Sliding Hardwood Gates with Classic Style and Functionality
Nestled in the desirable village of Horsell in Woking, Surrey, the private residence Westbury required a premium, highly functional entrance solution. The homeowner was completing an extensive renovation of the property and wanted the gateway to reflect the same level of design quality and craftsmanship as the rest of the build. We recommended bespoke Iroko hardwood gates, as the entrance needed to deliver enhanced security, functionality, and aesthetic appeal, but also be made from a natural material that would complement both the traditional charm and contemporary touches found throughout the home.
Iroko, a durable African hardwood known for its stability and rich golden-brown colouring, was the natural timber of choice for this project. Its resistance to weathering and movement makes it ideal for external installations, especially automated gates where accuracy and long-term reliability are essential. By integrating modern automation technology with this timeless natural material, we ensure that the gate is as convenient as it is beautiful. The final installation delivers a blend of elegance and practicality that enhances the property’s overall appearance and value.
Client Requirements
The client’s brief centred on achieving an attractive, premium-quality Iroko hardwood gate with reliable, low-maintenance automation. As part of the overall property redevelopment, they wanted a gate that would appear refined and architectural while providing daily convenience and secure control of both pedestrian and vehicle access.
Project Scope
Although the client’s architect originally specified a hardwood swing gate design, it quickly became clear that this configuration would significantly restrict manoeuvring space within the driveway. To avoid compromising usability, Rory recommended converting the Iroko hardwood gate design to a sliding system instead. This change not only improved day-to-day functionality but also allowed for a sleeker, more discreet appearance when the gate is open.
The project was delivered as a complete new installation, integrating architectural design intent with practical site conditions to achieve the best overall result.
Challenges and Problem Solving
Design Revision for Usability
The main challenge lay in adapting the architect’s original swing-gate concept into a sliding configuration, without compromising the Iroko hardwood gate’s visual intention. A swing gate made from hardwood is substantial in both weight and footprint, and the turning radius required for the gate leaves would have encroached significantly into the driveway. The revised sliding design preserved the desired appearance of a large, imposing entrance, but offers a more practical layout and improved functionality.
Space Maximisation
To maximise driveway usability for the homeowners, Rory developed a tailored track layout that allowed the Iroko hardwood gate to glide smoothly across its full travel distance without intruding into vehicle manoeuvring zones.
Safety Near Pedestrian Access
With the pedestrian gate located close to the moving gate leaf, additional safety measures were discreetly integrated. Rather than install multiple safety posts (which can spoil the clean lines of a premium timber installation) we opted for singular photocells and discreet safety devices placed strategically, to maintain a minimalist aesthetic while maintaining full compliance with electric gate safety requirements.
Careful placement ensures pedestrians and vehicles can move freely across the entrance when the gate is closed, without the visual noise of unnecessary equipment.
Custom & Bespoke Elements of the Iroko Hardwood Gates
We incorporated a number of bespoke features to elevate the quality and visual finish of this Iroko hardwood gate installation.
Custom-Fabricated Sliding Track Integrated with Granite Setts
We fabricated a custom track tailored to the exact requirements of the installation. To achieve the cleanest possible finish, the track was specifically designed to allow granite setts to be fitted tightly around it, removing the need for unsightly concrete and providing a clear visual marker its position. The result is a beautifully finished threshold with no exposed concrete. This level of attention to detail ensures that the Iroko hardwood gate sits naturally within the landscape of the property.
Safety without Compromising on Aesthetics
Singular photocells were used to eliminate the need for internal photocell posts, allowing vehicles and pedestrians to manoeuvre freely across the track when the gate is closed. The system also includes discreetly placed safety devices, particularly important due to the proximity of the pedestrian gate to the moving gate leaf. This gives the installation a clean, architectural look while maintaining safe operation.
Remote-Access Intercom System
To enhance convenience, we installed an advanced intercom system capable of controlling both the pedestrian and driveway gates. This system offers remote management from anywhere in the world, ensuring the homeowners can grant access securely and effortlessly.
Lighting and Custom Sign
Discreet lighting was incorporated into the gate posts to provide both practical illumination and a welcoming evening ambience. These low-profile fixtures highlight the craftsmanship of the entrance without detracting from the clean lines of the Iroko hardwood gate. We also fabricated a custom house sign for Westbury, to complement the timber and lighting design, creating a cohesive, personalised focal point at the entrance.
Results & Achievements
The completed installation is both visually striking and highly practical. The Iroko hardwood gate provides a warm, natural focal point that enhances the newly renovated home, while the sliding configuration ensures maximum usability for vehicles of all sizes. The client expressed particular satisfaction with the smooth operation of the gate and the ease of controlling it remotely.
The transformation of the architectural plans into a fully functional solution demonstrates the value of practical experience and technical insight. By balancing design intentions with real-world requirements, we delivered a solution that improves convenience, safety and aesthetics, all while maintaining the premium look and feel the client envisioned.
Timeframe
From initial deposit to final handover, the full project timeline was approximately eight weeks, including commissioning, fabrication, track construction, and installation of the Iroko hardwood gate.
Client Feedback
The client offered extremely positive feedback on both the process and the final result:
“Rory provided a very professional service and the gate looks fantastic. Very happy and can thoroughly recommend it.”