Permeable Car Park Solutions

By Hannah Davies in Car Parks Saturday, September 28, 2024

Hurrah for permeable car parks! (they are the future)
Let's talk about car parks - though not always considered a thing of beauty they can be one of innovation we believe! From office car parks to the supermarket car park, it is quite often taken for granted how much we need a good, sustainable and efficient car park in our lives. But don't worry, our grids are exceptional at making this happen!

Gravel stabilisation grids are essential for creating stable, durable, and aesthetically pleasing gravel car parks. Traditional boring grey concrete block paved car parks can quickly become uneven due to heavy vehicle traffic, leading to the dreaded pothole large enough to swallow my Mini! Block paved and tarmac car parks, whilst practical, are not that great for the environment. They fall down in 2 main areas; the first problem is the materials themselves - both produce a lot of CO2 in production, and the second problem is that they are non-permeable which means ALOT of surface water run-off has to be dealt with and this usually means expensive drainage works and water being sent down the drain. There is a better way. This is where our gravel grids like the Nidagravel NG040 grid come into play. Our robust and reliable Nidagravel NG040 grids answer all your car parking needs! They combine eco-friendly credentials with, durability and superior performance. This grid and our upcoming permeable multi-surface products in the OCity range offer ALL the solutions you could ever need to create a permeable, eco-friendly parking surface.

NG040 - the champion of car park grids!
Our Nidagravel NG040 grid is designed to stabilise the gravel, creating a flat and robust surface that can withstand the weight of vehicles while remaining permeable. The matrix structure of the grid holds the gravel in place, preventing it from moving around. As a result, car parks built with this champion of gravel grids remain visually appealing and functionally sound, even in high-traffic areas. The grids are robust and designed for car park applications and the surface requires little ongoing maintenance.

One of the best bits about this grid (in fact, all our gravel grid systems) is its permeable nature, allowing rainwater to drain directly through the surface and gradually through the sub-base and underlying ground, therefore reducing the risk of flooding and making the area SUDs compliant. These grids are the perfect choice for businesses in particular looking to create an eco-friendly car park whilst ensuring the area falls within SUD regulations. And not forgetting another great quality about these grids are the white markers we have available to use with this grid system, making it simple to mark out parking spaces and organise your space efficiently.

What no spaces!! Again!
One of the most common challenges car parkers face is the lack of spaces and the need for overflow parking, particularly during busy periods. I have many memories of my mum shouting 'oh no, your dads in a car park again...' whilst he failed to find a suitable car parking space once more! But fret not, for we have a solution for extra overflow parking areas that even Dad can't miss. Our reinforced grass grids have the ability to turn an unused patch of grass into a fully functional parking area - a highly practical solution. Our Nidagrass grids can provide a seamless natural-looking extension to any car park, enabling them to accommodate more vehicles without the need for nasty tarmac or concrete. What's even better is that these grids are designed to blend into the landscape, making them a discreet solution, and when a cars leaves the grass parking area it returns to a lovely green area! Whilst the Nidagrass reinforcement system is a permanent, long-term grass parking solution, it's suitable for village car parks, gold course parking, concert and sporting venues. Nidagrass can provide a green parking surface when required and then go back to blending in with nature and the wider landscape, leaving no trace of what just took place. We love their versatility!

It's not just all about the aesthetics though, they're incredibly durable too! Made from high-quality, 100% recycled LDPE plastic, our grass grids are super tough and designed to withstand constant daily use. They can handle the weight of multiple vehicles without losing their shape, and the grass beneath remains untouched and healthy.The grids also contribute to sustainable urban drainage, allowing rainwater to permeate into the ground, reducing surface water runoff and the potential for flooding.

What are SuDS?
So you've heard the term SuDS a couple of times so far, but what does SuDs mean? S = Sustainable, U = Urban, D = Drainage, S = Systems aka SuDS! One of the best things about our grids is their compatibility with Sustainable Drainage Systems. It sounds complex, but it really isn't! It's a really simple solution to a very real problem - managing rainwater in an eco-friendly way. The old school car parks we see covered in the dreaded tarmac often contribute to urban flooding by preventing rainwater from being absorbed naturally into the ground. Instead, rainwater runs off (often picking up pollutants and contaminants along the way) into drains, which can mean overwhelming the drainage system and increasing the risk of flooding in the ever-increasing heavy downpours the UK now receives.

