As a specialist in water management solutions, we continuously invest in the development of sustainable systems.
The Drainix®, a patented water-permeable paving, is recent proof of this. Drainix® is a cast-in-place reinforced concrete grass paver and is the perfect blend of a classic plastic (lightweight) and concrete (strength) grass paver. Among other things due to its integrated reinforcement, Drainix® is a perfect solution for public spaces, parking lots, and similar areas where heavy loads are inevitable. Drainix® was recently installed in a pilot project—developed by the City of Damme and the Lobelle Engineering Office—for the construction of a nature-inclusive parking lot with a focus on biodiversity and the bee population. The City of Damme aims to position itself as a "slow city" (onthaaste stad). This is a city that focuses on the human scale, sustainability, and a high-quality environment. Bee species of all kinds make a significant contribution to achieving this goal. Therefore, as early as 2015, the city launched a campaign to raise awareness about the bee population, resulting in a Damme bee garden. Today, the city is taking it a step further by constructing bee-nest-friendly parking spaces. The parking lot is constructed from strips of foundation featuring Drainix, alternated with rows filled with sand. The Drainix reinforcement connects the strips to one another, providing the parking lot with the necessary stability and strength for heavy traffic.
Bustle-friendly
The sand filling gives the bee population the opportunity to dig their nests into the ground. Depending on the species, this nest is located at a depth of 5 to 60 cm. With a fully founded parking lot, this possibility does not exist. When installing a classic grass paver, there is a risk of subsidence. In short, a sustainable solution that fits within the objectives of the Flemish action plan for Wild pollinators.
