Hydromedia®
Pervious & Permeable Concrete

Holcim UK’s Advanced Permeable Concrete for Sustainable Urban Drainage 

Hydromedia® is a high-performance, fast-draining concrete pavement solution designed by Holcim UK to rapidly direct stormwater away from surfaces and back into the natural water cycle. As a robust wearing surface, it effectively mitigates the risk of downstream flooding and surface ponding, making it an essential component of modern Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS). By combining high permeability with structural integrity, Hydromedia® offers a sustainable, low-maintenance alternative to traditional drainage, eliminating the need for expensive ironwork and retention ponds while providing a decorative, functional finish for any architectural project.

Benefits       Why Hydromedia       Applications       Specification       Related       Calculator       Contact Us

benefits

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Rapid Drainage

Features a high flow rate of approximately 600 litres/m²/min, rapidly directing water off streets and walkways to eliminate standing water and ice hazards. 

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Cost-Efficient SuDS

Eliminates the need for expensive drainage ironwork, interceptors, and retention ponds, offering significant space savings for more efficient land development. 

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Environmental Protection

Reduces the effects of pollution by cleansing runoff of surface pollutants and minimising the urban impact on the natural water cycle. The product is also 100% recyclable, supporting circular construction.

Why Hydromedia®

Hydromedia® offers a unique combination of high permeability and durability, supporting loads for pedestrian use and light goods vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes. Its advanced formulation allows it to function as a standalone wearing surface or as a structural underlayer for block paving, providing versatility across diverse construction sectors. 


The system is engineered for maximum efficiency; when designed with a specialized sub-base to contain typically 15% – 35% voids, water flows freely through the matrix, significantly reducing the risk of downstream flooding. Beyond its functional excellence, Hydromedia® enhances safety by reducing glare from wet pavements and preventing hydroplaning. Available in a variety of integral colours, it allows designers to achieve high visual appeal without compromising on performance. Holcim UK ensures that Hydromedia® is 100% recyclable, supporting circular construction and reducing the environmental footprint of urban infrastructure.

Close-up of Hydromedia water-permeable concrete showing its porous, textured surface designed for drainage.
A water permeability demonstration showing water draining rapidly through Hydromedia porous concrete paving in Redditch.
Cross-section of permeable concrete showing its porous structure with exposed aggregate and visible voids for water flow.
Close-up of Hydromedia water-permeable concrete showing its porous, textured surface designed for drainage.

Applications

Ideal for: 

  • Residential Roads & Driveways: Provides a durable, low-maintenance surface for domestic access and residential streets.
  • Car parks: Ideal for light traffic parking areas (up to 3.5mt) where efficient drainage is critical.
  • Leisure & Sports: Perfect for tennis courts, swimming pool decks, and cycleways due to its slip-resistant and fast-drying nature.
  • Urban Plazas & Walkways: Combines decorative architectural finishes with high-capacity drainage for pedestrian-heavy environments.
  • Structural Underlayer: Can be used beneath pavers in plazas and podiums to provide a stable, permeable base. 

specification

Specification Detail

Value

Product TypeHigh Permeability Fast Draining Concrete
Flow RateApproximately 600 litres/m²/min
Compressive Strength10 - 15 N/mm²
Working TimeApproximately 90 minutes
Voidage15 - 35% (depending on aggregate grading and placement)
Sustainability100% recyclable and supports SuDS compliance.

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