Golpla™ is a Part M and SuDS compliant, permeable grass and gravel paving grid system engineered to reinforce the ground, turning it into a strong, stable surface for walking, cycling, wheelchairs, or driving.
Made from high-density recycled plastic, Golpla™ uses interlocking hexagonal cells that click together quickly and easily. This tough structure locks grass or gravel in place, preventing it from shifting, sinking, or forming ruts over time.
What is Golpla™?
Golpla™ gravel and grass protection matting is designed to protect areas of land that experience regular use from pedestrians and light vehicles. The grid is placed within a shallow excavation, providing strength and support while remaining hidden once filled with grass or gravel.
Made from high-density recycled plastic, Golpla™ features a unique hexagonal design that reinforces the ground while leaving 95% of the surface area open for your chosen infill. This creates a stable surface that still looks natural and allows rainwater to drain through easily, helping to prevent puddles and surface runoff.
With a high infiltration rate, Golpla™ is fully SuDS compliant, making it an environmentally responsible solution for gravel, grass, and ground protection.
Golpla™ Grass and Gravel pavers often assist designers to comply with the requirements of Building regulations Part M whilst providing the opportunity to achieve aesthetically pleasing surfaces as alternatives to asphalt or concrete.
A surface designed for wheelchair use should be firm, durable, and slip resistant. Loose gravel is therefore unsuitable, as it shifts underfoot and under wheels. Materials such as hoggin, compacted sub-base, or self-binding gravel can also become rutted and muddy in wet conditions due to their high fines content. When Golpla™ is used with a clean, angular decorative aggregate, it creates an attractive surface that remains stable and accessible for wheelchair users in all weather conditions, without the risk of rutting.
Access from the boundary or car parking space should ideally be level or have a maximum gradient no steeper than 1:20. Golpla™ can be installed on slopes up to 1:15 for vehicular traffic and has been slip tested for pedestrian use.
Although regulations allow a maximum gradient of 1:12 for wheelchair access, this can be difficult for many people, particularly older users or those with limited upper body strength. Shallower gradients are therefore recommended wherever possible. For further information on slopes and ramps click here.
Designated wheelchair parking bays should be clearly marked and afford room for a wheelchair user to gain access to their car at the side and rear.
Golpla™ markers can be used to define parking bay edges and display wheelchair symbols. Designed to match the hexagonal grid, they fit neatly into the system and sit flush with the surface. The markers clip securely into the Golpla™ cells just below the surface, helping to prevent trip hazards while keeping markings clearly visible.
Why choose Golpla™ grass & gravel matting?
High surface infill area
Provides a 95% open area for grass or gravel infill.
SuDS compliant solution
High infiltration rates support sustainable urban drainage systems.
Rapid, reduced-dig installation
An interlocking design allows for fast installation with minimal excavation.
Made from recycled plastic
Manufactured using recycled materials for a lower environmental impact.
Low maintenance surface
Creates a durable, stable surface that requires minimal simple maintenance.
Customisable appearance
Available in a range of colours with demarcation inserts also available.
Pre-grown grass option
Can be supplied with established turf for an instant green finish.
Golpla™ is engineered to accommodate vehicular loading of up to $100\text{ kN/m}^2$, subject to correct sub-base design and installation. It is generally suitable for light vehicles up to approximately 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight.
Yes, Golpla™ provides a fully permeable paving solution. Its open-cell structure allows surface water to infiltrate naturally into the underlying sub-base, reducing surface water runoff and supporting Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) principles.
Yes, grass-filled Golpla™ is straightforward to maintain. Provided it is installed correctly, it can be managed similarly to a standard grassed area.
Yes. Geosynthetics Ltd can supply cross-sectional drawings illustrating recommended sub-base build-ups tailored to your specific CBR values and chosen infill options.
We recommend using the specified geotextile to ensure the complete system performs as intended. Geosynthetics Ltd cannot guarantee performance with an alternative geotextile, as variances in permeability and filtration properties may affect long-term stability.
Yes, Golpla™ can accommodate access for refuse vehicles and fire tenders, provided there is a suitable straight entrance and exit route and vehicles are not required to make tight turning manoeuvres on the surface. The sub-base must also be designed to accommodate the higher vehicle loading.
Yes. TTE™ is our heavy-duty alternative to Golpla™. TTE™ handles significantly higher loads, offering a gross vehicle loading capacity of up to 60 tonnes, subject to appropriate sub-base design and installation.
Golpla™ is highly versatile and can be filled with 4–10mm clean angular gravel, supplied as pre-grown grass turf, or supplied as empty units for site filling with suitable soil and seed.
Yes. Golpla™ is an ideal permeable paving solution for residential driveways when supported by a correct sub-base. For driveway applications, we generally recommend a gravel infill rather than grass, particularly where vehicles will regularly park or perform turning manoeuvres.
Golpla™ typically delivers an operational lifespan of 10 to 20 years. Actual longevity depends on factors such as traffic volume, loading demands, ground conditions, installation quality, UV exposure, and ongoing maintenance.
