AGD Systems recently completed an electric driveway gate installation for a private home in Northamptonshire, delivering a statement entrance that showcases handcrafted timber work and discreet automation.
The project centres on a pair of bespoke Iroko hardwood swing gates, approximately 4 metres wide, hung on galvanised steel posts that are fully cloaked in matching Iroko. This approach allows the structural steel to carry the weight and forces of the gates, while every visible surface presents as solid hardwood.
The gates are crafted in the Amport style, with classic proportions and detailing that give the property a refined, traditional entrance. Each leaf is custom made, with careful attention paid to timber selection, grain direction and jointing so the gates feel substantial and open and close with a reassuring solidity. Iroko is particularly well suited to this level of craftsmanship, as its dense, stable nature allows crisp detailing, clean lines and a high quality finish that weathers gracefully when correctly treated and maintained.
Iroko is also chosen for its performance as much as its appearance. It is naturally durable in external environments and offers excellent resistance to decay and insect attack, making it ideal for a premium driveway gateway that is exposed to the elements throughout the year. Its stability means less tendency to twist or warp, helping the gates to hold their shape and maintain fine tolerances at the meeting edges and around the posts over many years of use.
To complement the traditional joinery, the gates are powered by FAAC 400 hydraulic drive units, specified for their smooth movement and reliable performance with heavy hardwood leaves. The automation is controlled via remote handsets and an intercom system, giving the homeowners convenient, secure access without detracting from the crafted appearance of the entrance. All cabling and control equipment are carefully routed and positioned so that the focus remains on the timber work and overall aesthetic.
Safety and control are built into the system without compromising the visual impact of the gates. An underground induction loop detects vehicles within the operating zone, while discreet infrared beams protect the entrance opening, helping to prevent the gates from moving when a person, vehicle or obstruction is present.
The induction loop can also be set to open the gates internally if required as another form of control.
A timeclock provides an additional layer of control, allowing the system to be fully disabled at chosen times of day or night according to the client’s preferences. The finished result is an entrance that combines fine hardwood craftsmanship, robust hidden structure and well considered automation into a single, premium installation.
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