Sometimes I find a super cool idea and then forget about it. Just happened. The coolest ones always come back, though. I saw this advertisement in Architectural Record, July 2012 today during my non smoker smoke break.
About 3 years ago, when I had cable, I saw this California house without a driveway, but grass instead on HGTV. Isn't this fantastic?! How do you not ruin the grass when you drive over it, though?
You have to put a layer of gravel, then these plastic interlocking ring things. Then sand and such before adding the grass to make it strong enough for cars. It's literally a 'green' driveway.
You could argue that the amount of water it takes to keep the grass isn't very 'green' in it self. I agree. I think sometimes doing nothing is just as green, especially if your driveway is fine. Plus, I've been looking into a 'no mow' yard. I like to use my water for the veggies and fruits, but let's be honest: what is
hot about big slab of concrete? I may have talked about
this before.
I doubt this is any cheaper than a concrete driveway. It could be a great alternative for overflow parking or a low use parking lot in a commercial setting, though. Even better: people with rear driveways could use this to continue their backyard fence over the new green driveway to marry the backyard to the side yard. Add a classy remote gate for car access and BOOM. This could really make backyards bigger.
I'm a dreamer. I need dreams even if they are small and maybe something I may never do. This is possibly one of them. My dad didn't really like this idea. Even code enforcement was NOT a fan. Party poopers.
Labels: Sustainable
