As urban development continues to intensify, the way we manage water on the built landscape has never been more important. With flooding events becoming more frequent and drainage infrastructure under growing pressure, the need for sustainable, porous, and permeable paving solutions is now a priority across all sectors of design and construction.
For architects and specifiers, SuDS-compliant surfacing offers a practical and environmentally responsible approach to surface design—without compromising on aesthetics or performance.
🌧 What is SuDS and Why Does It Matter?
SuDS, or Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems, are designed to manage surface water in a way that mimics natural drainage processes. Instead of directing water into overburdened drainage networks, SuDS encourages water to infiltrate, evaporate, or be stored, reducing flood risk and improving water quality.
In practice, this means using materials and systems that allow water to drain through the surface rather than run off it—a challenge traditional hard landscaping surfaces often fail to meet.
🧱 Porous vs. Permeable: What’s the Difference?
While often used interchangeably, “porous” and “permeable” have subtle differences that are important for specifiers:
- Porous materials allow water to flow through the surface material itself.
- Permeable paving refers to the whole system—surface + base—that allows water to pass through.
Resin bound surfacing is both. It combines porous natural aggregates with a clear resin binder, creating a surface that is smooth, hard-wearing, and fully permeable when installed over a suitable base.
✅ Why Architects Are Choosing Permeable Resin Bound Surfacing
- SuDS Compliance
Resin bound systems are ideal for SuDS strategies. When installed correctly, they meet permeability requirements without the need for additional drainage infrastructure—streamlining the design process and easing planning approvals.
- Sustainability
Sustainability is no longer a bonus—it’s a necessity. Resin bound surfaces support green building principles by helping to manage surface water naturally. Systems such as Addagrip’s BBA-certified ranges also incorporate recycled aggregates, making them a strong choice for environmentally conscious projects.
- Design Flexibility
With a wide range of colour and texture options, resin bound surfacing allows design freedom without sacrificing function. Whether you’re working on a heritage site, contemporary urban space, or public realm project, resin can adapt to your aesthetic goals.
- Low Maintenance, Long Life
Resin bound is not only visually clean—it stays that way. It’s resistant to weed growth, puddling, and surface cracking, making it an ideal long-term solution for high-traffic areas such as pathways, courtyards, and public spaces.
- Accessibility and Safety
Smooth, seamless finishes meet the needs of inclusive design, offering a non-slip surface suitable for all users. This makes it particularly well-suited for public areas, educational settings, and healthcare environments.
🏗 Why Work with Addagrip?
For over 40 years, Addagrip has led the way in resin surfacing innovation. We offer a range of BBA-certified, SuDS-compliant resin bound systems, trusted by specifiers and architects across the UK.
Our products have been used on prestigious projects such as Constitution Hill at Buckingham Palace and Kew Gardens, and we continue to support the construction industry with technical guidance, specification support, and a network of approved installers.
📐 Specify Better with SuDS-Compliant Resin
Whether you’re designing for public infrastructure, commercial landscapes, or residential developments, permeable, sustainable surfacing is no longer optional—it’s expected.
By specifying resin bound systems that are SuDS compliant, porous, and sustainable, you’re choosing materials that align with future-proof design principles and climate resilience.
Ready to make permeability part of your next project? Contact Addagrip for technical specifications, sample swatches, or CPD opportunities.