Location: Hunsdon Lodge, Hertfordshire
A new housing development in a historic Hertfordshire village demonstrates how aesthetic considerations and surface-water management can be addressed through a single permeable paving system.
Hunsdon Lodge Farm is a new development of 14 homes in the village of Hunsdon, Hertfordshire. With the development set within an established, historic village setting, the external areas needed to complement the character of the homes while meeting the practical requirements of a modern residential scheme.
For the project team, one of the key considerations was finding a paving solution that could combine these two requirements. The hard landscaping needed to complement the architectural character of the development, while also providing the permeability required to manage surface water and mitigate flood risk.
The challenge: combining appearance with drainage
The drainage strategy was an important consideration for the development, particularly in relation to the road. Permeable paving was required to support efficient drainage and water movement, but the visual appearance of the paving was equally important to the overall character of the scheme.
Liam McGrenaghan, Director at J&L Build, explained: “Our biggest issue was the drainage under the road. High quality permeable paving was required to mitigate flood risk. We had to carefully consider a product that would allow for efficient drainage and water movement.”
The chosen solution therefore needed to work as part of the site’s surface-water management approach without appearing overly utilitarian. The developer was also looking for a finish that complemented the homes, with colour retention and product quality important considerations.
The solution: permeable paving that complements the setting
Hydropave Tegula was selected in Slate and Bracken, providing a paving finish suited to the character of the development while incorporating the required permeable functionality.
The aged, antique appearance of the paving helped create a traditional visual character across the external areas, allowing the hard landscaping to complement the homes and their village setting.
At the same time, Hydropave Tegula functions as a SuDS system, allowing permeability to form part of the overall approach to surface-water management and helping to mitigate flood risk.
Liam McGrenaghan, Director at J&L Build, explained: “Tobermore’s Hydropave system allows the water to filter into the ground and stops flooding and excess water runoff.”
The approach demonstrates how permeable paving can form part of the design of a residential development without requiring aesthetics and functionality to be treated as separate considerations. In this case, the same paving range provided the visual character required for the scheme alongside the drainage functionality needed for the site.
Tobermore Historic flags in Bracken were also used within selected rear patio areas, extending the traditional aesthetic into the private outdoor spaces.
“Tobermore provided us with good looking paving products that offered good value for money. The quality of Tobermore paving is superior to competitors whose products look weathered after a few years. We would definitely recommend Tobermore.
Hunsdon Lodge Farm demonstrates that surface-water management does not need to come at the expense of the character of a residential scheme. By considering drainage requirements alongside material selection from the outset, the project team was able to create external areas that respond to both the technical requirements of the site and its historic village setting.
Visit Tobermore’s permeable paving hub to explore permeable paving solutions, technical guidance and system design tools.