When you live in Colorado, outdoor living space is not an extra amenity – it’s a necessity. But beauty and sustainability are valued just as high here, and it’s these factors that make permeable hardscapes such a wonderful option for Colorado landscapes.
Gravel or broken-up pavers can create permeable surfaces that can still be outfitted with outdoor furniture while also avoiding a monotonous aesthetic and urban runoff. And as TreePeople explains, “This practice also helps reduce the heat island effect (an increase in ambient temperature from heat-retaining buildings and paved surfaces). These methods will lower the surrounding temperature and reduce the need for air conditioning.”
Plus, I think we can all agree that there are prettier things to look at than pure pavement, so let’s look at a few ways to achieve beautiful, permeable hardscapes for sustainable Colorado landscapes.
The broken stone or concrete approach with grass in between always creates a cool visual effect.
![pavers hardscape designs](https://st.houzz.com/simgs/77f1f96d0efb80d0_8-4589/contemporary-landscape.jpg)
And an alternative to grass is dymondia, which is a drought-tolerant ground cover that can grow beautifully between broken slabs of stone or concrete.
![dymondia hardscape designs](https://st.houzz.com/simgs/93610ca60e78f56c_8-0227/mediterranean-landscape.jpg)
But if you rather some solid surfaces, create multiple paver platforms with green in between.
![hardscape ideas denver landscape design](https://st.houzz.com/simgs/d12173350d72f12a_8-2233/contemporary-landscape.jpg)
Don’t let the gray tones fool you. Gravel can actually look great, especially when you play with the borders and plantings that surround.
![gravel hardscape designs landscapers denver](https://st.houzz.com/simgs/040105cc0d753a2a_8-5340/contemporary-landscape.jpg)
Here’s an interesting permeable hardscape design that exemplifies the infinite design possibilities with gravel.
![gravel landscape designs colorado landscape design](https://st.houzz.com/simgs/d99183bd0af384e2_8-1000/modern-landscape.jpg)
If you are working with difficult soil that doesn’t lend itself to green in between, trying combining the broken paver and gravel approach. Gravel between pavers can create a nice contrast.
![hardscape ideas hardscapes denver](https://st.houzz.com/simgs/1a71b6920bb67b64_8-1000/contemporary-landscape.jpg)
If you are looking to achieve a beautiful and sustainable Colorado landscape that allows you to enjoy year-round outdoor living, contact the landscape architecture professionals at Lifescape.