Stabilised Gravel Driveway Designed to Enhance Its Surroundings
Location
Woodham Mortimer, Essex
Materials
Ecogrid EH40
Marshalls Tegula Block Paving
Marshalls Drivesett Kerb
Cropped Granite Setts
Cotswold Stone
Cast Iron Bollard
Laurel Trees
Jacksons Post & Rail Fencing
Key Statistics
42.57m3 of earth and hardcore excavated
23.85m3 of Type 3 imported
159m2 of weed membrane installed
137m2 of cellular grid installed
8m3 of Cotswold aggregate spread
26m of kerb edgings laid
22m2 of block paving laid
1 cast iron bollard installed
2m2 of cropped granite setts installed
120m2 of turf laid
48 laurel trees planted
52m of post and rail fencing installed
The aim of this project was to create additional parking and make the front garden more manageable. The design had to be in keeping with the traditional setting of the property.
The existing property had become very overgrown and difficult to manage over the years. Therefore, to reduce maintenance, the trees, shrubs and overgrown bushes were to be removed.
A new lawn – bordered with laurel trees to provide privacy from the road – were to be installed in their place.
For the driveway, a stabilised gravel system was the obvious choice due to the natural appearance gravel offers. The cellular grid system employed stops the driveway gravel from moving – preventing dips, ruts and bold patches. It also significantly strengthens the driveways stability – with each square metre capable of withstanding up to 500 tons.
To add a touch of elegance, 20mm Cotswold Stone was the chosen aggregate. Not only does the buff-coloured stone offset nicely against the property, but, due to its angular nature, it interlocks preventing lateral movement. This makes it the perfect choice for a driveway surface.
Marshalls Drivesett kerbs were used to frame the gravel driveway and maintain a neat edge from soft landscaped areas.
The front entrance to the driveway made use of a decorative rumble strip – constructed using Marshalls Tegula block paving – and compliments the kerb edgings.
Jacksons post and rail fencing was installed to the outer perimeter of the property to define the boundary. This style of fencing was chosen due to its traditional cottage-style appearance that suits the aesthetics of this property.
With a narrow cul-de-sac running down the side of the property our client informed us that passing vehicles often use the road to turn round, cutting across the front edge of the boundary in the process. In anticipation of this, a small area of granite setts were laid on the corner of the driveway, preventing future damage to the front garden.
The final result was a huge transformation and left our clients with a reduced maintenance front garden that enhances the surroundings of the property.
