Hydrostone™ Pavers Enhance Steele Park Amid Environmental Constraints
Steele Park, one of Hamilton's oldest parks, is renowned for its large, heritage-protected trees. The Hamilton City Council engaged Jagas to create outdoor areas that would have minimal impact on the park's grounds, particularly the trees bordering buildings within the park. Due to the park's heritage and protection status, there were strict constraints to minimise runoff into the surrounding areas and protect significant tree roots.
CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS
One of the main challenges was selecting a paving solution that met the council's stringent environmental requirements while also being practical and aesthetically pleasing. Tree roots were a significant factor in this project, with protection circles around a number of the mature trees requiring careful planning and installation to avoid any damage.
After demonstrating the high porosity of Hydrostone™ permeable pavers to the council, they were selected for the project. The pavers' permeability was crucial in minimising runoff into the surrounding areas, aligning with the council's environmental objectives. Another advantage of Hydrostone™ was its sizing and smooth surface finish. Unlike other permeable options with rough textures, Hydrostone™ provided looks amazing and has a safer surface in case the user trips or falls.
Managing the timeline was another significant challenge. The project experienced delays due to extended design processes and approval sign-offs. The arrival of the pavers left us with only a four-week window to complete excavation, backfilling, laying, and cutting before the early July handover—a tight schedule given the scope of work. To meet the deadline, we added extra resources on the ground and worked weekends to catch up on lost time.
OUTCOME
The project was completed in 3.5 weeks, including excavation, installation of the permeable base material, paving, and finishing touches. Our team also managed the garden works and prepared the grass areas. Despite some delays caused by rain and ongoing deck construction, we successfully met the critical handover date.
The installation of Hydrostone permeable pavers at Steele Park was a success, resulting in a functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space that blends seamlessly with the park's natural environment. The use of a permeable paving solution ensured minimal impact on the grounds and protected the heritage trees, fully aligning with Hamilton City Council's environmental objectives.
Our ability to manage a tight budget and complex timeline while maintaining high-quality workmanship was a key factor in the project's success. Both the client and our team were highly satisfied with the final result.
The successful completion of the Steele Park project showcases how careful material selection and efficient project management can overcome environmental constraints and tight deadlines. The Hydrostone permeable pavers not only met the council's strict requirements but also enhanced the park's usability and safety for the public.