Author: Anita Zeba Bakhtiar

bti Building Products > Articles by: Anita Zeba Bakhtiar
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Designing Aesthetic Outdoor Spaces: Creative Uses of Pavement Tiles

December 13, 20230

When we invest money in our own apartment, it is expected that we will spend a substantial amount of time choosing outdoor paving; especially since we dedicate a lot                                                                                           of time choosing the interiors of our home. However, selecting outdoor paving can be a daunting task, since there are so many designs available to choose from, it can be tricky to know where to start. 

There are several things that need to be taken into consideration before incorporating pavement tiles into the creation of an aesthetic outdoor space. First, you need to choose a tile that is suitable for all different kinds of weather, be it rain, heat or cold. The colour and size of tiles must also be decided upon. If you use bti building products’ pavement tiles and Unipavers, you can customise the size, shape and even the colour of your tiles. 

Thematically, it is a good idea to match the colour theme of your landscaping to that of your pavement tiles. Your pavement tiles should also match the rest of your interior. This will help all of your decor to have a smooth flow. 

 

  1. 1. Locally sourced= environment-friendly option

Locally sourced pavement tiles are not only cost-efficient, but also often have environmentally friendly options like ceramic, slate or sandstone. If possible, buy from somebody who ethically sources their products. 

  1. Intersperse your pavement with greenery where possible

Adding planting to your hard landscaping scheme is a great way to demonstrate a greener approach to garden design. This will allow you to plot a more naturalistic look whilst offering an additional layer of colour and texture. You could space out your pavers to create a stepping stone effect, with small plants nestled in the gaps of the paving.  

  1. Keeping it neat

For a simple splash of colour that adds style to your outdoor space, run a strip of greenery (long planting boxes with succulents or flowering shrubs could work) for a gorgeous accent. 

For a more orderly and unmistakably modern look, create a simple strip of greenery that runs across your patio.

  1. Use beige tones to add warmth

If your home is decorated with natural wood and cane furniture, you could use beige or cream coloured pavement tiles for your outdoor area. It will complete the look of your interiors, as well as adding warmth to the outdoor area.  

  1. Create a decorative design

Use different coloured pavement tiles in a chequered style to create a decorative design. You can even choose colours that complement the rest of your interiors to give your home a polished look. If you want a more subtle pattern that does not overpower the rest of your home, you can go for a slightly monochromatic look. Darker tiles could give your outdoor space a more contemporary feel.

  1. Use Unipavers to create an interlocking design

Unipavers can be customised, so you could choose larger ones in contrasting colours to create a unique, eye-catching pattern that makes your outdoor area more fresh and modern. 

Similarly, if you want to divide your outdoor space into different zones, say one for entertaining and the other for relaxing in seclusion, you can colour-code each of the areas to make it easier for people to locate each space. 

  1. Fill in the gaps with gravel

To create a pathway that is interesting and break the monotony of plain tiles, leave larger gaps between the tiles, filling in the gaps between them with a mix of gravel or small, light-coloured stones. It will give your outdoor space an ultra-modern look to give the tiles an edge, or to signify a pathway from the indoors leading to your outdoor space.  

  1. Mixing materials for a bespoke look

For those of you that are looking for an individualistic look, you can choose to mix different patterns and styles of pavement tiles for a look that is very you. You could ask your landscaper/ architect to bring samples so that you can make sure the pattern suits your idea and looks attractive. You could also just choose to limit the pattern to one section if you are curious about a patterned outdoor area, but do not want to commit to an entirely patterned space. 

  1. Get creative with paint

If you want to add a rustic look to your outdoor space, you could try out painting your pavement tiles. You could first put on a white base, then add random splatters of different colours for an aesthetically pleasing outdoor space. Add water sealing paint over the tiles to protect it from the elements. 

 

There are multiple methods of creating an aesthetic outdoor area using pavement tiles. Consult your architect or landscaper to come up with a fresh new perspective to give your home an edge over the others.

Architecture & Building

Green Construction with bti: Advancing Sustainable Building Solutions

December 5, 20230

Green construction is perhaps a term that is very new to those who are familiar with construction or architecture. Green construction basically means sustainable building–it is the idea of involving processes and creating structures using environmentally responsible and resource-efficient techniques to extend the life-cycle of the materials and the buildings. 

The main aims of sustainable construction or green building is to preserve the integrity of the raw materials, energy and water, fight against global warming by reducing carbon and greenhouse gas emissions, minimise/ eliminate waste and reduce pollution, and extend the life of the structures created. Sustainable building also aims to bring comfort and health to occupants by using high-quality, sanitary and environmentally friendly materials, both for the insulation as well as for the outer construction. 

Some principles associated with green/ sustainable construction are: 

  • Use renewable/ recyclable resources 
  • Reduce resource consumption (be energy and water efficient)
  • Maximise reuse of resources
  • Protect the natural environment
  • Create an environment that is healthy and environmentally sound
  • Protect the nature surrounding us

The basic ideology of sustainable architecture is rooted in different practices which target reducing the negative impacts a building or structure might have on the environment, and are intended to look after or improve the health of the users and neighbouring communities. These ideologies are implemented through numerous techniques, management methods, materials and the internal organisation of spaces and functions. This is done to control the level of energy consumption and the living environment of the occupants. Technology used extensively in sustainable or green construction include: 

  • Materials produced in an environmentally-friendly manner that last for years due to their weather and climate-change resistant nature, such as the hollow blocks and hollow bricks from bti building products
  • Smart appliances and homes, reducing the need for a constant flow of electricity
  • Green insulation and lighting (using natural sunlight and natural materials to insulate homes and commercial spaces) 
  • Energy and water-efficient homes and commercial spaces

bti building products manufactures concrete hollow blocks and solid bricks, both of which are produced in an environmentally-friendly manner. Compared to traditional bricks that need to be baked in kilns before use, hollow blocks and solid bricks are made of concrete, so they are both available throughout the year, and do not produce heavy smoke during their production as they do not need to be burned before being used. Hollow blocks are often used to reduce insulation required, as they keep the structures cool during summer, and warm during winter. As our solid bricks, Unipavers and pavement tiles are all customisable in terms of size, using these will be efficient as it reduces waste of products (interlocking tiles/ bricks will be easier). 

 

The greater purpose of sustainable construction is to reach high performance levels in terms of the environmental, economic and social impacts of the concerned structures. Since bti building products are manufactured in highly ethically and environmentally sound manufacturing units, the processes used are extremely efficient and make optimal use of resources. One of the first benefits of sustainable or green construction is that it helps reduce environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. It also helps make our surroundings cleaner, which will undoubtedly have an overall impact on global warming and climate change. According to a World Green Building Council report, savings in a sustainable building can be very significant: from 25 to 35% energy savings, and up to 39% water savings compared to a conventional building. Besides, green building boosts the real estate market and allows to reduce operating costs.

Green buildings help improve the quality of life, by enhancing occupants’ health, well-being and comfort (thermal and acoustic insulation, better energy and lighting management). Moreover, it minimises strain on local infrastructure. bti building products are used in creating such green buildings, with designs that have an active role in improving the environment, leaving a positive impact on climate change that could only stand to better the living standards of future generations.

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