Topmat from Toppro: circular stabilization mat for climate-adaptive outdoor space

Flooding, heat stress and desiccation: our public outdoor spaces are suffering. Climate adaptation requires smart choices in design and use of materials. One of the areas where gains can be made is in the surfacing of parking bays, driveways, emergency roads, paths and strips along the road where extra bearing capacity or stability is needed, such as avoidance strips and green areas.

With Topmat, trading company Toppro offers a circular, lightweight stabilization mat designed as a sustainable alternative to traditional semi-paving solutions. The system combines bearing capacity, water permeability and modular construction. "We want to show landscape architects and municipalities that there is a robust, environmentally friendly solution as an alternative to grass concrete," says Job van Alphen of Toppro. 

From garden to gww

Toppro has been active for years as a supplier of high-quality construction and garden products for outdoor areas, such as gravel mats, grout and edging. Toppro imports for the Benelux the synthetic tile system Schwabengitter®, which is now on the market as Topmat. "Topmat was initially widely used in combination with gravel, but it is at least as suitable for grass - and that is precisely where there is still a lot of potential," says Van Alphen. "Especially with a view to climate-adaptive design of (public) outdoor spaces."

Lightweight, circular and flexible

Topmat costs up to three times less CO2 emissions in production compared to grass concrete. That's because Topmat is made from 100% recycled household waste - mainly packaging material. The system is both circular and remarkably light: 7 pounds per m2, compared to 150 pounds for grass concrete. "That means we can transport up to eight times more on one truck, which in turn saves on CO2 emissions," Van Alphen said. "In addition, even after 20 years, the mat can be removed in its entirety from the ground and completely reused."

Unique coupling system

Topmat also scores better in terms of installation. "The 100x100x5 centimeter slabs are divisible into four pieces and easy to lay without machines - that too saves CO2. And thanks to the unique, patented coupling system, Topmat has the same bearing capacity as grass concrete, independently demonstrable with certificates. Moreover, Topmat is the only mat that effectively absorbs both horizontal and vertical loads. That makes the system technically smart and practical to use, even around trees or lampposts."

Permeable and green

With a water permeability of 95%, Topmat is a proven contributor to climate-adaptive landscaping. Combined with grass, it creates a cooler surface that absorbs rainwater and reduces heat stress. Van Alphen: "The grass roots better than with grass concrete and thus creates an even, green appearance."

Call to municipalities

Topmat is not yet widely included in specifications, but Toppro wants to change that. "We find that municipalities and contractors often stick to what they know. But climate adaptation requires innovation and this product fits that bill perfectly. Especially for EMVI projects, we are an interesting party," says Van Alphen and concludes, "We are therefore happy to show what this system can do and are open to pilots with Topmat."