exceptional aesthetic value.
A winning combination of beauty and function
Proper drainage installation was a primary concern to minimize storm water runoff into the adjacent lake and maintain water quality. Together, the contractor and homeowners chose County Materials’ H2O Pro Pavers® for the driveway project. At 3-1/8” thick, the durable permeable concrete units are manufactured to withstand pedestrian and light vehicular traffic, while their installation system allows rain water to percolate into the ground. The system even reduces snow and ice removal by speeding up the melting process in winter conditions.
The crew excavated a deep base to create a stone reservoir without fines to effectively filter storm water. The base layers were made with 12” of 2-3 inch clear stone on the bottom, topped with 12” of ¾ clear stone, and an additional 1-2 inches of smaller stone on top. The crew also installed a drain tile system to prevent backup. During rain or snow melt, the area under the drive will fill with water, then disperse slowly through the tile system. In the process, the stone removes impurities and sediments that could compromise lake water quality.
All three sizes of H2O Pro Pavers were used for the main field of the driveway in a 75/25 percent blend of buff and solid cream colors. Combining the two different colors on site required careful consideration of placement to create a harmonious, uniform effect. The 4”x8” size of H2O Paver was used to create an eye-catching double border that consists of dark brown sailor course on the inside, edged with a soldier course of the same cream color used in the drive. The paver colors blend beautifully with the home’s siding, brick and trim.
A matching walkway curves gracefully from the drive to the front door, ending in a decorative partial circle to define the entryway. The job took the two-man crew one day’s worth of cutting during the one week spent installing the project in order to be sure everything lined up square and even. Landscaping beds were also added as part of the project. Limestone boulders provide a decorative accent that helps transition the hardscape with the surrounding areas.
Overcoming installation challenges
The home was cited on a narrow one lane, two-way road that presented some challenges during construction. The crew worked hard to keep traffic disruption to a minimum by putting up working signs, and making sure to get equipment and material off the road as quickly as possible. Stone deliveries required careful coordination between crew and drivers so it could be put into place without delay.
Award-winning results
The Firelane Rd. driveway project successfully meets permeability standards, while at the same time delighting the homeowner with its function and beauty. The project has captured national attention as well.
The driveway was recognized as a winning project in a number of regional and national hardscape award competitions, including: the 2015 WMA EIH Awards, the 2015 HNA Awards, and the 2015 NCMA/ICPI Concrete Masonry Design Awards of Excellence. It also appeared as the subject of a full length feature in the national trade magazine Turf Design Build, along with numerous other media mentions.
