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!
HartmanBaldwin Design/Build
Ribbon driveways have the ability to contour to property constraints, natural barriers or houses, as shown here.
Madson Design
With individual concrete pads, this modern take on the ribbon driveway has an increased amount of green space and facilitates water drainage.
Gast Architects
Rather than the traditional concrete and grass ribbon, this California drive features pavers, slate and greenery in a grid pattern.
Brooks Ballard
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.
Without the landscaped portion of this ribbon driveway, water runoff would be a major concern for these property owners. However, the grass aids in alleviating water drainage toward the home.
Plush green grass is great for climates that do not require snow removal, like this La Jolla, California, residence.
Avondale Custom Homes
Encouraged by The Beatles, I can't help but sing "the long and winding ribbon" while admiring this drive.
FGY Architects
Opening up onto a carport and parking pad, the landscaped center portion of this ribbon driveway breaks up what would otherwise be a large, impervious area.
Brooks Ballard
Leading to a two-car garage, this ribbon drive features extensive landscaping, an environmental plus.
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HartmanBaldwin Design/Build
Ribbon driveways have the ability to contour to property constraints, natural barriers or houses, as shown here.
Madson Design
With individual concrete pads, this modern take on the ribbon driveway has an increased amount of green space and facilitates water drainage.
Gast Architects
Rather than the traditional concrete and grass ribbon, this California drive features pavers, slate and greenery in a grid pattern.
Brooks Ballard
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.
Without the landscaped portion of this ribbon driveway, water runoff would be a major concern for these property owners. However, the grass aids in alleviating water drainage toward the home.
Plush green grass is great for climates that do not require snow removal, like this La Jolla, California, residence.
Avondale Custom Homes
Encouraged by The Beatles, I can't help but sing "the long and winding ribbon" while admiring this drive.
FGY Architects
Opening up onto a carport and parking pad, the landscaped center portion of this ribbon driveway breaks up what would otherwise be a large, impervious area.
Brooks Ballard
Leading to a two-car garage, this ribbon drive features extensive landscaping, an environmental plus.