3/2020 – Superb hardscape with Terraforce at Dubai Hills Estate
Dubai Hills Terraforce retaining walls
Dubai Hills Estate is a unique blend of elegantly planned neighbourhoods crafted around a magnificent 18-hole championship golf course, by Emaar Properties and Meraas Holding. Located next to the Al Barsha South community and the two major road networks of Dubai – Al Khail Road and Mohammed Bin Zayed Road – the estate is easily accessible and located in the centre of the city.
The project consists of various communities with different property configurations such as villas, townhouses, apartments and residential plots. The area is also set to boast three schools, three hotels, two hospitals, a 54 km bicycle route, two metro lines and its own mega mall, Dubai Hills Mall.
During the planning stages of the estate, it became evident that the all the different levels created throughout the expansive site would leave many cut and fill slopes vulnerable to erosion, especially the spaces dedicated to outdoor activities and entertainment.
Consequently, Terraforce L16 retaining wall blocks, manufactured under license in the United Arab Emirates by Consent LLC for the past 14 years, were specified as a hardscape measure to provide effective and attractive erosion control in the third zone – residential communities Sidra and Maple – specifically designed for higher density villas and townhouses.
Installed by Al Aamal Construction
Says Sinan Awad, of Al Aamal Construction, Terraforce Recommended Installer: “Once the first walls were complete, the consultant and client were so impressed with the results more and more orders came in for Terraforce walls in the rest of the estate, requesting our services specifically. They were especially impressed with the aesthetic finish and ease and speed of installation. Most of the walls range between 1 to 1.5 metres, with some reaching up to 3 metres. Installation therefore proved straightforward, as wall designs throughout fell into a basic gravity retaining category.”
The result exemplifies a first-rate example of a low, understated earth retaining measures that allow for generous soft scaping, as is evident by the abundant grasses, creepers and shrubs that are planted in and long the rows of blocks.
Project team
Developer: Emaar and Meraas
Architect: KEO
Engineer: KEO
Main Contractor: ARCD
Sub-Contractor: Al Aamal Construction
Licensed Terraforce block supplier: Consent LLC