Design–Build Driveway & Landscape Project in Aurora

Wilkinson Place

Project Overview

This project involved a complete front yard design-build for a residential property in Aurora. The existing front entry system was approximately 30 years old and constructed primarily of pressure-treated wood. It had deteriorated to the point where it was no longer functional or safe, prompting the homeowners to pursue a full replacement.

The clients had seen other work completed by Horvath Landscapes on their street and approached the project with enthusiasm for a significant upgrade to both the appearance and usability of their front entry.

Front yard stone entry with India sandstone steps in Aurora

Existing Conditions

The original front access consisted of aging wood structures combined with older pavers. The system was failing structurally and visually, and the steep grade leading up to the front door made access challenging. The condition of the materials and the elevation changes required a complete removal rather than partial repair.

Before Pictures

Design Intent

The design approach was contemporary, with an emphasis on creating a front entry that felt intentional, durable, and visually impactful. Given the significant elevation change from grade to front door, the design focused on breaking the climb into comfortable, generous steps and landings while giving the entry a strong sense of arrival.

A key goal was to make the front approach feel special without overcomplicating the layout, allowing the materials and stone elements to carry the visual weight of the design.

Landscape Design-Build

Scope of Work

The project included full demolition and removal of the existing wood structures and pavers, followed by complete reconstruction of the front entry.

New front steps and landings were constructed using India sandstone in a slate gray finish. The same material was used for the flagstone areas to maintain visual consistency across the entry sequence. Interlock paving was also incorporated using Unilock North Shore, a product the designer favored for its appearance and performance at the time of installation.

Extra-large Flamborough armour stones were introduced as major elements at the front entry. These stones required significant planning, machinery, and effort to place due to their size and weight, but they became defining features of the project.

The scope also included new planting and landscape lighting to complete the front yard transformation.

Grading and Construction Considerations

The property featured substantial elevation changes from the street to the front door, requiring extensive grading work to properly support the new steps and landings. Despite the steep slope, no major drainage systems were required, as the natural grade allowed water to move away effectively.

Construction was completed as a design-build project over approximately two weeks.

Final Outcome

The completed front yard provided the homeowners with a functional, durable, and visually striking entry that replaced a failing structure with a cohesive stone-based design. The combination of India sandstone, interlock paving, and large Flamborough armour stones created a strong sense of arrival and addressed the challenging elevation in a clear, structured way.

The project is most notably remembered for the extra-large Flamborough armour stones, which give the front entry a distinctive presence and anchor the overall design.