Pavers are a crucial addition to most of the outdoor spaces. But, have you ever tried to know the actual existence of pavers? Where did they came from? Pavers are a part of architectural designs, especially residential. Residential architecture originated from the Mediterranean Revival style. It often features details built with various pavers.
Pavers have been mentioned for several times in the study of Mediterranean Revival style. Prehistoric cities in Italy still include some seaside communities like Civitavecchia or San Remo, where you can notice a lot of similarities in residential design that comprise brick pavement tiled walkways, arched windows, foyers, etc. This means the history of pavers arose from the Mediterranean design in the early 20th century.
Roman Era
The history of pavers in Mediterranean culture dates back to the Roman times when Imperial armies used to get stuck in mud while marching forward towards an objective. Thus, ancient civil engineers discovered a masonry system of capstones to convert muddy surfaces into stone paths which made it easy for Roman soldiers to march on.
For centuries, the concept of paved roads made traveling and transport possible across Europe. After the Second World War, engineers understood the importance of a paved way and were impressed with the ability of such roads to withstand artillery fire as well as heavy tanks rolling over them. German engineers on the contrary charged urban reconstruction developed by a system to manufacture concrete paver bricks or blocks efficiently. This invention brought about a massive change in the history of construction that helped preserve European character in residential architecture.
Into contemporary design
The Mediterranean aesthetic includes preserving and complementing nature, which is why you see paver driveways and sitting walls surrounded by lush landscaping in many Cape Coral, Fort Myers & Naples subdivisions and gated communities.
While the Romans may have invented the concept that we recognize as interlocking pavers by means of cutting natural stone, they were likely inspired by architectural and engineering ideas from ancient Greece. Nonetheless, a 1994 archaeological discovery determined that the Egyptians used sandstone slabs to pave roads that they used to build their magnificent pyramids more than 5,000 years ago.
These days, unique pavers design carries on this traditional and decorative construction technique across Southern California. The modern colours and designs of paver blocks have been inspired by designs envisioned centuries ago. The next time you choose to install a pool deck made of fancy pavers, contact us and your choice will likely be robust enough to allow ancient armies to march across, metaphorically speaking.