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Q1 Newsletter
FINDING SANCTUARY ON THE PATH
It’s always fascinating to see what trends emerge each year in hardscape design,
with products, styles and colors. This year, there’s a resurgence in nature-inspired pavers with earth tones, which evoke a sense of tranquility and connection to the earth. Drawing inspiration from the rich hues of terracotta, soothing earth tones and soft, sandy neutrals, the latest designs of porcelain pavers, with their faithful capturing of the veins, subtle hues and unique features of natural stone, become a canvas for creativity, transforming outdoor landscapes and rooftops into delightful spaces to relax, have fun and enjoy. |
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In our own range of porcelain pavers, the best example of this is our new Piedmont range, featuring four colors (Earth, Desert, Grey & Dark) in a captivating palette from soft beige with a golden mottled effect through to a dark grey paver with sophisticated warm, sepia-colored cloud effects, bold in character but highly decorative. All four colors take inspiration from natural stone as diverse as Turkish sandstone and North-African marble in a most original and convincing way. |
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Although porcelain pavers remain the staple of our business, we like to see ourselves as a supplier of outdoor surfacing in general. Right now, we are very excited at the growth potential for FRP grating, especially for boardwalks, marinas, piers and bridges. Why? Unlike traditional wood planks which are prone to decay, staining, and splintering, FRP grating surfaces are exceptionally durable and low maintenance. They are essentially impervious to corrosion and decay, very stable, even and flat and with a gritted surface, they ensure safe, secure footing even in the wettest locations. Plus, a surface covered with FRP grating gives a modern design, while still blending with the surrounding environment. |
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A perfect example of FRP grating blending functionality and aesthetic appeal is an installation on the access track to Wineglass Bay on the East Coast of Tasmania in Australia. Wineglass Bay is consistently rated as one of the top 10 beaches in the world, and deservedly so – who could deny the stunning beauty of the sparkling blue ocean, a perfect crescent of sandy beach, and dense forest bordering a national park. Accessible only by foot (or boat), an initial, steep ¾ mile climb rewards you with a magnificent view down to the beach below. |
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FRP boardwalk and access track to Wineglass Bay, an outcrop of wild pristine coast land, on the East Coast of Tasmania in Australia. |
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But it’s also one of Tasmania's most visited tourist sites, attracting more than 300,000 visitors per year, so maintaining safe, year-round access is critical. Apart from solid stone steps, FRP grating is used exclusively on elevated boardwalks and steps at the lookout to ensure utmost safety in wet conditions and to protect the fragile environment yet blend unobtrusively into the rocky outcrops. In addition to the need for low maintenance and utmost durability in such a heavily trafficked location, the gritted, open mesh surface guarantees safe, secure footing for visitors, ensures rainwater drains away instantly and allows sunlight to reach the vegetation below, helping to support the native plant life. |
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SpanTrak FRP grating panels are the equivalent product we supply in the US for such boardwalk applications. We supply these panels in three mesh sizes, two thicknesses and in panels 8’ x 4’. Our standard color is charcoal grey, but we can supply different colors in special order to seamlessly blend with the surrounding environments. |
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In the commotion of construction sites, where deadlines loom large, decking contractors all too often find themselves wrestling with heights and levels on site that don’t match their blueprints. Frustration rises when delays and extra costs start mounting, having to return purchased pedestals, exchange them for correct models, and then wait for their arrival. |
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Overcoming this common issue was the primary goal in the development of our “Prime” pedestal. With just three models spanning the height range of 1¼” to 16 ½", heads with inbuilt spacer tabs and shock absorbing rubber surface, automatic slope adjustment up to 5% and the ability to make micro adjustments from above even when all pavers are laid, our “Prime” pedestal has been a true game changer for paving contractors where typically up to 6 models of pedestals are require to span the same height range. |
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Prime Pedestal supports offer adjustable heights ranging from 1¼ to 16 ½" |
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Making a Splash at St. Regis Seapot |
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The St. Regis Seaport Building in Boston MA, where condos sell for millions, is a sleek, modern building that exudes class and elegance. In keeping with the sophisticated air of luxury, porcelain pavers were selected by the architect for the surface of all the balconies, penthouse decks and exterior restaurant flooring to complement the condo interiors and the dark grey, white, and glass exterior of the building. For the balconies, our dark, slate look ‘Slate Nero’ pavers were chosen as a perfect complement to the stainless steel and glass railings, while our dark quartzite ‘Silver Black’ pavers were selected for the outside eating area of the 2nd floor restaurant, contrasting with the white chairs. |
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