Double Story Townhouse

Charcoal permeable concrete completes the façade line of this double-storey townhouse, tying the ground-level surface to the building's dark, contemporary palette while doing the practical job of managing stormwater on site. Poured by Permcon, the finish reads as a deliberate architectural choice rather than a standard driveway slab, and it holds up to daily vehicle and foot traffic without cracking or fading out of tone.

Why charcoal permeable concrete suits this townhouse

A double-storey townhouse façade carries a lot of visual weight, and the paving at ground level either supports that or fights it. Charcoal permeable concrete gives the entry and driveway a consistent, dark base that sits quietly against the building's cladding and window lines rather than competing with them. It's a finish that works with modern, minimal facades where a pale or exposed-aggregate driveway would look out of place.

• Consistent charcoal tone across the full driveway and path area
• Permeable structure lets water drain through the surface instead of pooling or running off
• Durable enough for the daily wear of a townhouse driveway
• Finished as part of the overall façade treatment, not as an afterthought

Durability and drainage built into the surface

Permeable concrete isn't just a look. Because water passes through the surface rather than sitting on top of it, the risk of puddling, staining and slip hazards around the entry is reduced. For a townhouse block where the driveway often sits close to the building line, that drainage function matters as much as the finish itself. The charcoal mix used here is the same durable, strong Permcon product line used across the rest of the range, so the strength and wear characteristics aren't compromised for the sake of colour.

APC has applied the same approach beyond residential work, including sporting facility upgrades where durability, strength and sustainable drainage are just as important as they are on a driveway. If you're weighing up options for a project with similar requirements, get in touch via our contact page to talk through what's achievable, or read more about our capabilities across different project types.

A finish that works for the whole property

For a two-storey home, the ground floor treatment needs to hold its own against a taller façade. Charcoal permeable concrete does that by keeping the colour palette tight and letting the architecture lead, while still delivering a functional, low-maintenance surface that's built to last. It's a straightforward option for anyone wanting a dark, modern driveway finish that also handles water properly on site.