Cathedral Gardens- Rooftop Application of Hydro-Flo Pavers

Our Hydro-Flo Permeable pavers have been chosen and will be installed shortly on the podium deck portion of the Cathedral Gardens in Oakland CA.  The deck covers the top surface of the sunken parking structure and will provide an ADA compliant surface as well as a beautiful landscaped surface area for the outdoor pleasure of the tenants.  The 100 apartment/home project is centrally located near BART and the 10,000 square foot of Hydro-Flo pavers ordered will compliment both the new two 3- story buildings which surround the rehabilitated 110 year old Rectory building.  New or old the environmental benefits and the ADA advantages are outstanding. 

 

As the project progresses over the next period "work in progress" pictures will be available.  Whether you are looking for a small residential project or a large commercial (like the recent Google headquarters project) or anything in between the Hydro-Flo Permeable pavers with their safety advantages and environmental benefits are an outstanding addition.

 

Other recent Hydro-Flo paver projects include a beautiful streetscape, condo projects, corporate HQ, multiple universities & K-12 schools, residential, commercial projects and more.......Finally, remember that if you would like to add to your LEED score (usually 6-10 credits) you may want to consider the use of our Hydro-Flo Permeable pavers.

Cities move to Permeable Pavers for solutions

For the past few years, California has seen some of the driest weather on record (this rain system is trying to help out with that!).That has made Californians realize how precarious our water system is and how valuable a resource water is. If you combine that need with the overall market trend to become more efficient and aware of how we use everything, there is a trend that is directing us toward Environmental Sustainability.

With those two drivers behind us, cities are beginning to realize how much Hydro-Flo Permeable Pavingstones can help improve the infrastructure of their community. By keeping water on-site they can then properly manage their own resources, rather than needing to rely on other municipalities to bail them out. Water collection at the site also reduces demand on aging sewer systems.

Places like Menlo Park and Santa Barbara are beginning to require permeable surfaces in place of impervious. Other cities and counties are sure to follow suit, and in fact, many have begun including calculations for impervious surfaces or rebates for use of Hydro-Flo Permeable Pavers. When you can make one decision that can make a positive difference in your community for many years to come, it is understandable why these governments are deciding to support this technology.

Now is the time to transition your knowledge base from just standard pavers to Permeable. With hundreds of options and combinations, you can come to rely on Pacific Interlock Pavingstone to be your expert supplier of Permeable Pavers.
Enjoy the rain!

Last Days to get Product at STOCK REDUCTION Prices!

Are you looking for the perfect opportunity to upgrade your driveway, patio, or garden? Now is the perfect opportunity to get 1st class product as a reduced price. Choose from a variety of sizes and styles. Come on in to our Sales office to get and updated list of what is still available. Hurry, sale ends February 28th, 2014!

HYDRO-FLO PROJECT UPDATE: January 2014

Google has chosen our Hydro-Flo Permeable pavers for the new Mountain View Campus. The goal of this complex is "to provide the healthiest environment possible," states David Bennett, Head of the Google Green Team for Operations and Innovation (Bloomberg). 

Many thousands of square feet of Hydro-Flo pavers are currently being installed at the new Mountain View campus as walkways and plazas and will provide the environmental benefits and the safety advantages for Google employees for years to come.  Hydro-Flo Permeable pavers are still the only truly permeable concrete paver available today with US, Canadian, European and Australian in place with others still to come.  Each gallon of water that we keep on-site and away from our storm drains, rivers and oceans will reap benefits for future generations. Installation will begin later this month.

Next, the City of San Jose is in the process of using about 15,000 square feet of our Hydro-Flo Holland pavers for about a mile of road medians and corner enhancement for the Alameda Beautification project leading to downtown.  This project alone has the potential to keep hundreds of thousands of gallons of water away from our rivers and oceans while adding beauty and an environmental standard that is hard to beat.  The Hydro-Flo Permeable pavers are also far easier to maintain than the "gap" style pavers.

 

Another nice Hydro-Flo Permeable paver project that was recently completed is the Jack Capon Villa project for the developmentally disabled in Alameda.  Although this project used less than two thousand square feet of Hydro-Flo Permeable pavers the safety advantages as well as the environmental advantages are just as important.  Small or large each project is a building block to a more sustainable future for us all.

