Designing a car park is not just about laying a hard surface and parking cars. It is about thinking of a whole: the parking area, but also the access road leading to it and the flow between the two. A car park where manoeuvring is difficult or where the access road is poorly designed remains a failed car park, even if well executed.
At Vert Val, we design and implement car park layouts as a whole — for individuals as well as for businesses — in Brussels, Walloon Brabant and Flemish Brabant.
Techniques, according to use and permeability
There is no 'good' surface, but one that corresponds to your use, your budget, and the permeability regulations of your municipality.
Private parking, business parking: two scales, one same requirement
The private parking (in front of the house, on the property) is primarily thought of for welcome and aesthetics: it is the first thing you see when arriving at your home. The business parking (offices, shops, condominiums, tertiary sites) adds constraints: vehicle volume, smooth traffic, resistance to intensive use, sometimes the passage of heavy goods vehicles — and stricter regulatory obligations.
In both cases, the same rule guides us: a car park is designed around its actual use and the water it must manage.
Stabilised gravel
gravel held in honeycomb slabs that prevent it from escaping and allow cars to pass.
Pavers:
the most versatile and durable solution.
Grass pavers
— honeycomb slabs filled with grass or gravel: a driveable surface that remains green and permeable.
Concrete
— a high-end surface
Stone coverings: durable, elegant, timeless
Comparison of surfaces
Indicative price ranges excluding VAT, supplied and laid, excluding earthworks and foundations. The actual price depends on site access, surface area, and necessary foundations — it is confirmed by quote.
| Surface | Aesthetic | Permeability | Supported use | Indicative price /m² |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stabilised gravel | Natural, understated | High (draining) | Car, private driveway | ~35–100 € |
| Grass pavers | Green, discreet | High (draining) | Car, occasional parking | ~60–90 € |
| Pavers (concrete / terracotta) | Classic to contemporary | Average to good (open joints) | Heavy-duty vehicle | ~£150–225 |
| Permeable concrete | Contemporary, sleek | Very high (permeable) | Demanding use, business | ~£250–550 |
What we take into account
Usage and load. Only cars, daily back and forth, delivery truck passage? The foundation and thickness change according to what the ground must support. This is what separates a lasting parking area from one that collapses after two winters.
Permeability and regulations. In Brussels as in Wallonia, soil sealing and rainwater management are regulated — an open-air parking area may even require a permit. We check your municipality's rules and design a compliant surface.
Water drainage. Drainage slope, infiltration on the plot, connections: well-managed water means a parking area without puddles, without frost that damages the joints, and compliant with obligations.
The charging station. Electric vehicle today or tomorrow? We plan the conduits and power supply from the excavation — much simpler and more economical than reopening everything later.
Traffic and the driveway. The parking area and the driveway serving it should be considered together: manoeuvring width, turning radii, direction of traffic. This is what makes a parking area truly pleasant to use.
Frequently asked questions
Is a permit required to set up a parking area?
It depends on the surface, the location, and the waterproofing created. In Brussels, an open-air car park of a certain size requires an environmental permit, and the management of rainwater is regulated; in Wallonia, the Water Code requires managing water at the plot level. Each municipality has its own rules — we check them for your project before starting.
What surface should be chosen for a permeable car park?
Stabilised gravel, grassed slabs, and permeable concrete are the most permeable; open-joint paving offers a good compromise. The choice depends on the desired appearance, budget, and use. We guide you towards the solution that reconciles aesthetics, durability, and compliance.
How much does it cost to develop a car park?
It varies according to the surface, the foundation, and access to the site (see the comparison above for indicative ranges). The fair price is calculated based on a quote, after a visit — it's free.
Is a company car park treated differently?
Yes: volume of vehicles, traffic, resistance to intensive use, sometimes the passage of heavy goods vehicles, and stricter regulatory obligations. We design professional car parks according to specifications, including permeability and biodiversity.
Can you integrate a charging station?
Yes. The simplest way is to plan the power supply from the start of the work, even if the station is installed later: this avoids reopening the surface.
Whether it's the car park in front of your house or the parking area of your business, including the driveway, we design and implement it from start to finish — use, permeability, water, traffic, and landscape integration.