Renovation Detail: The Ribbon Driveway
Grass paired with concrete for the driveway is more than just pleasing to the eye — it's good for the environment and your home
This week my husband and I are presenting our ribbon driveway plans to our township zoning board. This classic driveway design features green grass running between two parallel strips of pavement. Dating back to the 1920s, the design was born before the days of paving. After long periods of parking the car in the grass driveway, ruts formed, leaving only a patch of grass down the middle. Eventually the ruts were filled in with concrete, and the ribbon driveway was born.
Nowadays the design is making a comeback due to its environmental benefits and nostalgic appeal. Environmentalists are drawn to the design for several reasons: It requires less impervious material, features additional greenery and means far less water runoff.
In Fullerton, California, the city's preservation guidelines state that residents are encouraged to have a ribbon driveway to break up the expanse of paving and to provide increased landscaping. I like the way you think, Fullerton!
Nowadays the design is making a comeback due to its environmental benefits and nostalgic appeal. Environmentalists are drawn to the design for several reasons: It requires less impervious material, features additional greenery and means far less water runoff.
In Fullerton, California, the city's preservation guidelines state that residents are encouraged to have a ribbon driveway to break up the expanse of paving and to provide increased landscaping. I like the way you think, Fullerton!
Ribbon driveways have the ability to contour to property constraints, natural barriers or houses, as shown here.
With individual concrete pads, this modern take on the ribbon driveway has an increased amount of green space and facilitates water drainage.
Rather than the traditional concrete and grass ribbon, this California drive features pavers, slate and greenery in a grid pattern.
This property's driveway pays homage to the ribbon's Craftsman roots. Additional historical characteristics include the home's gable dormer, brick porch pedestals and prairie-style window muntins.
Encouraged by The Beatles, I can't help but sing "the long and winding ribbon" while admiring this drive.
Leading to a two-car garage, this ribbon drive features extensive landscaping, an environmental plus.
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