Pavers adjust for earth movement where concrete cannot

There are many priorities that you need to decide between when selecting a new surface for your driveway or patio. Price and options are always factors, but one thing we like to ask about is the desired longevity of the project.

Tree roots and earth movement can dramatically shift base layers. Poured concrete is a monolithic surface, and as such, it does not adjust well if the base happens to shift. This is one reason why you will see concrete cracking or lifting. In order to account for this, the concrete either needs to be cut up and removed, or ground down, which can leave permanent marks.

 

Pavers from Pacific Interlock are more flexible and can adjust with the earth movement because of their smaller, modular nature. They are also 2.5x stronger than poured concrete. The benefit here, is that if the earth moves underneath, or if you need to access underground utilities, you do not need to redo the entire driveway. All that is necessary is to remove the affected area's pavers, make adjustments and replace the pavers!

 



Reservation Road Improvement Project

Another great installation of Hydro-Flo Products.

The City of Marina selected these pavers as the focal point for their Locke-Paddon Park/Reservation Road Update. They were really impressed with the permeability, safety, and longevity of Hydro-Flo Pavers, paired with little to no maintenance. The project managers viewed this as a long-term investment in the community, making the park a central location for its citizens to spend their time.

Paver Décor Group completed the project on time (with help from a machine used to install pavers-take a look) with expert craftsmanship. The project selected the Holland Paver (4"x8") in the Painted Desert (Red/Tan/Charcoal) Blend in order to accentuate the path's surroundings.

The path is already available for pedestrian use, and has quickly become one of the favorite paths for joggers, sight seers and dog-walkers.

City of San Jose incorporates Hydro-Flo Pavers into Commodore Park

Over the past few years, we have seen the market beginning to shift towards pavements that do more. While concrete has served us well in the past, and will continue to do so, clients are beginning to expect more from even the most basic elements of our lives.

Hydro-Flo Pavers have been gaining traction with many groups, especially cities. Concerned not only with water retention, cities are looking to Hydro-Flo to reduce slipping and puddling. As you can see in these pictures (taken right after one of our most recent downpours), Hydro-Flo technology enables the water to be removed from the surface almost immediately.

In addition, Hydro-Flo Technology lets everyone involved in the project do what they do best. For architects and designers, Hydro-Flo allows for many options to utilize their creativity. With over 20 different profiles and 15 standard colors, there are countless options. Even if you have a unique idea in mind, we may be able to help you meet your project needs. Commodore Park, for example, utilizes a custom color of Cream/Brown with solid Brown accent bands.

Hydro-Flo Technology also benefits engineers, whose strength tends to lean towards problem solving. Finally, they have a surface that is safe for pedestrians and vehicular traffic alike, whilst providing a maximum of environmental benefits.

Contractors used to installing pavingstones will not be surprised by the steps needed to ensure proper flow through either. In many cases, the installation of Hydro-Flo Technology resembles that of regular pavers (the base changes to allow for more angular stones with few/no fines).

Hydro-Flo Pavers are easy to implement into a residence's, campus' or city's overall sustainability goals. Stop by Commodore Park and see for yourself how beautiful and functional pavers can be! Contact us at 831-637-9163, stop by our new location at 1495 S. Winchester Blvd. in San Jose, or ask your local distributer for more information!

Winchester Location up and Running!

Come and visit us at our new location on 1495 S. Winchester. This location has been transformed into the home of Pacific Interlock. Come and see our new displays, pick up samples of many of our styles, and introduce yourself to our friendly staff. Make yourself welcome as we help you envision your new driveway, pathway, or patio!

Join us all day on December 7th (8 AM to 5 PM) to celebrate with us. We will be having a lunch and other activities for those who work with us (Print out and bring the above coupon please!). Come and celebrate with us!

 Here are some of our brand new displays! Come by and see for yourself!!!

 

Long Beach Landscape EXPO 2013

Welcome to the #1 Landscape Trade Show & Educational Conference in the West!
The Landscape Expo is the longest running landscape trade show and conference in the Southwestern United States, dating back to the 1960's.  

