SmartPave Case Study | Driveway and Pathway Landscaping Upgrade

The Problem

As the house sits on a steep hill, with the driveway gently sloping toward the road, rainwater would rush down the old concrete surface and out onto the street. This was not just inconvenient, but a genuine concern for stormwater overflow.

With the planned upgrades to the driveway and surrounding areas, Council stepped in with a clear requirement. With the area’s stormwater network already under pressure, properties on slopes had added responsibility to manage their runoff onsite, so any new hard surfaces Jeremy created had to be permeable.

Jeremy understood the reasoning, but he also knew what he wanted from the space; a clean, hardwearing surface that could handle daily use, suit the modernised look of the house, and feel safe and inviting for Airbnb guests. Gravel was one option, but he was fearful of stones shifting with ruts forming, as well as the gravel having sharp edges that would be uncomfortable to walk on. It didn’t seem like the right choice for guiding paying guests to their accommodation or for riding his beloved Italian moped in and out, so he began investigating other options.

The Solution

After looking into different permeable solutions, Jeremy found SmartPave. It offered a structured paver that could be filled with smooth, decorative pebbles, provided a solid, stable surface that could cater for cars, and after investigating the SmartPave Technical Guide, he was sure it would meet Council’s stormwater requirements.

The SmartPave honeycomb grid design meant the stones stayed locked in place – no shifting, no mess. That made it perfect for the new driveway, where Jeremy still needed reliable access for both cars and his moped. The clean, modern finish enhanced the look of the house improvements, and the feel underfoot was far more comfortable and refined than loose gravel.

The geotextile backing on the underside of each SmartPave panel was another major plus. It allowed water to pass through into the drainage layer below, helping satisfy Council requirements, while also preventing the stones from sinking into the base material over time. The installation process was straightforward – a level bed of compacted aggregate and the SmartPave pavers were simply laid next to each other across the surface.

SmartPave also proved ideal for the new Airbnb pathway. Jeremy extended it from the guest carpark down the side of the house, wrapping around to the spa and sauna area. It created a tidy, non-slip path that guests could follow easily – even after a rainstorm, so guests could enjoy a warm soak without getting dirty feet even after it rained.

The Result

The new driveway and pathways transformed not only the look of the property but how it functioned. Council was satisfied with the stormwater management, thanks to SmartPave proven permeability. Jeremy was pleased to have a solid, reliable surface that didn’t look or feel like a compromise. And Airbnb guests now enjoy their own private access, complete with a resort-style path that leads them straight to a cedar-clad spa and sauna retreat.

The couple also loved that the SmartPave solution stayed looking neat with minimal effort. There’s no sign of rutting or pooling, and even after regular use, the stones remain firmly in place. Jeremy chose a light-coloured stone that complements the home’s upgraded exterior, visually tying everything together.

For Jeremy and his wife, the renovations were about more than just updating materials – they were about adapting their home to a new phase of life. With the kids moved out, the Airbnb brings income and adds new energy to the house. The spa area offers a slice of calm for both guests and hosts. And the SmartPave system supports it all quietly in the background – functional, stylish and built to last.

Now, as the gate closes and the soft crunch of pebbles sounds beneath his feet, Jeremy can feel the stress of the day lift. Whether he’s welcoming guests or simply heading out on his moped, Jeremy’s house is now a home once more.