Bespoke Electric Driveway Gates with Smart Technology
When the owner of this newly developed residential property in Surrey first approached us at Fraser Gates, he had a very clear vision for how he wanted the entrance to look and function. Unlike many clients whose first concern revolves around security or access control, his brief centred on achieving a refined and timeless aesthetic, one that would feel harmonious with the property’s architectural style and surrounding landscape. What he was looking for was not just a set of electric driveway gates but a complete residential entrance solution that combined understated elegance with the latest smart technology, all seamlessly integrated into the property’s wider development.
This particular project became a textbook example of how, when we’re involved early enough in the construction process, we can collaborate closely with clients, architects and builders to design and deliver electric sliding gate residential systems in Surrey that not only fulfil the practical brief but elevate the overall appearance and functionality of a property.
Early Planning and Coordination
Starting at the Right Time
One of the great advantages of this project was the point at which we became involved. The client, a developer with a track record of high-end residential projects, reached out to discuss his ideas during the early stages of construction. With the main structure of the house still in progress and the wider landscaping not yet underway, this provided an ideal opportunity to factor the entire electric gate system into the build plan from the outset.
Why Early Involvement Matters
Early engagement always makes a significant difference in projects of this nature. Many electric sliding gate residential installations are often treated as an afterthought, squeezed in once hard landscaping has already been completed. This can create complications when trying to route power and data cables, plan for gate foundations or accommodate the physical footprint of the system within completed driveways or boundary walls. In this case, by being involved at the design stage, we were able to specify exactly what was required for groundworks, conduits, drainage and access clearances before any permanent surfaces were installed.
Working with the Builder
The client’s builder worked directly from our specifications, ensuring the groundworks were carried out to exact requirements. This planning not only simplified the later installation but also allowed for a cleaner, professional finish with no retrofitting. The gate system felt as though it had always been part of the property’s original design.
Understanding the Client’s Goals
A Focus on Appearance
From the first meeting, it was clear the client had thought carefully about the look he wanted to achieve. Privacy was a factor, but security was not the primary driver. Instead, he wanted a subtle, sophisticated entrance that made a strong first impression without being flashy or overbearing.
Blending Old and New
The property itself, a large private home in a leafy part of Surrey, featured traditional architecture blended with modern finishes. The entrance needed to reflect this balance, combining estate-style elements with modern convenience. The gates should complement the design language of the house and its landscaping, rather than dominate it.
Turning the Vision into a Plan
This is where our experience with bespoke electric sliding gate residential projects in Surrey really shines. We know how to take a client’s vision and translate it into something practical, buildable, and beautiful, without sacrificing performance or long-term reliability.
Designing the Gate
A Sliding Gate with Traditional Styling
Once we agreed on the overall vision, we designed a fully bespoke electric sliding gate system that delivered everything the client wanted. While sliding gates are often associated with contemporary properties, they can easily be styled to emulate traditional gate designs with the right approach.
In this case, the gate was built to look like a pair of classic swing gates at first glance. This softened the linear aesthetic of the sliding mechanism, allowing it to blend more naturally with the estate-style fencing. The panels matched the fencing perfectly, creating a seamless frontage across the property.
Estate Fencing to Match
We also designed and installed around 22 metres of estate-style fencing, including bespoke radius panels that curved gently into the entrance. These curves not only softened the approach visually but guided vehicles smoothly into the property without any sharp or awkward angles.
Custom Details Throughout
The client wanted the entrance to feel fully integrated into the home, so we included custom elements like a built-in post box and house name plaque, both manufactured specifically for this project. Even the gateposts themselves were custom cast in iron, tying the traditional styling together and giving the entrance real character and presence.
Integrating Smart Technology
Seamless Automation Behind the Scenes
Although appearance was the top priority, the client also wanted advanced smart technology integrated into the system. The goal was simple: effortless daily operation, discreet modern functionality, and complete peace of mind.
Facial Recognition and CCTV Access
We installed a Smart Face ID intercom system, which allowed facial recognition for authorised visitors alongside more traditional access options. This was paired with an internal monitor, allowing full two-way audio and visual communication with anyone at the gate.
