The first commercial installation of our latest innovative paving product, Addagrip EcoHeat Surfacing system, took place at the BuildKent Stadium, home of Folkestone Invicta Football Club.

The project

The Football Club was looking to upgrade its main terrace with a new maintenance free, porous paving that would be decorative, hard wearing and comfortable underfoot especially in the winter months. A solution was offered to provide an innovative paving product that would meet requirements and would also generate hot water. Addagrip EcoHeat is a high quality permeable resin bound finish combined with Ecoheat patented pipework technology which provides a heat harnessing option that will enable the club to produce hot water and heat the surface with free energy to keep it clear of frost and snow.

The installation

The existing terrace surface was prepared and the Addagrip EcoHeat Base and EcoHeat patented pipework was installed ready for the Addagrip EcoHeat resin bound permeable surfacing finish. The client was also looking for the Club’s initials to be added to the surface. Two bespoke colour resin bound blends were selected for the finished surface and the FIFC lettering was created using a template to give a seamless paving design.

The installation was completed in February 2021 just before a spell of cold weather, including ice and snow, which enabled the club to see the new technology in action as the warming of the surface took effect. As the snow fell on the pitch, the terrace remained snow and ice free. The permeable resin bound finish also ensures that the terrace is free draining and dry underfoot for the club’s spectators. The new surfacing also enables the club to harness the energy created to help heat water for the clubhouse.

Ecoheat performance

Initial system performance readings have indicated the following:

Carbon reduction of 65%
Annual returns £1850
RHI £950
Fuel saving £700
Energy saving £200

Outcome

The client is delighted with the new surface which offers a ‘first of its kind’ heat generating porous paving solution that is stylish, practical, low maintenance and kinder to the planet.