Category: Newsletter

GraniteCrete monthly newsletter provides industry news, design ideas and useful information.

Renaissance in the Garden District

Posted on by Brad Barbeau

The Portola District of San Francisco sits tucked away, somewhat isolated from the rest of the city. Back in 1922 the Girabaldi brothers built the iconic University Mound greenhouses and went on to develop many well-known varieties of roses along with snapdragons, delphiniums and dahlias – the official flower of San Francisco.

GraniteCrete Installer Permeable Pathway
Brett Stephens of San Francisco Landscapes & Construction oversees the installation

Other greenhouse businesses sprouted up and the area became known as “The Garden District.” The Portola neighborhood once had over twenty thriving, family-owned, commercial greenhouse operations and supplied most of the city with flowers for decades.

 

Due to this rural and agricultural history, the Portola district has one of the most diverse populations in San Francisco. The people of this area have overcome cultural and language differences by working and gathering together.

But times have changed. Many of the greenhouse business that once flourished in the area have since closed. Only one greenhouse business remains. Great swaths of the district have fallen into disrepair or been abandoned entirely.

The Greenhouse Project

A non-profit organization, The Greenhouse Project hopes to breathe new life into this historic district. They, along with the Portola Neighborhood Association, seek to honor the rich legacy of the Portola district by building public gathering places that celebrate its past. Through a Community Challenge Grant, their plan is to build sustainable, long lasting gardens, walkways and community gathering areas.

The ideal renovation will include community open spaces and pedestrian walking paths that will continue to foster community connection in this diverse community. Additionally, the public spaces should have a rustic, natural appearance that honors the rural history of the “garden district.”

A Nearly Perfect Solution – Perfected

Brett Stephens of San Francisco Landscapes & Construction jumped into the “green-up” efforts a few years ago as a contractor and an organizer of volunteer labor.  Stephens lives nearby, so the pedestrian pathway project had a special meaning for him; he sees it as an extension of his backyard.

The GraniteCrete installation is well on its way.

Since the pathway would see a lot of public use, Stephens knew they needed a paving material that would be durable, look natural, and fit the sustainable mission of the neighborhood. Ideally it would be permeable, thereby doing away with groundwater runoff issues. They wanted to avoid contributing to heat index. What’s more, the pathways had to be accessible to people in wheelchairs.

Having used GraniteCrete on past projects, Stephens knew of only one product that could solve all of these issues: GraniteCrete. He also knew GraniteCrete, better than any other product, could achieve the natural appearance they hoped to achieve. His only concern was that the installation process could be somewhat involved and a bit complicated for his all-volunteer crew.

Then he learned that GraniteCrete has recently developed a dry-installation process which was much simpler. This installation method requires fewer steps and is much less labor intensive.

(Full instructions on the new dry installation method are available on GraniteCrete’s DRY INSTALLATIONS page.)

Quality Assurance

Because GraniteCrete is committed to every installation being completed according to its high-quality standards, company personnel were on-site to oversee the installation process and assist Stephens and his crew as needed. 

For this pedestrian pathway, Stephens and his volunteers used an installation process recently developed by GraniteCrete in partnership with some of their best installers.  This new “dry” installation process saves time, effort, and labor for the installer and provides a more natural look and feel to the finished product.

Stephens found the dry installation process “much easier” than the wet process. He and his crew of volunteers quickly “got the hang of it” and finished the installation swiftly and with no issues. He noted the dry process was easier to screed, and could be compacted with just a roller and a broom!

A Beautiful Finish

GraniteCrete is proud to have been a part of this important project to develop beautiful, green areas in the Portola district and foster a sense of community throughout the neighborhood; we look forward to similar projects in the future. If you have a community project that would benefit from GraniteCrete’s unique qualities, let us know how we can help get the project started!

Marin Headlands: Sustainability in Action

Posted on by Brad Barbeau
Parking area at Marin Headlands
Parking are at Marin Headlands

In 2010, the National Park Service began work to update and expand the Marin Headlands, an outlook of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, famous for its unique geology. GraniteCrete was chosen as the paving material for the job due to its low impact, its porosity and its permanence: GraniteCrete requires minimal maintenance to last beautifully for decades.

