Submitted at Mar 18, 2026, 2:30 PM
(Freepik/Divulgação)
Rainwater management is one of the most important challenges in contemporary architectural projects, especially in urban areas. With the increase in ground sealing — caused by concrete, asphalt, and traditional paving — problems such as flooding, waterlogging, and overload on city drainage systems arise. In this context, solutions that allow the natural infiltration of water are gaining increasing prominence.
Roberta Gonçalves - Terraço Sagrado. Trazendo como conceito a transformação “do simples à glória”, o espaço de acolhimento traduz a fé em experiência sensorial. Inspirado na Trindade e na presença maternal de Maria, o ambiente abraça a luz dirigida, criando pontos de reverência ao sagrado, enquanto uma paleta neutra remete à pureza. As obras artesanais e mobiliário sob medida reforçam a afetividade, enquanto vegetação e piso drenante criam uma transição fluida entre interior e exterior, onde contemplação e ludicidade se encontram em atmosfera de acolhimento e espiritualidade. O espaço propõe uma integração de fé, funcionalidade e sensibilidade estética. (Xico Diniz/Divulgação)
Among these solutions is permeable paving, a type of surface designed to allow rainwater to pass through its surface and be absorbed by the ground. This system helps reduce water buildup, improves drainage, and contributes to more sustainable projects.
Below, learn more about what this type of paving is, its main models, where it can be applied, and its advantages, disadvantages, and maintenance care.
Permeable paving is a type of porous surface that allows water to pass through its surface and infiltrate the soil or drainage layers installed beneath the paving. Unlike traditional surfaces — such as ceramic, porcelain tile or regular concrete — it has pores or gaps between pieces that facilitate the passage of water.
Elkis+ Paisagismo - Jardim Tropical. Um caminho sinuoso, pavimentado com piso drenante, abre passagem pelo bosque, enriquecido pelo escritório paulistano comandado por Caroline e Gilberto Elkis. A composição botânica soma mais de dez espécies tropicais, entre as quais estão alpínia, areca, asplênio, pleomele, ravenala e outras tantas forrações de menor porte que dão forma ao projeto de cerca de 400 m² repleto de texturas, perfumes e cores. Prepare-se para cruzar com uma vaca nelore de aço corten em tamanho real, bem-humorada escultura de Rapha Preto. (Carolina Mossin/Divulgação)
This characteristic reduces surface runoff and decreases the amount of water directed to storm drains and urban drainage systems. In many cases, permeable paving is part of a complete system that includes layers of crushed stone, sand, and geotextile fabric to improve water absorption.
Beyond its hydraulic function, this type of paving also contributes to more sustainable projects, as it helps preserve the natural water cycle in the soil and can reduce the formation of heat islands in urban projects.
There are different types of permeable paving, which vary according to the material, installation system, and level of permeability. Each model may be better suited for specific uses.
(Mapa da Obra/Divulgação)
One of the most common is permeable concrete, which has a mix with less sand and more voids between aggregates. This creates small channels through which water can pass, allowing it to infiltrate the soil. It is widely used in parking lots, sidewalks, and outdoor areas of condominiums.
Paver Drenante. (AlfaBlock/Divulgação)
Another well-known model is the permeable paver, composed of concrete blocks laid in an interlocking system. In this case, water does not pass directly through the block, but through the joints between pieces, which are filled with sand or fine gravel. This system is widely used in outdoor areas for its strength and ease of maintenance.
Piso drenante cerâmico. (Lepri/Divulgação)
There is also ceramic or porcelain permeable paving, developed with technology that allows greater water absorption. This type is commonly used in outdoor areas of residential and commercial projects where a more refined aesthetic finish is also desired.
(Freepik/Divulgação)
In addition, there are natural solutions such as loose stones, gravel, or pebbles, which function as draining surfaces and are very common in landscaping projects.
Permeable paving is especially indicated for outdoor areas where there is a need to manage rainwater. It is widely used in projects that seek to reduce the environmental impact of ground sealing.
Among the most common applications are sidewalks and public walkways, where drainage helps prevent puddles and water accumulation. In many cities, this type of paving is even encouraged or required in certain projects.
Alexandre Furcolin - Pátio das Tabocas. O bosque de 530 m² é criado a partir de mais de 500 touceiras, que guardam diversas espécies de bambu, como brasil, jardim, anão e quadrado. No piso, foi utilizado um revestimento drenante, da Braston. (Salvador Cordaro/Divulgação)
Another very common use is in parking lots, both residential and commercial. In this case, permeable paving helps prevent flooding and improves water runoff in large areas.
It also appears frequently in gardens, backyards and leisure areas, integrating landscaping projects. In these situations, permeable paving helps maintain soil permeability and prevents excess water in green areas.
Melissa Sales Sousa - Jardim de Melissa. As linhas formais dos jardins ingleses encontram plantas tropicais e de grande porte que causam impacto. O conjunto é valorizado pela iluminação indireta. No piso, foi utilizado um revestimento drenante, a fonte reutiliza a água e o sistema de irrigação é automatizado. (Alberto Medeiros/Divulgação)
In addition, it can be used around pools, squares, condominiums, and outdoor areas of residences, offering a solution that is functional and aesthetic at the same time.
Before choosing this type of surface, it is important to know its main benefits and limitations.
Allows rainwater to infiltrate the soil
Helps reduce flooding and waterlogging
Decreases the load on urban drainage systems
Contributes to more sustainable projects
Reduces puddle formation in outdoor areas
Can help lower surface temperature of the ground
Mônica Costa - Jardim Nômade. No rooftop da mostra, no entorno da Casa LG ThinQ, a arquiteta paisagista tirou partido do conceito de residência móvel em seu espaço de 340 m². Totalmente desmontável, o projeto cria jardins em vasos com folhagens tropicais, sobre piso drenante e cores neutras, tudo inspirado em viagens pela Europa. O mobiliário, de madeira e tecidos adequados a áreas externas, proporciona conforto para uma pausa agradável nesse momento de transição, após o longo período de isolamento social. (Evelyn Müller/Divulgação)
Upfront cost may be higher than some traditional surfaces
Installation requires proper subgrade preparation
May require periodic maintenance to prevent pores from clogging
Not all models support heavy traffic
Can accumulate dirt in areas with a lot of dust or soil
To ensure the proper performance of permeable paving over time, some care is essential.
Francisco Oliveira - Varanda do Bar. A inspiração vem dos sertões, como se tudo fosse modelado a partir da argila. Por isso, o piso flutuante é cinza com textura rochosa. No mobiliário, peças assinadas pelo arquiteto são acompanhadas por mesas laterais de alumínio e madeira. Há também tricô náutico, corda náutica e tecido impermeável. Os três bancos em toras de madeira dão a ideia de praça, com vista tanto para a Serra do Curral como para o Palácio das Mangabeiras. Vasos de plantas dão continuidade ao verde do entorno. (Dentro Fotografia/Divulgação)
Proper base preparation: the drainage system depends on adequate layers of crushed stone, sand, and soil compaction.
Periodic cleaning: removing leaves, dirt, and debris prevents the clogging of pores or joints.
Avoid waterproof sealers: products that seal the surface can compromise the draining function.
Choose the right type for the use: areas with vehicle traffic require more robust models.
Joint maintenance: in the case of pavers, it may be necessary to replenish sand or gravel over time.
When properly installed and maintained, permeable paving becomes an efficient solution to improve drainage in outdoor areas and make architectural projects more sustainable and functional.
CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content-creation agent, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.