SuDS turns this problem on its head by copying natural drainage patterns. Instead of directing water away, SuDS allow rainwater to be absorbed into the ground, reducing runoff and helping to recharge groundwater levels. This is where our grids truly shine. Unlike traditional surfaces, these materials are permeable, meaning they allow water to drain naturally into the ground. This not only prevents the formation of unsightly puddles but also reduces the risk of flooding in the surrounding area.

The environmental benefits of SuDS are significant. By reducing runoff, SuDS helps to minimise the impact of heavy rainfall on urban areas. This is particularly important in today's world, where climate change is leading to more frequent and intense storms. By promoting natural drainage, SuDS helps to protect local ecosystems, reduce the strain on urban drainage systems, and contribute to the overall health of the environment.

By choosing Nidagravel, Nidagrass products for your car park project, you're not just opting for a durable solution but also contributing to a more sustainable, eco-friendly urban environment. Our grids are fully compliant with SUDS regulations, making them the perfect choice for any business or organisation looking to improve its environmental footprint.

Solar Car Parks
'Mummy, what are those black windows sticking out of the floor?' I love how literal children are. What my son was referring to was a solar car park, not actual windows! Renewable energy sources are taking over and becoming increasingly popular with businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprints.

The combination of solar panels, electric car recharging points and Nidagravel NG040 grids are perfect for an eco-friendly car park. The heavy-duty capabilities of our gravel grids ensure that the surface remains stable and durable. Additionally, its permeable nature means that water will continue to drain through the surface, even in areas where solar infrastructure has been installed.

Quality Guaranteed
At Nidagravel UK, we pride ourselves on offering only the highest-quality grids. Our NG040 grid is designed to provide long-lasting performance and superior drainage capabilities, making it a far better investment in the long run. By choosing a premium product, you're not only ensuring a durable, low-maintenance car park but also contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly urban environment.

New Product Coming Soon: OCity Permeable Paving System
We're not quite finished yet! We're excited to announce the upcoming launch of our new OCity Permeable Paving System. This innovative product is designed with cities and urban spaces in mind and the ever-increasing need to manage rainwater and runoff to combat the effects of climate change. The OCity range allows you to combine block paving, stabilised gravel, and reinforced grass in one integrated and simple-to-install system! It's not only a completely rainwater permeable system but it also enables architects and designers to get creative with mixed surfaces and meet SuDS requirements.

The Permeable Block combines the best of both worlds, providing a robust surface for vehicles while maintaining excellent drainage capabilities. Whether you're looking to add paved areas or pathways to a gravel car park or create a grass-covered overflow car park, this new product is the ideal solution. And the best bit we think is its multi-use design! Our OCity system can be used with block pavers, gravel and grass, providing flexibility for different types of car parks. Whether you're looking to create a gravel-covered office car park or a grass-covered overflow area, this product can meet your needs.

Invest in the Best for Your Car Park
Choosing the right materials for your car park is essential to ensuring long-term performance, environmental sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. With the Nidagravel & Nidagrass NG040 grids and our upcoming Permeable Paving System, you can create a high-quality car park that stands the test of time while promoting eco-friendly practices. From gravel office car parks to grass-covered overflow areas, our solutions provide the perfect balance of durability, permeability, and aesthetics.

If you're planning a large car park project, please don't hesitate to contact us. We offer competitive pricing for bulk orders and can work with you to ensure the best possible outcome for your project. At Nidagravel UK, we're committed to helping you create car parks that not only meet your practical needs but also contribute to a more sustainable future.

So, there you have it - who knew car parks could be so interesting? If you're looking to combine paving, gravel, grass in your car park we have got just the solution. Eco-friendly and efficient, our grids are here to transform the way you park.