Marin Headlands Custom Color GraniteCrete Installation
A foggy day at Marin Headlands

Marin Headlands’ characteristic red-brown topography formed millions of years ago by lava spilling from vents and mixing with radiolarians (microscopic protozoans). The paving upgrades needed to blend seamlessly with the surroundings to preserve “the crown jewel of the Golden Gate National Parks,” so the National Park Service required the color of the new paving to match the existing native material. This expansion also required excavation of the surrounding hillside to allow for a widened roadway and vista turn outs.

All of this presented GraniteCrete with a unique challenge: None of GraniteCrete’s four standard colors exactly matched the deep red-brown color characteristic of the area terrain.

As a leader in innovation and sustainability in surfacing solutions, GraniteCrete worked with the architects to solve two issues as sustainably as possible, the color matching and the disposal of the excavated material.

Normally, GraniteCrete admixture is mixed with decomposed granite brought in from an outside quarry. However, for this project, GraniteCrete Admixture was mixed with the on-site material that was being excavated – the trademark red-brown cherts for which the area is known. In a process that had never before been attempted, the excavated cherts were sieved to GraniteCrete’s specifications and then combined with GraniteCrete Admixture to create the perfect color, sustainably.

Distant view of Marin Headlands installation
Marin Headlands view of the Golden Gate Bridge

If the on-site material had not been used, twenty-four truck loads would have been needed to transfer the materials off site for disposal, and another twenty-four needed to bring in new decomposed granite! The use of the on-site material saved gas, reduced the wear to our roads, cut down on emissions, and saved more than $70,000 in trucking costs.

Pedestrian walkway at Marin Headlands
This view shows the hillside from which the cherts were excavated

What was done at the Marin Headlands was unprecedented in the aggregate stabilizing industry. GraniteCrete is proud of its part in this
sustainable and environmentally successful project and we encourage you to visit this natural wonder. It is truly the crown jewel of the Golden Gate Recreation Area. See it for yourself and bring a picnic lunch!

GraniteCrete offers 4 standard colors, along with custom colors, each made with organic toxin-free pigments. Combined with natural decomposed granite, GraniteCrete is your permanent, permeable and natural paving solution for trails, walkways, driveways, parking areas, and yes, even bocce ball courts!

Standing the Test of Time and Tide

Posted on by Brad Barbeau

In 2005, Asilomar State Beach had a big problem. The gorgeously rugged beach had suffered the ravages of coastal erosion. This one-mile stretch stretch of coastline, home to the Asilomar Conference center, is known for its rugged natural beauty and diversity. The dunes and sandy beaches give way to rocky outcroppings and the fierce tides regularly overwhelm the pedestrian pathways. All of this  is part of the attraction to locals and tourists alike.

GraniteCrete Asilomar State Beach
An example of the erosion at Asilomar on the left; the GraniteCrete installation after completion in 2005 on the right.

But by 2005, these conditions had led to a perilous situation for the hundreds of thousands of annual visitors. The stairways leading to the beach had been severely and dangerously washed away. Asilomar State Beach is not located in a protective cove, but exposed to the open ocean. The pathways and stairs leading to the beach are regularly submerged by a  cold upwelling from nearby Monterey Canyon. When deciding how to resolve the erosion issue, the California Department of Parks and Recreation needed  to find a solution that would be both cost effective and extremely durable.

Concrete, though durable, would not blend with the natural beauty of the area. Traditional decomposed granite would only be washed away by the punishing tides. They needed something that would require little maintenance. Due to the fragile ecosystem, they needed to choose a product that would not leech dangerous or toxic materials, such as synthetic pigments and binders.

More than a decade ago, The Parks System chose GraniteCrete™.

GraniteCrete’s permeability and permanence were perfect for the project. It not only blends beautifully with the surroundings, it requires no maintenance. The organic colors, made from natural pigments, have stood the test of time, retaining their natural shade. Despite constant tidal encroachment, the steps look virtually the same today as when they were first installed.  Some of this can be credited to the porous nature of GraniteCrete, and some to the permanence provided by the proprietary admixture.

