Creating a Permeable Turfgrid™ Driveway with Al & Imo

Sustainability and functionality go hand in hand in modern home design, and The Good Day House in Torquay, Victoria, is a shining example. For husband-and-wife duo Al and Imo, this was at the core of their vision, carefully selecting materials, fixtures and landscaping solutions to bring this to life. Working with Sherriff Constructions, who designed and built the house, the all-electric family home has received a 7.5 energy rating.

From the beginning, Al and Imo envisioned their home centred around a courtyard, to create a harmonious flow between indoor and outdoor living spaces. “Our vision included an open-plan layout, flooded with natural light and designed for optimal ventilation,” said Al. To bring this vision to life, they collaborated with Landscape Designer Simon Taylor to create an outdoor space that was both functional and visually appealing.

A key element of this transformation was the use of Adbri Masonry products, which helped enhance the courtyard’s aesthetic and practicality. Landscaping is often overlooked in discussions about sustainable home design, yet it plays a crucial role in improving energy efficiency, managing water runoff, and creating comfortable outdoor spaces that complement the home’s architecture.

At the heart of the courtyard is a beautifully designed bench seat, constructed from Adbri Masonry bricks. Designed by Taylor and built by Imo’s father, this feature provides a practical yet stylish seating area. “As well as adding visual interest to the courtyard, the seating ties the outdoor space together harmoniously,” said Al. The couple also prioritised sustainability in plant selection, opting for locally native Australian plants to ensure the garden was not only beautiful but also remained conscious of the natural environment.

Beyond the courtyard, Adbri Masonry also played a crucial role in the front yard landscaping. The couple selected Adbri Masonry’s permeable Turfgrid™ pavers for their driveway, a choice driven by sustainability and water management benefits. Unlike traditional paving systems, Turfgrid™ allows water to move freely through the pavement and into the ground below, reducing surface runoff and relieving pressure on local stormwater systems.

“As well as reducing water runoff, Turfgrid™ pavers complement the natural aesthetic of our garden,” said Imo. “By back-filling the pavers with Dromana, we seamlessly integrated them into the landscaping. The result is a testament to the versatility and quality of Adbri Masonry products in meeting both design and functionality needs.”

Permeable paving is particularly beneficial in areas prone to waterlogging or flooding, offering a practical solution that enhances both drainage and overall aesthetics. The incorporation of permeable paving, such as Turfgrid™, reduces the stress on stormwater and river systems by allowing the water to infiltrate through the pavement surface into the ground below.

Al and Imo selected Adbri Masonry not only for the high quality of products but also due to the dedication to sustainability at every stage. “Not only are their products versatile but they offer excellent communication and delivery services. Adbri even picked up the pallets after delivery to reuse them,” said Imo.

Al and Imo have created a home that serves as a model for sustainable living in their community by prioritising energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable materials. “We felt a great responsibility placing something so permanent on the earth,” said Al. More than just a home, The Good Day House is a testament to thoughtful design, responsible material choices, and the value of sustainable solutions. With Adbri Masonry playing a key role in the landscaping, this project showcases how practical sustainability can enhance both form and function in modern home construction.