Hanson Formpave goes green with EcoGranite at SusCon

Helping Achieve Highest Ever BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ Rating For An Educational Building... 

Hanson Formpave, a leading UK manufacturer of specialist concrete paving products, has supplied nearly 2,000m² of its EcoGranite paving for the construction of pedestrianised zones at SusCon in Dartford.  EcoGranite is the company’s environmentally aware alternative to natural granite, with up to 77% recycled content.

Working in partnership with laying specialist, Interlock Paving, Hanson Formpave supplied 1600m² of EcoGranite in Natural Cornish, sparkling white granite with black flecks and 225m² in Balmoral, black granite with white flecks.

Carl Harrison, director of Interlock Paving said: “We have worked alongside Hanson Formpave on numerous occasions and the environmental requirements at SusCon provided an ideal opportunity for us to once again partner our specialist skills, meeting the tough demands of the specification.”

Architect, Stephen George & Partners LLP was responsible for specifying the necessary sustainable building materials, a task which included a major research programme into the green credentials of the products.

This research programme paid dividends and resulted in SusCon being awarded a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating with a score of 88.85%, following a recent BREEAM Education 2008 design stage assessment. At the time of the assessment this was the highest BREEAM score ever achieved for an education building.

James Nicholls of Stephen George & Partners LLP commented: “EcoGranite is already a popular choice with architects and specifiers thanks to its sustainable credentials.  We have been able to specify a product that meets both our aesthetic and environmental demands, without compromising on quality.”

“Cost plays a key role in the specification of products,” continued James, “…and the fact that EcoGranite is less expensive than natural granite, and matches its performance and appearance, makes it the ideal alternative.”

Promoting excellence in construction skills and learning, the £5 million building for a public/private partnership, led by Dartford Borough Council, Prologis and North West Kent College, also acts as a demonstration project designed and constructed using a wide range of sustainable products, methods and technologies.  Main contractors, Winvic, managed the construction of the new centre.

EcoGranite – Up to 77% recycled content

EcoGranite delivers the appearance; performance and benefits associated with a natural granite product without the environmental impact.  The unique mix includes stent and slag, by-products of Cornish China Clay and the South Wales steel industry, helping to minimise the drain on natural resources and avoid energy intensive quarrying processes.

With a regular surface and consistent joint widths, EcoGranite provides a non slip-skid surface, juxtaposed by a seemingly smooth, sparkling finish; working together to produce an aesthetic, pedestrian-friendly paving.

The Hanson Formpave EcoGranite range consists of cobbles, setts, long-setts and permeable paving.  It is available in two colour ranges, the Cornish Range and the Royal Deeside Range and can be laid to bespoke designs, from traditional coursing to circles and flanders fans.

Hanson Formpave

Hanson Formpave manufactures a wide range of standard and specialists concrete block pavers, permeable pavers, kerb systems and ancillaries. Formpave…