A Full Package For A Stunning Yard
The solution was to install a radiant snowmelt system throughout the entire driveway. Lighting was also set into the driveway to highlight the edges
Expertise
- Landscaping
- Tree Services
- Concrete
- Natural Stone
Involvement
- Design
- Project Management
- Construction
Although the topography of this hillside property provides great views from above and below, the narrow and steep driveway made accessing the property challenging on a summer day and nearly impossible in the dark winter months.
The original layout of the driveway was very narrow and without enough area to be able to turn around at the top, forcing drivers to back down the narrow slope. Our challenge was to enlarge both the sloped portion of the and to cut into the hillside and create additional parking space and a turnaround at the top. After creating a layout plan, we worked with geotechnical engineers to evaluate the stability of the existing soil and its load bearing ability.
Once we had arrived at out final layout, the homeowner still had concerns about the slope in winter months. The solution was to install a radiant snowmelt system throughout the entire driveway. Lighting was also set into the driveway to highlight the edges.
More than 250 cubic yards of soil were removed from the site and replaced with aggregates for drainage and base stabilization. Retaining walls were constructed with both boulders and reinforced concrete to allow the enlarged parking area at the top of the hill to be as close to level as possible. The entire base was insulated and prepared for the exposed aggregate concrete. A combination of the size of the driveway and the slope required splitting the placement of the concrete into two pours of approximately 2000 square feet each.
With the driveway complete, we turned our focus to the surrounding landscape. Prior to the installation of the driveway, the septic system had been relocated to the front lawn, requiring the boulder walls to be removed and piping installed, leaving the landscape in bad shape. In addition to rebuilding a portion of the tiered gardens, our goal was to add some privacy. Seven Linden trees were planted along the edge of the driveway to screen the view and help provide a visual delineation of the edge for drivers. A 25’ tall Maple tree was also planted in the front lawn to screen the utility pole. A garden bed was created below the newly planted Lindens and mass planted with perennials and grasses to create a garden with a natural feel and interest throughout the season.