Yes. Because Golpla™ is manufactured from recycled polypropylene, this thermoplastic material can be fully recycled at the end of its functional life.
Golpla™ is a versatile paving cell system from Geosynthetics Ltd, designed to create strong, permeable surfaces with either grass or gravel. The interlocking hexagonal grids are made from high-density recycled plastic and are engineered for strength and easy installation. By reinforcing the ground, Golpla™ prevents rutting and gravel migration caused by pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Its 95% open structure allows for excellent grass growth or gravel retention and ensures rapid water infiltration, making it perfect for SuDS-compliant schemes.
For projects requiring an immediate green finish, we offer the Golpla™ Pre-Grown system. It contains 4 types of grass as standard but can be made-to-order with specific varieties to suit any application (terms and conditions apply). Orders for the pre-grown system are processed to synchronise with your site installation schedule, ensuring you receive the right quantities of palletised product ready for immediate laying.
Enhance your understanding of sustainable construction practices by attending one of our upcoming seminars. Our expert-led sessions cover a range of topics, from BS5837 compliance to the latest innovations in cellular confinement technology.
Hosted by Jamie Leake
Tree Root Protection.
Effective tree root protection is crucial for sustainable site development. This presentation zeroes in on our leading solution, Cellweb® TRP (Tree Root Protection). You will receive the core technical information and application guidance for Cellweb® TRP, ensuring compliance while maintaining soil permeability.
We showcase real-world case studies demonstrating successful installations and review the product guarantee. Learn exactly how you can leverage the expertise of the Geosynthetics Ltd engineering department to specify and implement the right system for your projects.
Hosted by David Middleton
Event Date
Geosynthetic solutions for common civil engineering applications
Explore effective geosynthetic solutions across the full spectrum of civil engineering challenges. This presentation details our complete range, from environmental drainage and accelerated consolidation systems to slope stabilisation and soil reinforcement.
We also cover geomembrane linings for containment and impermeable applications, plus innovative erosion control across temporary and permanent installations.
You will see practical application methods, real-world project case studies, and learn how you can leverage the technical expertise of the Geosynthetics Ltd engineering department for your specific project challenges.
Hosted by David Middleton
Event Date
Geosynthetic Applications for Reinforcement
Discover a wide range of geosynthetic reinforcement solutions in this technical presentation. We cover practical applications from retaining walls, and reinforced slopes to foundations and working platforms and erosion control systems.
You will see real-world project case studies from Geosynthetics Ltd and learn how our engineering department can directly support your project.
Hosted by Colin Dobson
Tree Root Protection
Effective tree root protection is crucial for sustainable site development. This presentation zeroes in on our leading solution, Cellweb® TRP (Tree Root Protection). You will receive the core technical information and application guidance for Cellweb® TRP, ensuring compliance while maintaining soil permeability.
We showcase real-world case studies demonstrating successful installations and review the product guarantee. Learn exactly how you can leverage the expertise of the Geosynthetics Ltd engineering department to specify and implement the right system for your projects.
Hosted by Patricia
Sustainable Engineering Solutions using Geosynthetics for Temporary and Permanent Works
This presentation details geosynthetic reinforcement solutions, focusing on the specific challenges of wind farm projects. We cover practical design methods for reinforcing access tracks and hardstanding areas, including the use of Cellweb® TRP within tree root protection zones.
We also provide a technical overview of other key applications, such as reinforced soil walls, working platforms, and embankment support. See real-world case studies from Geosynthetics Ltd and learn how our engineering department can assist with your project designs.
Hosted by Pablo Bernardini
Event Date
Foundation Solutions for Temporary & Permanent Works
Explore effective geosynthetic solutions for foundations on temporary and permanent works. This presentation details our complete range, of Geosynthetics systems including Geogrids, Geotextiles, Erosion Control and Drainage composites.
You will see practical construction methods and real-world case studies from Geosynthetics Ltd, demonstrating how to achieve stable, high-performance structures for challenging site conditions.
Hosted by Colin Dobson
Event Date
Alternatives to Conventional Surfacing Solutions
Are you seeking robust alternatives to traditional surfacing? This presentation explores practical solutions for car parks, access roads, and specialist applications like 'no dig' zones, tree root protection, and green roofs. We introduce our proven product range, including Golpla grass reinforcement, Roofcell for rooftops, and heavy-duty Exopave pavers.
You will see practical construction methods and real-world case studies from Geosynthetics Ltd, demonstrating how to achieve stable, high-performance surfaces for challenging site conditions.
Our Services Support Smarter Ground Solutions
Engineering Solutions
Our in-house engineering department offers an extensive range of geosynthetic solutions created by fully qualified and experienced civil engineers.
Next Day Delivery
Wherever possible, for our stocked items, we can offer a next day delivery service, direct to site to ensure your project stays on track.
Seminars
Enhance your understanding of tree root protection and sustainable construction practices by attending one of our upcoming seminars. Our expert-led sessions cover a range of topics.
Merchant Support
We are fully committed to the success of our Builders Merchant partners. Our strategy is built on a foundation of collaboration and support, ensuring that when you succeed, we succeed.
