Side Story: StormPave Permeable Clay Pavers

Words: Dan KamysOctober 2008

Green Building

Pine 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. green-sb4Cliffs 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 Table of Contents
Properties and Advantages of Brick Cavity Walls
June 2026

Many compound words are self-explanatory "descriptive names." Sunglasses are glasses that block the sun. A fireplace is a place to build a fire. A cavity wall is exactly that: a wall assembly that contains a cavity. Previously, this concept was used prim

Technical Talks
Read More
The “Small Job” Safety Trap: Why Safety Sometimes Fades When the Spotlight Disappears
June 2026

Before I was fortunate enough to lead Malta Dynamics, I spent a couple of years as a traveling salesman for the company. My territory covered the entire country (and some beyond), and in a typical year, I visited more than 100 jobsites across nearly every

Greg Brown
Safety Library
Read More
Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace
June 2026

As a business owner and leader, taking the mental health of your employees seriously and understanding how it can impact their work is essential. In fact, one in five adults experiences a mental health condition annually. Addressing mental health is more

Patrick Cunningham
MAP Partner
Read More
Bonding with Masonry 2026: Q2
June 2026

This issue’s questions come from a Mason Contractor and an Engineer. What questions do you have? Send them to info@masonrymagazine.com, attention Technical Talk.

David Biggs
Bonding with Masonry
Read More