The appearance of a quintessential seat of learning, an Oxford college where an architecturally acclaimed new structure stands alongside elegant Victorian elevations, was being let down by its hard landscaping – until a sustainable new driveway surface, featuring Clearmac paving, was successfully completed this summer.
The work to upgrade the striking circular driveway which fronts Mansfield College has been undertaken by Beard Construction, with the assistance of Dartford based Gaysha Limited. The college’s own Maintenance Department oversaw the contract, the first phase of which was completed two years ago.
Prior to this project the surface to the driveway, which is used by countless pedestrians as well as cars and delivery vehicles, had become uneven and unsightly, with rutted patches of subsoil showing amongst the remaining, badly potholed tarmac.
Crucially, the Clearmac resin bound paving specified for the contract encapsulates a light quartz aggregate, now presenting a pristine appearance that will be both hardwearing and also sustainable. The constituent materials offering a low environmental impact, while also being water permeable to Sustainable Drainage System (SUDS) standards.
Once the remains of the old tarmac had been removed and the formation level prepared, the contractor initially laid a layer of open-grain tarmac. This was then followed by the 20mm thick wearing course of Clearmac, which is itself permeable to rainwater.
The college’s Maintenance Manager, Tony Berezny, commented:“The contract was carried out in two main stages, respecting the college’s continued activities throughout the year. It has made a very real improvement to not just the appearance or the frontage to Mansfield College, but also the comfort and safety of those using the driveway.”
Available throughout the country from Gaysha, cold applied, Clearmac can be supplied in any colour desired to match a client’s aspirations for either indoor or outdoor locations. The surface achieved is resistant to not just the elements and UV radiation, but also the effect of fuel spillages, oil and commonly used solvents.
Clearmac can carry foot traffic within four hours of laying, while different degrees of slip resistance can be created by varying the aggregate mix. The freedom to select different colours can also be exploited for creative effect or to help designate areas for reasons of safety, parking and other uses.