Pacific Interlock will be at the show presenting our line of Permeable Pavers...Hydro-Flo Technology! This is a breakthrough in environmental technology, since it allows a surface to have vehicular access and look great, while offering the most natural method of percolation. This reduces stormwater runoff and allows PIP to lead the industry in the new field. 
Come stop by our booth (550) and mention that you saw us on this blog! We look forward to seeing you! 

There are many great vendors at this landscape show. If you are a landscape pro, be sure you make it to this event!

Pacific Interlock is Moving!

Hello Loyal Customers,

After nearly 30 years in the same location, Pacific Interlock Pavingstone will be moving its San Jose Sales office from De Anza Boulevard to Winchester Boulevard. This month we will be transitioning from one to the other, but in the meantime, you get to enjoy a stock Clearance sale of our pavers at our De Anza Blvd Store. Take 40% off MSRP on product in stock!

 

Keep stopping by to find out more information...!

 

New products, information and special events to come!!!

 

Thank you for your business. We look forward to providing you with quality products for many years to come!



Cobbles in September!

This month, Pacific Interlock Pavingstone is offering the most distinguished paver, the Cobble, at a reduced rate. 15% off means creating a backyard oasis UNDER budget, or upgrading to include a  firepit! The Large, Medium and Small Cobble offers a timeless look for all your needs. Great for driveways, walkways and patios.

Holland Pavers on Sale for August

Holland Pavers have defined the pavingstone industry for many years, yet this timeless style has thrived throughout generations. The simple elegance of pavers is captured in the design elements of Holland Stone. The 4x8 size has been used in residential projects all the way up to commercial projects. All of our colors are available in this multi-purpose paving stone. Imagine your backyard patio transformed by a new patio!

July Paver Sale-Canyon Rock!

Featured this month is our textured, tumbled series of pavers. The Canyon Rock series carries a natural look that can be used all around your property. From driveways to walkways to patios, this versatile paver will enable you to create a beautiful outdoor space, while saving some money!

Pavers cause less vibration than poured concrete?

Once again, we cannot always count on logic to lead us to the right conclusion! A study conducted by Veteran's Health and Elderly Advocacy groups, in conjunction with ICPI, BIA, and NCMA, has determined that Paving stones are, in many cases, better than poured concrete for wheelchairs.

Vibration can cause damage to the body if exposed for a long period of time. It has been long believed that the gaps in pavers cause more vibration to occur than other surfaces. Thus it would be logical for these associations to promote the use of the smoothest surface possible. However, this study shows that under most circumstances, pavers actually provide a smoother ride than poured concrete.

The study included 9 different trial sites with manual and powered wheelchairs. The different trial sites included pavers with different bevel sizes and different installation patterns (45 and 90 degree herringbone patterns).

Pavers with larger bevels had a higher vibration rate, as did pavers installed at a 45 degree Herringbone pattern. Therefore, the recommendation of the study is to keep the gap at or below 6mm and to install pavers with 90 degree patterns.

Hydro-Flo Pavers installed in Handicapped parking areas.

 

This can raise some issues for those looking to install standard Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavers (PICP) that depend on gaps, most often greater than 6mm, for their permeability. Hydro-Flo Technology, however, enables the installer to have gaps less than 6mm, so that proper vibration levels can be observed. Initially Hydro-Flo Technology Pavingstones have been used in Handicapped Parking areas because the architects were concerned about slipping on regular concrete. Now they will be even happier that their choice will help reduce the impacts of vibration on the elderly and disabled.

For full text of the study, follow this link: http://www.sept.org/techpapers/1368.pdf

Project Update: Commodore Park

The City of San Jose has begun a project to recreate Commodore Park. The groundbreaking ceremony was March 9th and a lot of work has been done so far, with more to come. The 3.2 acre site will be home to two playgrounds, fitness center, picnic area, and parking lot.

The project is located at the corner of Jackson Ave and Commodore Dr and should be completed by December of 2013. We look forward to seeing the progress of this project.

The city has specified the use of Hydro-Flo Pavers to offer safety and green benefits to the park-goers, in addition to the stunning aesthetic benefits.

Here are some before pictures. We will be sure to keep you updated with new pictures as the project changes!

Save on our Large and Medium Cobbles until the end of the month!

