Watersmart project-managed the site with the first Grey Porous Lane coating on a residential parking bay in New Zealand
According to Watersmart, the client was redeveloping their property and wanted to create additional parking without compromising stormwater management or increasing impermeable surface area. Considering its the area with the steep slope and is close to landscaped areas, the client wanted a surface that was durable, permeable and low-maintenance, with the ability to handle vehicle load while preventing flooding and water pooling issues.
Watersmart, a distributor of Porous Lane in New Zealand, project-managed the site and provided technical consultation throughout the process. The team used Porous Lane Traffic Mix in Grey (55m²) to achieve performance and an aesthetic match with the existing concrete driveway. Watersmart also guided the main civil contractor on base preparation, including one compacted layer of GAP65, and two layers (100mm each) of GAP20 to ensure stability and trafficability.
Watersmart is the only provider on the market offering a permeable surfacing system with permeability exceeding international standards up to 8-10 times, contributing to long-term performance and sustainability outcomes. The use of Porous Lane helped with effective stormwater management, reducing runoff and filtering pollutants before they reach the road network. It also provided surface strength — reducing the risk of ravelling and extending the lifespan of the installation.
Porous Lane permeable driveways are designed to help with stormwater management by allowing water to infiltrate through the surface, which reduces runoff and supports on-site detention. Stormwater filtering removes pollutants, and captured water can be redirected to tanks, garden areas or the stormwater network. Each square metre incorporates the equivalent of three Australian waste tyres, with a design life of 25 years.
