The exterior of a property can play a significant part in selling a new home. PHPD discovered how resin bound paving helped a recent development in Salisbury.
Belle Vue Court is a new housing development in the centre of Salisbury. The scheme, comprised of three detached homes, all feature innovative and modern in design and have been carefully orientated to allow a large volume of natural light to enter the properties through large windows and bi-folding doors – which also helps to maximize the feeling of space.
The developer placed a strong emphasis on selecting suitable and sustainable materials throughout the design process, both internally and externally. The design brief was ‘to offer the ultimate in seclusion, comfort and opulence, combined with exceptional attention to the details of practical, contemporary family living.’
Surface search
When it came to the external spaces, the communal driveway and the entrance to the development, the architects were looking for a hard wearing, low maintenance, SuDs (sustainable urban drainage system) compliant surface that would make a visual impact in keeping with the design brief. Resin bound paving was selected as it offered all the specified characteristics, along with a large range of colour options that would complement the modern exterior of the properties, and increase the feeling of light and space, both inside and out.
Local Salisbury based contractor MQL Developments Ltd undertook the work using resin bound paving from Sureset. MQL were drawn to SureSet due to an extensive product guarantee and a permeable sub base, SureCell.
Base line
SureCell is a cellular grid structure produced using recycled plastic that can be clipped together and cut to form just about any shape. It is then infilled and compacted with crushed 4-10mm aggregate and can then be overlaid with resin bound paving. This type of sub base is popular for a number of applications including residential driveways and pathways, tree pits and root protection zones.
To form a SuDS complaint system the company recommends three main build ups. Firstly, for all build ups it recommends a compacted Type 3 sub base ranging from 175 to 600mm depth, depending on the level of traffic expected on the area. It is then advised that either a permeable/no fines concrete, open grade asphalt or SureCell binder course is installed at a depth between 52 and 160mm, again dependant on the expected traffic. If a concrete base is used it must be left for seven days to cure before the SureSet is installed, to ensure no moisture is present that could react with the resin. Finally, the resin bound paving is laid on top at a depth between 16 and 40mm, depending on the application, aggregate chosen and expected traffic.
For the Belle Vue Court installation both SureCell and an open grade asphalt sub base were discussed, with the final decision favouring an open grade asphalt.
Finishing touches
When it came to choosing the aggregate, the architects wanted a colour that would complement the grey and white exterior of the properties, add to the feeling of light and space, and remain as good looking in years to come with minimal maintenance and upkeep. The option selected was Norwegian Pearl natural aggregate, which offers soft creams and greys.
According to SureSet, ‘MQL Developments were over the moon with the final product and commented how the paving elevates the development from the ordinary to the extraordinary and provided a smooth, seamless communal driveway fit for purpose’.
