The New Vogue in Roads? Sod.
During renovations of the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida, architects recoiled at the idea of a concrete fire lane for the 1920s-era landmark. But Bill Bohnhoff, founder of Aurora, Colorado-based Invisible Structures, knows that pavement's problems go beyond aesthetics. During a hard rain, oil, antifreeze, and other automotive offal rush into the sewer system, often ending up in groundwater. Bohnhoff's is one of six major U.S. companies championing an environmental solution: porous pavements. These drip-through surfaces allow naturally occurring microorganisms in the soil to break down the toxic gunk over time. Today, the Biltmore's fire lane (shown here) is made of "Grasspave," a surface of recycled polyethylene plastic rings that are rolled out like carpet, packed with sand, and seeded. This lush lawn is sturdy enough to bear the weight of an F-16 (according to a company spokesman) -- or at least the occasional fire truck.
-- Stuart Luman

Briefings: Parking Lawns | Poached Salmon, Anyone? | Ribbons & Rebukes

OnEarth. Fall 2001
Copyright 2001 by the Natural Resources Defense Council

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