Pavers have been a part of landscaping for about as long as landscape design has existed. Throughout history, landscapes from around the world have utilised and refined many types of mountainous slate stones, sandstones or small cobblestones to create functional yet aesthetic patterns within hardscapes.
While pavers are primarily used to connect the different spaces within a landscape, their colour, texture, and patterns are often carefully selected to nod to the architectural setting of the landscape. Quite often, landscapes are designed around themes that have identifiable characteristics defined by specific built features, distinguishing materials, a signature form, or a recognisable spatial organisation.
When it comes to selecting from a wide variety of concrete pavers, every landscaper might find the following pointers useful.
1. Understanding the landscape
The selection of design elements significantly impacts both the macro and micro conditions of a site. By carefully analysing the site’s unique features — such as soil composition, drainage patterns, and existing conditions — landscape designers can propose designs tailored to both the site and the client’s needs. The soil type will determine the suitable base design for laying the pavers. Additionally, exploring permeable pavers is crucial, as they offer an eco-friendly solution. For areas requiring functionality without mud accumulation, grass pavers provide an effective solution.
2. Designing functional hardscapes within the landscape:
Hardscapes play a crucial role in establishing functional connections between various landscape elements, helping to define spaces and guide movement. Istaka’s Brikweave offers a perfect vernacular, earthy finish for pathways around ponds and other water features, creating a natural aesthetic. In contrast, the Volga-Vista paver, with its subtle slight stone finish, forms elegant Romanesque patterns, making it ideal for podiums and public squares.
To define spaces effectively, well-designed pavements can delineate key areas such as entryways, plazas, and walkways, enhancing navigation. In public spaces, pavers with smooth surfaces and minimal joints ensure accessibility, offering a comfortable experience for wheelchair users. Meanwhile, stone-textured pavers, such as CorbuCobble and Wrightstone Slate, are well-suited for farmhouses and residential projects, adding charm and durability.
3: Selecting the Right Paver or Slab
With a plethora of options available today, choosing the most appropriate solution for your needs is paramount. Pathways serve as movement guides — defining entries, walkways, pause points, and courtyards — so selecting pavers based on their intended use is crucial. Considering factors such as colour, texture, and size, the right paver is selected as a balance between aesthetics, application, and durability.
When selecting pavers, it’s important to consider the movement patterns within the space. For example, Wrightstone pavers in nature-inspired colours and Gradieno slabs work beautifully in courtyards and pause areas, blending seamlessly with the surrounding environment. Cobbles such as PianoPebble, CorbuCobble are ideal for smaller walkways with light foot traffic and can also be used for driveways, providing a timeless, organic look. Combo pavers like MiesMatte, Valerian are a great choice for entrances and walkways, offering a harmonious balance of style and practicality to connect different zones of the site.
4. Exploring creative patterns:
Hardscaping adds character to a space, with flooring naturally drawing attention as people move through it. Concrete Pavers offer endless design possibilities for creative patterns and arrangements. Various laying styles, such as herringbone, basket weave, or random interlocking, add visual interest and texture to the paved surface. Available in twelve sizes, Istaka’s Solstone pavers are ultra-modern interpretations of old-world brick-paved streets.
5. Integrating complementary elements:
Incorporate complementary elements such as retaining walls, planter beds, and lighting fixtures, proper Garden edges to enhance the overall design. Ensure these elements harmonise with the pavers and contribute to a cohesive look and feel of the landscape. Istaka’s premium concrete retaining wall collection offers a wide variety of choices for all kinds of public landscapes.
Conclusion :
Pavers offer landscapers a versatile, durable, and visually appealing solution for outdoor spaces. With the right selection, layout, and installation, they enhance both functionality and aesthetics, ensuring long-lasting, low-maintenance landscapes. ISTAKA provides high-quality pavers to help bring creative landscaping visions to life.
