Smart surfaces: Making outdoor dreams possible with Permcon

As Kiwi homeowners push to get more out of their properties, adding basketball courts, tennis courts and putting greens, landscapers are increasingly running into a common problem – site coverage limits

Most district plans across New Zealand restrict how much of a property can be covered by hard, impermeable surfaces, such as concrete and asphalt. For sites already at or near their maximum coverage, even a single additional paved court can push the build over the line – stopping a project in its tracks.

But with Permcon, there’s a way forward.

Permcon permeable concrete is designed to allow water to pass through the surface and into a drainage layer beneath. From there, it’s filtered, stored and released slowly into the stormwater network – reducing runoff and helping prevent flooding. Crucially, most councils consider permeable concrete to be a pervious surface, making it an ideal workaround for projects facing compliance constraints.

Tennis courts, putting greens and more

Whether it’s under a full-size tennis court or a compact backyard putting green, permeable concrete creates a strong, stable base without counting as a hard surface – perfect for synthetic turf overlays. It performs like traditional concrete but meets regulatory demands where standard materials can’t.

It’s especially valuable for projects where space is tight, or where structural integrity is required – such as raised courts or builds on sloped land.

Real-world example: coastal court with contraints

A bronze medal recipient at the recent Landscapes of Distinction Awards, ByDesign’s Herne Bay Permeable Tennis Court project illustrates the benefits of Permcon perfectly. A client undertaking a full renovation wanted to add a tennis court and clubroom to their clifftop property. But with the clubroom’s footprint pushing the property to near-full site coverage, the court risked being non-compliant.

The solution was a permeable concrete court, engineered to collect and manage its own runoff on-site. Because the court was cantilevered off the cliff, a concrete structure was essential. But to meet permeability requirements, the top layer also needed to support turf, remain level and have zero movement.

Permcon permeable concrete delivered exactly that – a fully engineered, load-bearing base with stormwater management capabilities – and a surface compatible with artificial grass. It ticked every box for the client, the architect and the council.

A smart option for landscapers & designers

For landscapers and designers, permeable concrete is more than a compliance tool – it’s

a design enabler. It allows you to offer clients more functional space without compromising on regulation or performance. With products like Permcon, you can deliver:

• Courts and greens that don’t count against site coverage.

• Durable, level bases compatible with turf systems.

• Solutions that future-proof properties against changing stormwater rules.

In summary

If a dream court or green is just out of reach due to site constraints, Permcon permeable concrete makes it possible. It’s the product that blends structure with compliance and opens the door to more ambitious, high-performance outdoor spaces.

Don’t let a site coverage limit be the end of the conversation. With permeable concrete, it’s just the beginning.

For more information and contact details, go to permconnz.co.nz