In addition to the intercom, we installed a fully integrated CCTV system connected to a single app. The client could monitor the gate and surrounding property remotely, whether at home or abroad. Increasingly, homeowners in Surrey are looking for residential electric sliding gate solutions that combine access control, security, and remote management into one simple system — and this installation delivered exactly that.
Safety and Daily Use
No electric sliding gate residential installation is complete without thorough safety systems. Here, we included dual pairs of safety light curtains that monitored the gate’s movement and triggered immediate reversal if any obstruction entered the travel path. We also installed a free exit loop beneath the driveway surface, allowing vehicles to exit automatically without any need for remotes or keypads.
Planning for Long-Term Use
Safe Operation Every Day
We carefully considered how the gate would function day-to-day over many years. Full run-back fencing was installed to enclose the sliding gate’s travel zone, protecting pedestrians and keeping debris or animals away from the gate’s operating mechanism.
Durable, High-Quality Materials
Every material and component was carefully selected to ensure long-term durability in a residential setting. The sliding gate itself was fabricated from high-grade galvanised steel, powder-coated for maximum weather resistance and low maintenance. The estate-style fencing matched the gate in both finish and structural integrity, while the custom cast iron top posts added a traditional visual feature built to withstand the elements year after year. All automation equipment, safety devices and access systems were specified for residential heavy-duty use, ensuring reliable operation in all conditions.
Built to Last
By planning these practical details upfront, rather than reacting to issues during installation, we delivered a clean, safe, fully compliant system that will serve the property reliably for years to come.
The Installation Process
Staged Installation to Fit the Build
Because we were involved early, we coordinated the installation around the wider construction schedule. We completed the work in two phases, allowing us to fit neatly into the build process and avoid any disruption to finished landscaping.
Phase One: Foundations and First Fix
The first phase involved setting the structural posts, laying the sliding track, and running all necessary conduits for power, control, and data. With these elements installed early, we avoided any disturbance to finished surfaces later on. All service routes were fully concealed, giving the system a clean, seamless finish.
Phase Two: Final Installation and Commissioning
Once landscaping and driveway works were completed, we returned to fit the gate panels, custom posts, automation equipment, and complete the final CCTV and intercom installations. This phased approach allowed us to achieve an extremely high level of finish with no compromise on quality.
Testing and Handover
Full System Testing
Before handover, we ran full commissioning and multi-point testing to ensure every element of the system was working exactly as intended. The gate automation, safety systems, CCTV integration, intercom, and app connectivity were all rigorously checked.
Safety Checks
We tested all safety light curtains thoroughly, ensuring instant gate reversal if any obstruction entered the gate path. The run-back fencing was inspected to confirm that the sliding mechanism was fully enclosed and protected.
Client Demonstration
Once fully commissioned, we gave the client a complete demonstration of the system. We explained how to operate the Smart Face ID intercom, configure facial recognition, and use the fully integrated app to monitor both the gate and property remotely. This simple app control was a major benefit, allowing the client to manage everything easily whether at home or travelling.
The Finished Result
A Seamless, Elegant Entrance
The final result delivered exactly what the client envisioned. The electric sliding gate residential installation created a smart, understated entrance that blended beautifully with the house and its landscaped surroundings.
While the traditional aesthetic provides strong kerb appeal, the modern automation operates quietly in the background to deliver smooth, effortless performance every day.
Meeting the Client’s Vision
Because we were involved from the start, the entire installation was fully integrated — no compromises, no awkward retrofits, and no disruption to the finished driveway. The client was particularly impressed with how easily the CCTV, intercom, and gate automation were combined into one simple control system via the app.
Client Feedback
A Long-Term Partnership
The client, an experienced property developer, was delighted with both the installation and our service throughout. Following this project, he has continued to commission us for additional electric sliding gate residential systems on his future developments — something we always take as the strongest possible endorsement.
Ongoing partnerships like these are central to how we continue delivering residential electric sliding gate installations across Surrey to the highest standard. Once clients experience the benefits of thoughtful planning, bespoke design, and expert installation, they rarely want to approach future projects any other way.
Have something similar in mind? Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.