StormPave Permeable Clay Pavers Words: Dan KamysOctober 2008Green BuildingPine Hall Brick's permeable clay pavers debuted in spring 2008 on a unique construction project. StormPave was introduced as part of a LEED standards model project in Greenville, S.C. Cliffs Cottage at Furman, a "Southern Living" showcase home, was recently built on the campus of Furman University. A visit to the Web site (www.furmancliffscottage.com) the house itself shows that the 3,400-square-foot residential home has all the latest innovations in sustainable living, from bamboo flooring to solar panels in the roof. Outside, walkways around the house and gardens, which are made with Pine Hall Brick's StormPave permeable clay pavers, continue the project's overall emphasis on environmentally responsible design. Using a "best practice" permeable pavement design, the pavers are installed with open graded aggregates, which allow rainwater to permeate through the system and dissipate slowly into the groundwater below. This process acts as a natural filter, instead of allowing storm water to flow across the surface carrying pollutants into storm drains and streams. Laura Schwind, a landscape architect with Pine Hall Brick, says the StormPave pavers and the companion line, RainPave, offer both commercial and residential projects the beauty and traditional look of genuine clay pavers, while helping preserve the environment. "RainPave and StormPave contribute to storm water management practices and could potentially help earn LEED certification points," says Schwind. "Bricks, by their very nature, are green and will virtually last forever."Return to the feature story: "Green Building"Return to Table of Contents About: Side Story