In the nearly thirteen years since GraniteCrete was installed at Asilomar State Beach, it has maintained its structural  integrity. It has not eroded, and the transition/grade between the railroad ties and the GraniteCrete is continuous, making the steps safe for public use.  The State Beach has saved thousands of dollars in maintenance over a regular decomposed granite installation, with an installation that has the durability of concrete, yet aesthetic beauty that no other product could provide.

GraniteCrete Permanent Durable Permeable Paving Asilomar State Beach
Beneath the sand from the beach, the GraniteCrete installation at Asilomar State Beach maintains its integrity in 2018.

Contact us to find out how GraniteCrete can help you combat erosion!

What is C.3 Compliance, and How Can GraniteCrete Help?

Posted on by Brad Barbeau

Our thriving communities increase the number of buildings, roadways, and sidewalks – and concerns about stormwater management. The pressure is increasing for builders to choose low-impact development solutions, and many communities are implementing solutions that comply with C.3 requirements.

GraniteCrete permeable paving outdoor patio at MEarth sustainable kitchen in Carmel.

So, what is C.3?  C.3 is a requirement for new developments—and redevelopments—to meet stormwater design compliance requirements.  Among others, requirements that must be met include:

  • Minimize impermeability and reduce runoff
  • Control runoff rates and durations, if required
  • Provide for operation and maintenance of stormwater facilities

It also requires that, when possible, permeable surfaces should be used instead of traditional paving solutions so runoff can filter through to the underlying soil.  Runoff can carry pollutants that reduce water quality and negatively affect the beneficial uses of our waters.  C.3 seeks to protect our water sources from these issues.

California Stormwater Quality Association
GraniteCrete is a member of the California Stormwater Quality Association, the author of C.3

When planning new developments or redevelopments, a stormwater control plan must be created that illustrates how the project will implement stormwater controls into the project’s design and landscaping.  The plan should also show the size and location of both permeable and impermeable surfaces, proposed stormwater facilities, and detailed information of how runoff will flow from the impermeable surfaces to the stormwater facilities.

It is recommended by C.3 that to comply with these requirements, landscape architects look toward Low Impact Development (LID).  LID is an approach that seeks to control stormwater at the source and mimic the development site’s natural hydrology; it encourages architects to implement designs that will capture stormwater runoff and use it for local landscape irrigation and groundwater recharge.  This can be done in a variety of ways, including the use of rain gardens, native plants, and by installing permeable pavement.

An excellent permeable pavement solution that is often overlooked is permanent decomposed granite that does not contain a resin or polymer base, such as GraniteCrete.

GraniteCrete meets C.3 requirements as a stand-alone product.  It is a permanent, permeable, and natural paving solution.  It contains no polymers or resins, meaning it will not cause any unnatural substances to leach into the soil or groundwater over time.  It stays in place, and is able to self-repair any minor cracks that might occur on the surface due to normal usage.

Not only is it an ideal paving solution to meet C.3 requirements but best of all, GraniteCrete contributes two LEED credits when it comes to stormwater design:

  • Credit 6.1 – Stormwater Design – Quantity Control (1 point) GraniteCrete helps decrease the amount of stormwater runoff on a site
  • Credit 6.2 – Stormwater Design – Quality Control (1 point) GraniteCrete helps reduce water pollution by increasing on-site filtration.

Interested in using GraniteCrete on your next project?  Contact us to get started.

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How GraniteCrete™ Solves Your Permeable Paving Needs

Posted on by Brad Barbeau

As California moves into the heart of winter and experiences the increased rainfall that accompanies it, the importance of using a permeable solution for paved surfaces becomes increasingly apparent.

 

GraniteCrete permeable patio Culinary Institute America Copia Napa
Permeable pavement mimics the ground’s natural processes by reducing runoff and water pollution, and replenishing underground aquifers. This installation of GraniteCrete™ at the Culinary Institute of America at Copia illustrates how water passes through permeable pavement, rather than puddling on the surface or creating runoff.

Traditional, impermeable surfaces – such as concrete – have played a huge role in the decline of watershed integrity in urban and urbanizing areas.  These surfaces can affect water quality, affect streamflow, and even increase the likelihood of flooding by causing:

  • Higher discharges
  • More bank erosion
  • Increased sediment transportation
  • Increased pollutant loads to streams
  • Reduced groundwater recharge

Thankfully, alternative paving solutions exist that combat these issues.  Permeable pavement has a high porosity that allows rainfall to pass through it to the ground below, and comes with both environmental and financial benefits.

