Shaping Sustainable Urban Landscapes: Lightweight and SuDS Soils and Aggregates from MCM

Greener, more resilient environments. Every specifier and landscape architect who is designing green space – at ground or podium level – is charged with meeting legislative, sustainability, community and visual goals.

Increasingly green roofs, podium landscapes and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are central to any urban landscape vision. Matthias Construction Materials (MCM) is one of the UK’s leading providers of specialist soils, aggregates and waste management solutions.Their range of Lightweight Soils and Aggregates continues to grow and develop and will shortly include a new range of moisture-retention soils for the ultimate in plant health and more efficient maintenance and upkeep in mind.

At the heart of many UK landscape, construction and regeneration projects for almost thirty years, MCM’s range of lightweight, sustainable soils and aggregates are designed to meet and exceed the technical and environmental demands of today’s external works.

Elevating Green Roof Design with Lightweight Soils

The inclusion of green roofs in new developments is no longer a luxury but a planning expectation. From the Greater London Authority’s Urban Greening Factor to local authority Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) policies, green roofs are integral to achieving planning consent. That means that every green roof and podium space has to be designed and specified with materials that can perform – and be delivered – under challenging conditions.

MCM’s Lightweight Green Roof Topsoils and Subsoils are researched and blend-matched to meet the specific needs of extensive and intensive green roofs. Developed and certified by UK independent soil scientists and manufactured to a consistently high specification, this substrate ensures optimal plant health and drainage:moisture retention ratios while minimising structural loading and weight constraints.

These lightweight soil options feature:

• Low Bulk Density: Compared to traditional soils MCM’s Lightweight Soils reduce the imposed load weight.
• High Porosity and Excellent Drainage: Critical for rooftop plant health and survival, soil demonstrates both free-draining properties and moisture retention for the plant’s to thrive.
• Engineered Nutrient Levels: Carefully balanced to support long-term plant health. Compliance: Blended, sourced and supplied in line with NHBC standards and green roof guidelines, helping specifiers ensure regulatory alignment.

MCM Lightweight Soils: Lightweight Topsoil (MBFL1); Lightweight Rootzone (MBRZ1) and Lightweight Subsoil (MLS1)

These MCM lightweight substrates give breadth of choice for landscape designs from sedum blankets to biodiverse swathes of wildflowers – without compromising build integrity.

Supporting SuDs and green roofs with Lightweight Aggregates

As well as specialist soils and subsoils, MCM’s range of Lightweight Aggregates can help create drainage layers, paths or bases with minimal weight. Produced from expanded clay and other innovative lightweight materials, MCM’s aggregates offer:

• Superb Drainage Performance: Helping to prevent waterlogging and pooling.
• Reduced Structural Load: Minimising reinforcement requirements and costs.
• Versatility: Providing sturdy drainage solutions, decorative top dressing, paths and driveways.

Up to 50% lighter than conventional building aggregates, MCM’s lightweight aggregates offer a natural alternative material for construction and civil engineering projects.

Together, MCM’s subsoils and lightweight aggregates allow architects and contractors to design truly multifunctional green roofs that support stormwater management, improve building thermal performance, and contribute to urban biodiversity.

Meeting the Demands of Sustainable Drainage

SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) help mitigate flood risk while enhancing the natural landscape in modern urban developments. The specification of SuDS soils and aggregates is critical, balancing permeability and stability with drainability and, for soils, the retention of moisture and nutrients for healthy growth.

With a new range of Fytoblends launching in 2025 including a lightweight topsoil, subsoil and rootzone, these are certified and have been specifically blended to save water and feed, evenly distributing nutrients and moisture for minimal run-off and healthier more hydrated plants.

From swales and rain gardens to basins and bioretention beds, MCM’s SuDS soils provide a solid foundation for resilient green infrastructure across commercial, residential, and public realm projects.

MCM also offers a selection of specialised aggregates designed for Sustainable Drainage. Engineered to provide high permeability and efficient water infiltration, the aggregates reduce surface runoff. Their consistent grading ensures structural stability, making them ideal for various SuDS applications such as permeable pavements, infiltration trenches, and filter drains.

MCM SuDs Aggregates: 2-6mm Granite or Limestone (M2-61); 4-20mm Granite or Limestone (M4-201); 10-63mm Granite or Limestone (M10-631) and full range in single sizes.

Why MCM?

MCM has built a reputation not only for the quality of its products but also for its consultative approach to project support. Working with architects, landscape designers, civil engineers, and contractors nationwide, MCM ensures that every project is supplied with the right material solution, delivered sustainably and efficiently.

Working with MCM, architects and specifiers can rely on a nationwide delivery network for reliability across the UK supply chain. Backed with technical expertise, independent testing and accreditations as suppliers and material specialists, MCM put sustainable sourcing and supply first as they look to support their customers in reducing emissions and carbon footprints.

At a time when regulatory frameworks demand higher sustainability performance, from BREEAM certification to Biodiversity Net Gain, it has never been more critical to partner with a reputable, trusted and knowledgeable materials provider.

Transform Your Next Project

Whether you are specifying a showpiece living roof for a city-centre development, designing a rain garden for a commercial park, or upgrading public infrastructure with SuDS features, MCM’s lightweight green roof soils, aggregates, and SuDS-specific materials offer the ultimate in performance, reliability, and environmental responsibility.

Discover how MCM can help bring your sustainable design ambitions to life.

Visit www.mcm-se.com or call 0330 128 1030 for expert advice and product specifications.