Modena Brindle Block Paving Border & Bespoke Brickwork
📍 Location
Heywood, Rochdale, Greater Manchester
🏗 Project Overview
This project involved a full front garden transformation, converting an uneven and dated frontage into a smart, durable tarmac driveway with new retaining walls on both sides, finished with bespoke brick-built steps and a decorative Modena brindle block paving border around the full perimeter.
The client wanted a clean, low-maintenance driveway that maximised parking space while improving access to the property and enhancing kerb appeal. The finished result delivers excellent drainage, long-term durability, and a crisp modern appearance that complements the brick façade of the property.
📸 Before & After Transformation
This project showcases a dramatic transformation from a tired and uneven front garden into a clean, modern driveway with strong structural features. The new retaining walls and decorative borders provide both strength and visual impact, while the smooth tarmac surface delivers practical everyday usability.
1️⃣ Site Clearance & Excavation
The existing front garden, old walls, and uneven surfaces were fully removed using excavation machinery. All waste materials were safely removed from site, leaving a clean footprint ready for construction.
The ground levels were carefully reprofiled to create the correct falls for drainage and to accommodate the new retaining walls and driveway layout.
2️⃣ Retaining Wall Construction
New brick retaining walls were constructed on both sides of the driveway to stabilise the raised ground levels and create a structured, symmetrical entrance. These walls not only improve safety and strength but also frame the driveway visually, giving the frontage a premium finished appearance.
3️⃣ Steps & Access Formation
A set of bespoke brick-built steps was installed to provide safe, comfortable access from the driveway up to the front entrance. The steps were finished with high-quality paving slabs to ensure durability, grip, and a clean aesthetic that ties in with the surrounding brickwork.
4️⃣ Sub-Base Installation
A heavy-duty Type 1 MOT hardcore sub-base was installed across the full driveway area and compacted in layers using a vibrating roller. This provides the structural strength required to support vehicle traffic and prevents future settlement or movement.
Drainage falls were checked and refined at this stage to ensure surface water flows safely away from the property.
5️⃣ Block Paving Border Installation
A decorative Modena brindle block paving border was installed around the entire perimeter of the driveway. This creates a strong visual frame for the tarmac surface while protecting the edges and maintaining long-term structural integrity.
The border also ties in beautifully with the brick retaining walls and step detailing.
6️⃣ Tarmac Laying & Finishing
A fresh layer of high-quality machine-laid tarmac was installed and power rolled to achieve a smooth, durable finish. Edges were neatly finished against the block border for clean lines and long-lasting performance.
The surface was left clean, even, and ready for immediate use.
⭐ Standout Features of This Project
✔️ New machine-laid tarmac driveway
✔️ Brick retaining walls constructed on both sides
✔️ Bespoke brick steps with slab treads
✔️ Modena brindle block paving border around the perimeter
✔️ Heavy-duty Type 1 sub-base for long-term durability
✔️ Improved drainage and safe access
✔️ Major kerb appeal improvement
📞 Looking for a New Driveway in Bacup or Lancashire?
If you’re considering upgrading your driveway with block paving, decorative borders, or bespoke designs, Stonemade Drives Ltd delivers outstanding workmanship from groundwork to final finish.
Contact our team today for a free quotation and site survey.