GraniteCrete™ is proud to surpass other permeable pavement competitors, to be the ideal choice for those looking for a permeable paving solution.  GraniteCrete™ allows water to pass through at over an inch per hour—reducing runoff and aiding groundwater reservoirs—all while providing 13 LEED points as a stand-alone product!

Environmental benefits include:

  • Reduces storm water runoff rate and volume
  • Reduces water pollution by trapping pollutants in the pavement
  • Replenishes groundwater, which can in turn be used by plants surrounding the pavement
  • Reduces surface temperatures since permeable pavement doesn’t produce a “heat island”

Financial benefits include:

  • Reduces the need for some conventional drainage features, such as curbs and gutters
  • Lower installation costs, since underground piping and storm drains are not needed
  • Reduced water-usage costs, since surrounding plants can benefit from the replenished groundwater

The benefits of permeable pavement are undeniable.  One study found that after one year’s use of four permeable pavement areas there was no measurable surface runoff from the permeable pavement areas. After returning to the site after an additional five years all four permeable pavement systems showed no major signs of wear or clogging. Virtually all rainwater continued to infiltrate through every permeable pavement system, with little or no surface runoff.

A popular paving option is decomposed granite.  However, there are a few different types of decomposed granite solutions out there.  It’s important to know the differences between each, so one can choose the right option for the right environment.

Loose, decomposed granite is the least-expensive option, as it’s simply loose granite with no binders or additives.  While it has excellent drainage and the initial cost is low, loose granite can be costly to maintain since it’s affected by erosion and often needs to be filled in as it’s washed away or otherwise scattered from the initial installation site.  During wet periods, it is prone to becoming mushy and muddy, and can easily be tracked into homes, which may damage hardwood flooring.

Stabilized decomposed granite is comprised of a stabilizer mixed in with the granite aggregates.  There are a few different stabilizer options.

A stabilizer that is often used is a product made in India, called Psyllium husk Powder.  Once spread and compacted, it is similar in appearance to loose decomposed granite.  Over time, however, this product fails and replacing it can become costly since the stabilizer and the decomposed granite have to be mixed prior to being delivered to the installation site.

Another commonly used stabilizer is resin.  When mixed with decomposed granite, this stabilizer creates a firm surface that’s stronger than loose decomposed granite.  The primary downsides to decomposed granite stabilized with resin is that it discolors over time—meaning it lacks aesthetic appeal—and it is also not permeable.  The lack of permeability is a major issue, particularly if one is trying to meet the Stormwater Management C.3 regulations.  We will go into more depth about the Stormwater Management C.3 regulations in our February newsletter.

Decomposed granite can also be stabilized with a polymer base.  While this can be appealing to those looking for an option similar to loose decomposed granite, it fails in time allowing the decomposed granite to be tracked away from the installation location and into buildings.  The major downsides to this option is that it is not permeable, fails over time, has no color options, and has temperature requirements for installation that can delay or impact installation times.

This cross-section shows GraniteCrete™ on a lift of Class II permeable base rock.

Decomposed granite stabilized with GraniteCrete™ Admixture has the look and feel of a crushed organic surface, with multiple surface finish options: loose, smooth, and coarse. It requires little to no maintenance, does not fail over time, and has excellent erosion control.  It is also permeable, allowing water to easily pass through; since it does not contain any oils, resins, polymers, or enzymes, it will not cause water pollution.

GraniteCrete™ has been approved and accepted as a 100% permeable product by Monterey County.  As noted by the County in their determination: “This determination exceeds the minimum 40% pervious surface requirement established by Monterey County and has been confirmed by an independent testing laboratory. The important fact in determining GraniteCrete™ as a permeable surface is that the entire surface of the product infiltrates water. It provides 100% ‘pass through’ regardless of whether it is used as a 3″ lift for pedestrian traffic or a 4” lift for commercial and light vehicular applications.”