 

This is the best time to get your back yard in shape, and this is one of the best stones to do it! The timeless beauty of this product will last for 30+ years. Take advantage of our sale on Cobble Pavers!

Pacific Grove uses Pavers to improve Downtown Aesthetic

Pacific Grove is one of those wonderful weekend (or weekday, if you are so lucky!) getaway spots, known for unique stores, beautiful views and great eats. P.G. has recently made a wonderful new addition to its already beautiful downtown.

At the intersection of Forest and Lighthouse, city planners and engineers set up a plan to beautify . While designed as a standalone project, the installation of pavers is meant to catalyze future investment in the area. As a well known company in the region, Pacific Interlock Pavingstones has long had a presence in the nearby cities and counties. Initially, the Hydro-Flo Paver was introduced as an option on this project because of all the safety and green benefits. Upon greater inspection, it did not make much sense to use the product based on the soil sub-base. Pacific Interlock's 80mm Holland Paver (B9-Red/Charcoal) was selected for its strength, durability and appearance.

Judge for yourself and see what you think! This project represents the care and concern behind the many small decsions that together make Pacific Grove such a fabulous place to visit.
For more information, visit: http://www.mercurynews.com/california/ci_22545018/pacific, or visit PG!

Plank Pavers Special until May 31st! 15% OFF!

See our fabulous new Plank Paver and use it to fall in love with your backyard all over again! The 6x24 Plank uses the skinny modular look to create a stylistic area. Available in either smooth or wood-grained texture, the plank can be laid in a variety of ways that are limited only by your imagination.

Even better! Now until the end of May, Plank Pavers in any style or color are 15% off! Are you ready to create a patio that you actually ENJOY this summer?

Green California Expo 2013

Please stop by our booth at the upcoming Green California Summit & Exposition April 18 & 19 and learn more about the most advances permeable hardscape available today...our Hydro-Flo Technology Permeable pavers. The only truly permeable (patented) concrete pavers available.

We will be stationed in booth 427 and would be excited to answer any questions you may have about this revolutionary new paving surface.

Current Hydro-Flo Permeable paver projects include many City, County, University, K-12, Corporate, Commercial, and residential venues.

2013 Green California Summit & Exposition Advantages of Hydro-Flo Permeable Pavers....... * Truly Permeable.....not a "gap style" paver                              * Meets all ICPI and ASTM standards for pavers * Outstanding ADA slip-resistance test results                      * Dozens of shapes and sizes * Strong enough for vehicular traffic                                      * Over 15 standard colors......plus custom colors * Outstanding for urban forests and landscape                           * Keeps water on-site and reduces pollution * Exceeds C-3 & LID plus other standards                                  * Reduces water runoff by as much as 100% * Safer..ADA Compliant                                                                                                                              And many more benefits!!!

Permeable Pavers prevent tree root upheaval

One of the most common issues encountered with any type of cementitious paving surface is the damage that growing tree roots can cause. Upheaval is a common problem in any city that places trees in sidewalks.

Photo gathered from: lancaster.unl.edu

Trees depend on water and nutrients to reach their root tips and in a natural setting, the roots grow in such a way as to collect those nutrients. In a concrete area, they must accomplish the same goals, but the concrete can prevent much of the water and many nutrients from reaching the root system. So the tree roots pop up, causing major damage to walkways.

Pavingstones have long been a way to reduce the costs of damage that trees can cause, since you can pull out individual units, trim the roots, reset the base and replace the pavers. Otherwise you would need to cut out the concrete, or have a grinding tool.

But what if you didn't have to do any of that sort of maintenance? Is there a way to have a safe walking surface and be able to get water to the roots?

Permeable Pavers can be a great solution to this problem. Permeable pavers allow a hardscape surface to act more like a natural surface by allowing water to penetrate to the roots.

Below is an example of a project using Hydro-Flo Technology Permeable Pavers for a specific area. The homeowners really liked this tree, and wanted to keep it where it was, but they were also interested in having paved access to the back of the property. As a result, they chose Hydro-Flo Permeable pavers to negate the impacts of paving over the roots.

You can see how some areas are absorbing water to be passed to the subsoil and to the roots. This installation required minimal destruction of the roots as well. There you have it...you CAN have the best of both worlds!