The Basics: Rainwater Harvesting (RWH)

Rainwater is one of the most precious resources in the world. Fortunately here in B.C. we are gifted with an abundance! Unfortunately, the building industry has convinced most home-owners that water is a major threat to their homes and properties, therefore it being important to get rid of it A.S.A.P.! The truth is, if you were to use the correct tools to harness this priceless gift you would be years ahead of the building and development industry! Rainwater Harvesting systems are perfect for indoor use such as flushing toilets and washing clothes, or outdoor use to wash vehicles and pets. Best of all, you can water your lawn and gardens whenever you want in summer months as this no longer controls you by the city watering restrictions! If we install an in-ground drainage system you can additionally reclaim and filter any excess run-off water and use it again!

One of the best ways to use this system is to include a water feature! In doing this, you are able to enjoy and show off the water you are secretly storing underground! If you were to choose to include a pond with fish and plants, this would add even more nutrients to the water for irrigating your landscape! At this stage you would have a mini eco-system on your very own property. A holistic approach based on nature’s intelligent design is always the recommended route, but something as small as a single rain barrel does make a difference in the world.

City storm-water systems have been created to take the water from our roofs and street to direct it into our streams, rivers and oceans carrying harmful chemicals at high velocity. This is extremely damaging to our local eco-systems and is causing greater destruction to plants, fish, and animals than the average person would guess. It’s through small steps like residential rainwater harvesting that will help to heal our local eco-systems and prevent local flooding. We aim to change the world with our clients to create a better world for tomorrow. We hope to partner with you on a rainwater project soon!

The grass on the left side (see picture below) is the RWH finished product!

Written by Rob Thibault

The Basics: Pavers

Pavers are a great addition to any outdoor living space because they provide any property with a beautiful and functional surface. Whether you’re looking to put in a new driveway, improve an already existing walkway, or create additional space to host a party or BBQ, pavers are the top solution. We have trained ICPI members on staff that are both certified and qualified. This dynamic team of installers have even installed complicated projects such as custom company logos! Bricks and slabs enhance the appearance of any outdoor area by adding the look of warmth and accessibility. We can install them to give an old country cobblestone feel or a sharp and clean modern appearance. A great way to seemingly increase the square footage of your home is to add a patio. Suddenly you can transition from inside the house to outside just like the breeze that passes through.

Another benefit to pavers is that you will never have to worry about them cracking or breaking! Unlike the other comparable surfaces such as concrete or asphalt, pavers have a much longer life-span. A quality paver with professional installation can literally last hundreds of years, just look at the European cobblestone roads that still exist today! We want to help you protect your investment, not regret it! Your options for shape, size, color and texture are almost limitless and we can build them to any design you desire. When we design a space with pavers we aim to compliment your residence and surrounding structures by choosing the perfect combination of products to match your existing elements and themes. Pavers can be coated with a special sealing agent that protects them from the outdoor elements such as weeds, moss, ants, or stains and it also works to ensure their colour stays vibrant for an increased period of time.

Did you know that paving stones are one of the most environmentally friendly options available? That is one of our favourite facts about this amazing paving surface! Most pavers are permeable, which means when it rains the pavers absorb water and weep it into the subgrade soils below, restoring your local water table! Also, if you ever need to remove a section in your driveway or pathway for home updates such as installation of pipes or cable, you could do so with zero waste, unlike the other paving surfaces which cannot be re-used and would have a much higher repair cost. In the case of earthquakes or other natural disasters, pavers are hands down the best solution on the market! As you can see, pavers are the top option for aesthetic and structural capacity which is an extremely rare combination.

 

Written by Rob Thibault