In many ways, GraniteCrete™ is the superior decomposed granite paving option.  Interested in learning more about how GraniteCrete™ can improve your next landscaping project?  Contact a representative.  We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

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GraniteCrete Drafts Fred DiPietro as its Newest Sales Representative

Posted on by Brad Barbeau

Professional baseball player, devoted family man, salesman extraordinaire: GraniteCrete’s newest salesman hits a homerun!

Fred DiPietro
GraniteCrete welcomes Fred DiPietro

After studying English at San Jose State University, Fred was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 4th round as a Catcher/Power Hitter. After several years with the Tigers, Fred retired from the game and entered the sales world. Over the course of his illustrious sales career, Fred has received several top awards and been honored with Gold and President’s Club Awards.
Having worked in pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, and renewable energy industries, Fred has a wealth of sales experience and is truly a valuable addition to our team.
Fred strives to understand each client’s unique needs and challenges. By educating clients about new and emerging technologies, and offering valuable insights gained from decades of experience, Fred empowers clients to make the best decision to meet their needs.
Fred’s first spring training was in TigerTown, Lakeland, Florida, and his first year as a professional baseball player was spent playing on a Triple A Team in Evansville, Indiana. According to Fred, Minor League Baseball is one of the hardest lifestyles, where players are required to live out of a suitcase and stay in B-Hotels. Travel while in the minor leagues is another challenge, with players spending 10 to 14 hours a day on a bus, mostly traveling at night. To pass the time, Fred would read; one of his favorites was Jaws. “I will never forget reading Jaws on a bus to Key West, Florida,” says Fred, “I read it all through the night. I don’t think I ever went back into the ocean after that book!”

Later in his baseball career, Fred was drafted to the Detroit Tigers as a catcher, and was considered to be a power hitter with a strong arm. After Fred left the Detroit Tigers organization, he was offered another professional baseball contract in Italy, where he played pro-baseball for the William Lawson Team.

Fred DiPietro baseball
Fred in action!

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The Culinary Institute of America at Copia Strives for Sustainable Campus Perfection

Posted on by Brad Barbeau
GraniteCrete Permeable Walkway Copia
GraniteCrete is featured in the reflecting pool walkway at the Culinary Institute of America at Copia

In California, LEED certified buildings are becoming mainstream as businesses strive to lower their environmental impact, become more sustainable, and qualify for tax rebates while retaining higher property value. The Culinary Institute of America at Copia (CIAC) is no exception as the campus strives for sustainable perfection.The CIAC is located in Napa Valley, California and is the pinnacle destination for exploring the world of food and wine. “CIA at Copia is a first for The Culinary Institute of America, entirely dedicated to offering its innovative, industry-leading food and wine education and experiences to the public. It opens a window into what the CIA truly is: a visionary thought-leader and innovator in food and beverage, with world-class faculty and facilities,” said Thomas Bensel, managing director of CIA’s California campus. More specifically, the CIAC campus provides guests with daily cooking and beverage classes, wine tastings, art collections, restaurants, and community events.

The CIAC is a branch of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) culinary college. The CIA is led by Strategic Initiative Groups that work with other talented culinary institutes to assure that they are providing their guests and students with the best, and most relevant information in culinary related fields.

The Copia building was originally utilized by the Copia museum from 2001 to 2008. The CIA acquired the building in 2015 and redesigned the facility with sustainability in mind. The CIAC campus is a sustainable marvel that features various solar, water, and renewable material strategies in design. In addition, the campus prioritizes the management of storm water runoff and the mitigation of the urban heat island effect.

GraniteCrete Copia Permeable
GraniteCrete contributes to a serene setting at night at the Culinary Institute of America at Copia.

GraniteCrete’s paving aggregate binder was seen as the premium solution for their sustainable needs. GraniteCrete’s paving material is porous and reduces storm water runoff as storm water can pass straight through the material replenishing the water table. In addition, the light pigmentation of GraniteCrete has a high solar reflective index which mitigates the urban heat island effect, keeping the ground cool on hot days. GraniteCrete was also prioritized for this project as the sand color of the walkway complimented the amphitheater and the entrance to the facility where it was installed. When GraniteCrete is installed, it can provide up to 13 LEED credits for businesses striving to obtain their LEED building certification.The California Institute of America continues to demonstrate sustainable excellence, while offering the top culinary education and experience for their community.

