Masonry Magazine January 2009 Page. 21
Genuine clay pavers have been used in on-the-ground applications with outstanding success since early Colonial days. Color retention and compressive strength that surpass concrete-based segmental paving systems make it easy to understand why architects and designers keep specifying authentic, versatile, genuine clay pavers.
Clay pavers are also instrumental in helping architects and designers with green building design and sustainable strategies. Clay brick is the most sustainable green-building material, with its combination of natural ingredients, low-maintenance requirements, extreme durability, little on-site construction waste, and ability to be recycled or re-used.
Additionally, flexible or permeable clay pavements can reduce storm-water runoff and filter pollutants. Light-colored clay pavers can reflect a significant amount of solar energy, thereby reducing the heat island effect associated with some urban areas. Flexible clay pavements allow relatively easy access to utilities or services that lie beneath the pavement, and the surface can often be restored with the original materials with no change in appearance.
Clay pavers can play a crucial role in projects that incorporate the principles of New Urbanism, a multidisciplinary approach to restoring walkable, neighborhood-based developments to our communities.
Shining examples
Since 1989, the Brick In Architecture Awards have been one of the country's most prestigious awards competitions featuring clay bricks. Architectural and design firms from around North America enter their best projects to be judged by a jury of their peers.
As the winning projects from the 2008 Brick In Architecture Awards "Paving & Landscape Architecture Design" category demonstrate, the use of genuine clay pavers helps transform underutilized structures and blocks into vibrant, pedestrian friendly, streetscape destinations that enrich the life of community residents and visitors.
Cady's Alley, Washington, D.C.
Award: Best In Class
Installation System: Bituminous Setting Bed on Concrete Base
Manufacturer: Glen-Gery Corp.
Landscape Architect: Landscape Architecture Bureau
Paving Contractor: GT Contracting Corp.
www.masonrymagazine.com
Opposite and Below: Cady's Alley, Washington, D.C.