Original project scope & brief

In 2016, over 1,000m² of heritage-listed pathways and driveway were resurfaced using StoneSet, selected for its ability to provide a durable, permeable and visually sympathetic solution to a highly sensitive site. The area had long suffered from maintenance headaches due to loose gravel displaced by car tyres, surface erosion from water runoff, and pooling on sloped sections. Compounding the challenge was the requirement to preserve original features, including heritage brick paver borders, which could not be disturbed or overlaid.

StoneSet’s 6mm Coral Cream blend was chosen for its ability to mirror the warm, earthy tones of the existing sandstone and brickwork, blending seamlessly into the heritage surrounds. Bound with a high-performance UV-stable polyurethane resin, the surface offers a smooth, flexible finish that resists displacement and eliminates loose stone—making it ideal for both pedestrian zones and vehicle traffic.

To address stormwater issues, StoneSet was laid at 25mm depth over a new 52mm gravel cell base installed by the builder, supported by a compacted road base sub-layer. This fully permeable system ensures water infiltrates directly through the surface, dramatically improving site drainage and protecting the grounds from further degradation.Despite the site’s high visibility and operational requirements, the installation was completed in just 12 days, with minimal disruption to access and no impact on existing heritage features. The untouched brick paver borders were preserved, helping maintain the site’s historic character while integrating seamlessly with the new modern finish.

Current performance assessment (July 2025)

Nearly a decade on, the StoneSet surface continues to perform exceptionally well:

• Over 99.5% of stone remains intact, including in high-wear zones such as turning areas on the driveway.
• No isolated shedding or degradation has been observed, confirming the system’s durability.
• Only one intervention has been required in nine years: a minor patch to insert a new strip drain five years ago.
• Expansion joints are functioning as intended, allowing for natural substrate movement without cracking.
• Porosity remains high—except for one unmaintained area, water continues to infiltrate efficiently, reducing runoff.
• Slip resistance has improved over time with regular use.
• The UVR resin system has shown no signs of yellowing or deterioration.
• While not a requirement, a light resin roll coat is now recommended as the system enters its second decade, to further reinforce the top stone layers integrity.

The combination of a well-prepared base and StoneSet Premium’s advanced UV-stable resin has delivered a resilient, low-maintenance and visually enduring surface, continuing to support Sydney Observatory’s public access needs without issue.

Details

• Application: Gravel Cell Permeable Paving
• Colour: Coral Cream
• Base: 52mm Gravel Cell backfilled with clean no-fines aggregate
• Area: 1,000m2
• Depth: 25mm
• Time to install: 12 working days

Images below taken July 2025