GraniteCrete is the best choice for high-traffic public spaces. Contact a representative to get started.

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GraniteCrete’s Permeable Purpose

Posted on by Brad Barbeau

Permeable
paving materials for walkways, patios, and driveways continue to grow in popularity. GraniteCrete is the premiere name in permeable paving materials. GraniteCrete allows water to pass through at over an inch per hour, preserving groundwater reservoirs. GraniteCrete’s permeability does not hinder the strength of the material, as its strength and permanence compete with traditional concrete. GraniteCrete has been used on many projects with the reduction of runoff pollution and the conservation of water in mind. The Santa Rosa Old Courthouse Square project used GraniteCrete to minimize the need for irrigation in an urban environment:

“The goal is to create a system that retains as much rainwater on-site as possible for as long as possible, limits the amount of irrigation needed, and also supports a surface that is strong, fast draining and low maintenance”
– Curt Nichols – Vice President of Carlile Macy – Head of the Santa Rosa Old Courthouse Square project

Impermeable paving materials such as asphalt and concrete do not allow storm water to pass through, creating runoff and polluting the nearby area. When storm water flows along concrete or asphalt, the water becomes polluted from toxins, metals, and bacteria that rest on the surface. This has a negative impact on the environment as the polluted storm water eventually seeps into the ground contaminating our natural groundwater supply.

GraniteCrete Permeable Pathway Monterey Naval Housing Unit
GraniteCrete is the perfect choice for landscaping in sensitive environments.
Permeable paving materials allow water to pass through, unlike concrete, which helps aid groundwater reservoirs by reducing the environmental damage caused by runoff. Permeable paving materials act as a filtration system as natural rainwater passes through the pavement and allow soils and microbes below the surface to filter out any pollutants. This natural filtration process also improves the health of local vegetation.

Many municipalities in California prefer permeable paving materials as these materials add to urbanization while maintaining a green mindset. San Francisco’s Green Landscaping Ordinance requires that 50% of residential front yard surfaces must be permeable by using porous paving or landscape materials. The use of permeable paving materials such as GraniteCrete, allows you to improve the aesthetics of your next project while being environmentally friendly.

If you have concerns about meeting LEED requirements, or you want to address water runoff issues, GraniteCrete™ is here to assist you. Reach out to one of our experts now.

GraniteCrete Adds Aesthetics

Posted on by Brad Barbeau

GraniteCrete Adds Aesthetics, Sustainability, and a Lasting Solution

The Coastal Biology building is the newest addition to UCSC’s Seymour Center Long Marine Laboratory. The Coastal Biology building is the first step toward the completion of UCSC’s Coastal Long Range Development Plan. The UCSC Coastal Science Campus and the new Coastal Biology building play a significant role in the University’s Coastal Sustainability initiative. This initiative addresses various environmental issues with a focus on the health of coastal ecosystems around the world.  Toward that end, UCSC was careful to consider the substantial impact this project could have on the fragile ecosystem surrounding the project.

GraniteCrete was uniquely qualified to meet these concerns while offering a sustainable and lasting solution.  The architects, EHDD Architecture, chose GraniteCrete for an 8-foot-wide walkway surrounding the Coastal Biology building. Installation of the walkway was completed by Graniterock Construction Division. The organic aesthetics of the walkway add to the natural beauty of the campus and the surrounding area. The ease of installation and quality of GraniteCrete’s Admixture was recognized by Graniterock installers, “Everyone loves it. It really holds up well.”

The 40,000-square foot building was designed by EHDD Architecture and features various laboratories and offices to support faculty and research. The building is equipped with a 125-foot seminar room, analytical labs, and a natural running seawater laboratory.

GraniteCrete is proud to partner with fellow sustainable organizations such as the UCSC Coastal Science Campus, as they prioritize positive environmental practices.

For more information on the Coastal Biology Center, go to https://www.ucsc.edu/features/marine_sciences/coastal-biology.html

This plan involves the expansion of nearby facilities for the purpose of environmental research, education, restoration, and habitat preservation.

For more information on UCSC’s Coastal Long Range Development Plan, go to:

UCSC Science Campus Long Range Development Plan