VDBH: independent advice on semi-paved surfaces provides confidence in decision-making

ARTICLE

PRODUCT NEWS

Heleen Kommers, Wednesday 3 June 2026

149 sec

Consultant looks beyond a single product or supplier

Municipalities and green space managers face a difficult choice when it comes to semi-paved surfaces. The range of products is growing, regulations are changing and experiences vary. In this landscape, VDBH deliberately chooses an independent role. 'We do not start from a single product, but from the situation: what works best here?'

Martin Stufken

Martin Stufken has been involved with semi-paved surfaces for many years. He has worked at VDBH since 2014 and previously worked for Donker Groep. What started with verge reinforcement projects grew into a much broader field of work. 'I travelled throughout the country advising on verges, but I increasingly received questions about walking paths, cycle paths and parks. That is really where the focus lies now.'

Advice starts on site

The work almost always starts outdoors. On site, the intended use, subsoil conditions and client requirements are assessed. 'Sometimes municipalities already have a clear request. But often we look together at what is happening here, what the requirements are and what past experiences have been.' Maintenance plays a major role in this process. Many road managers want as little maintenance as possible. In those cases, bound semi-paved surfaces quickly come into consideration. At the same time, VDBH also presents alternatives. 'We show examples from other municipalities. Then you see that unbound semi-paved surfaces can also perform well, especially in locations with high pedestrian use.'

The first step is always to assess the use, subsoil conditions and client requirements on site

Taking an independent view of solutions

According to Stufken, this broad perspective adds value. VDBH works with different suppliers and materials and is not tied to a single party. 'A supplier will always recommend its own product; that is logical. We can compare options because we have experience with many different solutions.'
That experience is not limited to products but also comes from practical application. Municipalities share among themselves what works and what does not. 'They like to learn from each other. What works well somewhere else? We incorporate that into our advice.' Reference visits and trial sections also help in decision-making. 'We often visit locations together where a particular product has already been installed. Or we create a trial section. Then you immediately see how it performs.'

From proposal to implementation

After the assessment comes a concrete proposal. This includes not only the material selection, but also attention to maintenance, communication and implementation. 'For example, we also look at accessibility, storage depots and how to deal with the surrounding environment.' A large part of the work involves converting paved areas affected by root uplift into semi-paved surfaces and refurbishing existing paths. 'Many paths are simply worn out after twenty years. We mill them, reprofile them and apply a new surface layer. The approach differs from location to location.' Several VDBH teams work year-round on semi-paved surface projects. The volumes are substantial and spread across the country. Demand is particularly strong in the western and southern parts of the Netherlands.

VDBH works with different suppliers and materials and is not tied to a single party

Aftercare and evaluation

The work does not end after completion. VDBH remains in contact with the client and evaluates projects. 'After a few months, I often return to have a look. How is it performing? How is it being experienced in practice?' This feedback is important both for the client and for the company itself. 'You learn from it. What went well, what could be improved? We take those lessons into future projects.'
VDBH also offers maintenance contracts. These help keep paths in good condition over the longer term. Inspections are particularly important after winter because of the effects of moisture and frost.

More control in an uncertain market

The market for semi-paved surfaces is changing rapidly. New products are emerging, while the use of existing materials is sometimes affected by regulations. This creates uncertainty among clients. According to Stufken, an independent adviser can help navigate these choices. 'There are many possibilities, but you need to know what you are doing. By carefully assessing the location and sharing experiences, you arrive at an appropriate solution.' This role as a connector between practice, product and client is becoming increasingly important. 'Ultimately, municipalities simply want a semi-paved surface that works. That is what we help them achieve.'

'We look not only at materials, but also at accessibility, storage depots and how to deal with the surrounding environment'

This article was previously published on June 1, 2026 on the website of Stad + Groen.

VDBH

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