Bespoke Aluminium Gate for a Sloped Driveway
This highly technical and design-led installation of a cantilever aluminium gate was undertaken by Fraser Gates at a private residential property located in Guildford, Surrey. The project formed the concluding phase of a major renovation programme in which the homeowners were transforming their property into a modern, premium living space.
The homeowner wanted the front boundary to reflect the architectural quality of the rest of the property, while introducing new security features and automated convenience. However, the home sits on a pronounced slope, both across the front boundary and down the driveway itself, and these conditions strongly influenced the design approach for the entrance system.
The solution was a bespoke cantilever sliding gate featuring vertical slats constructed from precision-engineered aluminium. This was accompanied by matching fence panels either side, an in-built post and parcel box, an intercom, and a custom-built enclosure with control panel.
Client Requirements
The client’s priority was improving the property’s security while retaining a clean, elegant style look consistent with the renovation. An aluminium gate would deliver this perfectly, as this material is strong, corrosion-resistant, low-maintenance, and visually refined. The vertical slats of Fraser Gates’ design also offer privacy without creating a solid, heavy appearance.
The client specifically requested a system that would be virtually automatic, operating with minimal manual intervention while remaining easy-to-use and intuitive to override if needed.
Project Scope
The installation was a new addition to the property, marking the final stage of the renovation. Because the gate exceeded the parameters of permitted development, the design was required to undergo review and approval by the local authority. This added an administrative dimension to the project, but the client wished to avoid compromising on design or function. Fraser Gates therefore prepared a solution that met all planning expectations while maintaining the minimalist, contemporary look the architect had intended.
Once permission for the aluminium gate was granted, works were scheduled to align with the main contractor’s programme. The installation involved groundworks coordination, precision layout of multiple duct routes, fabrication of custom fencing, and the commissioning of the full automation system. For safety and convenience, necessary features included:
- Free-exit loops, allowing the gate to open automatically when a vehicle approaches from inside
- Automatic closing, ensuring the property remains secure without requiring user input
- Smart-home integration, allowing control from phones, tablets and voice-activated devices
- Intercom-controlled access for both family and visitors
Challenges and Problem Solving
Building on a Steep Slope
The most significant challenge was the topography of the property. The boundary slopes noticeably from one side to the other, while the driveway descends sharply toward the house. Swing gates were therefore impractical, as the falling gradient would cause clearance issues. A cantilever design (where the gate leaf “floats” across the drive without relying on ground tracks) was the ideal solution. This avoids conflicts between the gate movement and the uneven terrain and ensures smooth travel along the cantilever track.
Although cantilever systems excel in sloped environments, they still require the gate’s travel path to remain consistent and correctly aligned. Achieving this on a changing gradient necessitated exact calculations and careful installation of the foundation plinth.
Ducting Damage During Construction
During installation, the main contractors groundworkers inadvertently blocked off one of the duct routes originally planned to carry services back to the house and across the drive. This prevented a CAT6 data cable from being run alongside the 240V power supply as intended. While this was not a major issue for most components, it did pose a challenge for the pier lighting, where interference from the power supply could create noise or performance problems.
Fraser Gates resolved this by switching the pier lighting to a 24V DC system. This eliminated the risk of electrical interference, protected the longevity of the lighting equipment and ensured compliance with low-voltage lighting best practices.
Custom and Bespoke Elements
CNC-Cut Fencing Panels with Integrated Features
Aside from the aluminium gate itself, one of the standout elements of this installation was the bespoke fencing that flanked the gate. Each panel was CNC-cut from aluminium to create precise openings for three key components: the post box, the parcel box, and the intercom system.
This integration required exact digital mapping to ensure that all boxes and panels aligned perfectly once installed. The result is a boundary that hides its functional components elegantly within the overall design rather than relying on surface-mounted add-ons.
Tailored Intercom Integration
The intercom unit selected by the architect was originally designed to be surface-mounted on a solid brick wall. However, for this project it needed to be integrated seamlessly into the aluminium fencing. This demanded precision fitting, careful sealing, and modification to ensure no water ingress could occur. The panel had to be recessed into the aluminium fencing while maintaining rigid structural support. Despite the difficulty, the intercom was installed securely and with a flush finish consistent with the rest of the fencing. The result is both functional and visually harmonious, blending seamlessly into the fence line.
Custom Control Panel Enclosure
To house the automation electronics of the aluminium gate, Fraser Gates fabricated a bespoke enclosure built to protect the control hardware from the elements and provide easy, organised access for future servicing. The enclosure includes cable management pathways, ventilation considerations and discreet placement so as not to disrupt the minimal aesthetic of the entrance.
Results and Achievements
Both the main contractor and the homeowner expressed strong appreciation for the quality of the installation. The workmanship, attention to detail and precision engineering of the aluminium gates were repeatedly highlighted. The final entrance has transformed the front of the property, adding a sense of sophistication that complements the substantial renovation.
The aluminium gate operates flawlessly, moving smoothly along its cantilever carriage despite the complex gradients of the site. The integrated fencing and CNC-cut features look cohesive and professionally executed, enhancing the property’s kerb appeal while ensuring future-proof durability.
Perhaps most importantly, the automation and smart-home systems performed exactly as the client envisioned: simple, secure and reliable.
Timeframe
The installation phase itself took only a few days, thanks to detailed planning and coordination. However, the full project timeline included:
- 8–10 weeks for the fabrication and delivery of the aluminium gate
- Additional time for the planning application process
- Scheduling to align with other contractors and site readiness
Despite these factors, the project progressed smoothly and was completed within the broader renovation timeline.
Client Feedback
The client’s kind feedback reflects their satisfaction not only with the finished aluminium gate installation, but also with the communication, professionalism, and technical expertise shown throughout the project:
“Absolutely top quality and excellent service from Fraser Gates. Rory has been super professional, very kind and pleasant, reliable and patient. The gate itself, as well as the installation, are top-notch: beautiful, very well finished, and it all works flawlessly.”