How have concrete pavers evolved over the past 50 years?

As the first company to introduce paving stones to North America, we have seen the evolution of hardscaping materials firsthand and have played a significant role in their innovations. The styles of the first paving stones were quite limited and were manufactured using one aggregate mix from top to bottom. Today, concrete pavers are available in multiple shapes, sizes, colors, and textures and are enhanced with modern manufacturing technologies. In recent news, Unilock introduced EcoTerra™. This cutting-edge paver technology features a 100% cement-free face-mix, delivering a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by up to 15%. We are thrilled about this new, greener era for the hardscaping industry!

What role do concrete pavers play in today's outdoor designs?

 

Concrete pavers allow designers to achieve both aesthetic and functional goals across various applications. They create durable surfaces for residential and commercial outdoor spaces, including patios, roof decks, plazas, and streetscapes, transforming them into inviting areas. The diverse product options enable artistic expression, allowing designers to harmonize with surrounding architecture, use patterns to evoke specific feelings, preserve historical elements, and utilize pavers for wayfinding.

How can concrete pavers improve the ecological resiliency of a community?

Unilock permeable pavers can be used as part of a multi-layered system to create resilient landscape plans in retrofit and new build communities, helping them recover more quickly from extreme weather events. By reducing stormwater runoff, these pavers contribute significantly to improving both environmental and human health. Utilizing lighter color pavers that have a high solar reflectance can mitigate heat island effect, reducing ecological impacts and lowering energy consumption. Additionally, choosing pavers that incorporate cement alternatives, like EcoTerra™, helps reduce carbon emissions and contributes to climate-positive designs.

How have concrete pavers impacted designs for projects such as streetscapes?

Concrete pavers play a significant role in streetscape design. They provide desired aesthetics, help define the boundaries of key business districts and become economic drivers for communities. Modern streetscapes focus on creating a sense of place and a complete street, extending from building face to building face. There is also a growing emphasis on fostering healthier, more livable communities. This shift has prompted designers to prioritize the development of adaptable, sustainable, and functional streets, utilizing materials such as concrete pavers to meet these evolving needs. Today, you can find concrete pavers in sidewalks, carriage walks, and streets, offering durability and modern uniqueness. This transformation has helped turn today's streetscapes into safe and welcoming outdoor spaces that drive economic vitality, physical health, and social well-being.

What should designers and planners consider before choosing paving materials?

The key considerations when choosing paving materials are the purpose, goal and use of the site. What type of loads will it endure - vehicular or pedestrian? What is the application - on grade, on pedestals or permeable? What is the desired look and feel of the project? Which size units will fit the space best? What environmental elements will the site be exposed to? The answer to these questions may require different pavers, laying patterns and base details. At Unilock, we are always here to help you choose the best products for your projects based on your unique requirements.