Because this project has two entrances we wanted to create something that looked great no matter which way you enter. So we designed a driveway which features two 45 degree random paving patterns which interlock in the middle of the driveway. For the entrance to the house we were inspired by the unique design on the doors to create something similar, by using two Brett Aura circle packs we created two radiating circles within a half circle to complement the doors and offer something unique and eye catching. We're really pleased with the results.
There wasn't much of a driveway when we first started this project, the clients didn't have a particular idea in mind of what they wanted so we were allowed to experiment design wise.
There was quite a steep slope going down to the garden, which exposed the unisghtly concrete blocks on the side of the house. To remedy this we raised the drive hight to cover the blocks, then built a retaining wall to enclose the driveway from the rest of the garden, with steps leading down into it.
We wanted to create something to stand out as a focal point of the driveway, we decided on trying to somewhat emulate the look of the customers glass paneling in their front door. Using two Bretts Aura circle packs we first built a half circle within the driveway, then within that we created two radiating circles coming from either side of the circle. This was our first draft to show the customer.
Early picture of the half circle being laid, we positioned the beginning of the two circles equal distances apart from the sides of the house entrance to ensure symmetry.
This shows the half circle mostly laid up, we later added an 'S' shape that runs between the two circles to seperate them and helping to make it look more symmetrical.
With the circle mostly laid up we could begin laying the rest of the driveway. As the driveway has two entrances, one on either side of a brick wall in the centre of the property, we wanted to make sure that the paving looked great no matter which entrance you used. Generally block paving looks better if your looking at it face on, so that you're not looking down the long lines between the blocks. We accomplished this by laying the driveway in a 'V' shape, with 2 45 degree angle patterns that interlock in the centre of the drive. This way both entrances will always see the paving face on.
Once the paving was all laid up we could begin cutting, we use only a wet cutting benchsaw for all our block paving cuts, which gives a much cleaner, neater finish, and because we wet cut there's no dust either.
With the paving finished and all the cuts completed it was time to sand the driveway, we use stiff brushes to brush a fine kiln dried sand into the joints between the blocks to stop any movement. We first brush the sand over the entire drive, leaving a layer over it, then run a wacker plate over the entire area. This compacts the blocks a few millimetres, as well as vibrating any loose sand into the joints. We then then fully brush off the remaining layer of sand. The drive can be driven on after the process. We used black Volcanic Ash sand to make the half circle stand out a little bit more, and because the darker sand matched the darker blocks better.
Finally, we seal the entire driveway with our sealant. Not only does this lock in the sand and enhance the colour of the blocks, it also helps prevent staining from any spillages such as an oil leak.
The finished project!
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