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PROJECT

Project Team
Client: KingsHill Group
Architects: Zeanne & Goss Designs
Consulting Engineers:
Gadomski Consulting Engineers
Terraforce Recommended Contractor:
Decorton Retaining Systems
Terraforce Licensed Block Manufacturer:
Cape Retaining Systems
Landscaping: Alan Dawson Gardens

ach of the homes required raised
building platforms to accommodate
Espace for large gardens, backyards,
pools, tennis courts and garages, and the
Terraforce retaining system was specified
as the best solution. This is because
the block is versatile in application and
elevation. The cut slopes were stabilised Terraforce blocks planted by Alan Dawson Gardens
with Terraforce L12 blocks in charcoal,
with the round face finish of the block
facing outwards. In total, 30 000 blocks
were installed. Selecting the round face
finish is what allowed space for topsoil
and ultimately the addition of ten
different indigenous ground creepers,
planted by Alan Dawson Gardens.
Jeremy Leighton of Decorton Retaining
Walls says there were some complications
with storm water damage after the very
strong storms in winter and as specified
by Terraforce, surface storm water
channels are a crucial part of the retaining
wall installation to inhibit water ingress.
This prevents heavy rainfall damaging the The Terraforce walls are designed in three 2 metre terraces, spaced 1 metre apart
retaining walls.
He adds that the design parameters
by the consulting engineers stipulated Landscaping and irrigation landscape job and we timed our planting
that each of the cut slopes was to be The client asked landscaper Alan Dawson to have most of it done during the winter
retained with three two-metre retaining to cover and green the retaining walls, and months, giving careful consideration to
walls at 70 degree angles, except for the Dawson’s design concept was to keep the plant choices”.
walls running along the back boundary planting as simple as possible using hardy, Irrigation is a combination of drip and
of the estate, and where mature trees flowering, indigenous plant material that mist irrigation, and borehole water is used.
had to be circumnavigated. The bottom would cover the retaining blocks and All excess runoff and rain water is collected
third of each terraced wall is concrete- create green walls throughout the estate. in an underground tank at the bottom of
filled and some of the larger walls are He says that preparing the planting spaces the estate.
reinforced with geogrid. Each wall is fitted in the retaining walls was “challenging and
with subsoil drainage and sand drainage time consuming, and the planting of the Information supplied by Terraforce and Alan
layers running along the back of the cut walls at such heights was also a challenge. Dawson Gardens
embankments. Nevertheless, it was an incredible Photos courtesy of Terraforce.

In total, 30 000 Terraforce blocks were installed n

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