Helena hillside custom home turns playing by the rules into
a fabulous driveway design
When the city throws a wrench in your plan,
it’s time to rethink pavement.
“TrueGrid saved us.”
-Tony Van Dort, Golden Eagle Construction
Challenge
Golden Eagle Construction is used to managing challenging projects. Having specialized in custom residential and commercial development for over 40 years, they know how to build for the unique demands of Montana.
New challenge. A custom home build was set on a steep Helena hillside, where stormwater runoff and erosion are of significant concern. The City of Helena would not approve the prescribed concrete perimeter and driveway due to strict stormwater mitigation requirements.
Solution
Challenge accepted. Golden Eagle Construction turned to Montana Hardscape Hub and TrueGrid to solve the problem and complete the project on time. Their client wanted a natural look to complement the aesthetic of their home and the surrounding landscape, and permeable paving seemed to satisfy the city’s requirements for a variance and make for easy maintenance - even in winter.
Compacted road base allowed the 1,000 sq ft of TrueGrid a sturdy prep layer. A multi-color con rock was selected for the fill material. The TrueGrid system’s permeability, erosion control, and stormwater detention beneath the drive-able surface allowed the “wiggle room” needed to proceed with a concrete ribbon around the house.
Drainage pipes were installed around the house, but were not needed for the driveway, given permeable paving’s ability to naturally filter water down into the ground where it belongs.
Result
“Incorporating TrueGrid into the design allowed us to do creative stuff with concrete around the house. And the driveway’s stability was impressive. During installation, the crew could feel the difference driving over it versus standard gravel, even with a skid steer.” - Tony Van Dort, Project Superintendent
The result? A beautiful modern mountain home with true curb appeal!
Not only did incorporating TrueGrid allow for the project to be approved by the city, it also saved cost on the installation versus the original concrete driveway spec. The installation was completed in 2023 and as of 2026, this Helena driveway has stood up to 3 Montana winters while maintaining its beauty and stability.
TrueGrid is the world’s strongest permeable paver. Used in grass and gravel paving, it’s strong enough to park a crane on, stand up to Montana’s tough climate and snow plowing, and still last for decades.
Contact Montana Hardscape Hub here to learn if TrueGrid can solve you commercial or residential paving problem.
