CHALLENGE

Stonehill College, located in Easton, Massachusetts, is a private Catholic liberal arts college twenty miles South of Boston. With a recent South Quadrangle Plaza, the 20,000 sq.ft. space was in need of surface. The plaza would be used daily by the students, as well as a venue for events. Asphalt was a considered option, but it was not a realistic solution to address the stormwater management.

INFLUENCE

From the very beginning of the project, the landscape architecture and civil engineering firms had a strong desire to be a green campus. The examination of sub grade infiltration rates and development of a stormwater strategy to prevent run off was a necessary measure in order to create the desired result. The local conservation commission took research and accepted the permeable interlocking concrete pavement as a best management practice for handling the increased run off that would have otherwise been generated by an expanse of impervious pavement.

SOLUTION

Eco-Priora permeable interlocking pavers was the best fit for the project.

The landscape architecture team envisioned a rectilinear pattern with colors that would match the surrounding architecture, thus they manufactured three custom colors to fulfill their vision. The custom color selection of the permeable concrete pavers was an unfamiliar process for the design team, but admittedly when visiting the manufacturing plant, they expressed value in being formally involved.

Eco-Priora is designed with special spacer bars, resulting in a 7mm gap filled with clear, fine stone chip that allows the rapid penetration of rainwater into the sub-base and subsoil.

Eco-Priora not only fits stormwater capabilities, but it is also a strong paver that works well with high vehicular environments. Uniquely installed were flush-mounted panels that have anchorages for tents and also serve as electrical supply points for when events are held.

The Eco Priora pavement system was determined to be a less costly alternative to the elaborate sub-surface drainage infrastructure that was originally considered for the project.