4/2011 – Terraforce noisebarrier for prestigious Franschhoek hotel

March 5, 2024/ / /

Terraforce retaining walls came out tops in prestigious five-star guest village of L’ermitage, set within the secure grounds of the well-known Franschhoek Estate.

4-meter-high earth berm that provides extra privacy
4 meter high earth berm that provides extra privacy
Terraforce noise berm alongside the hotel
Terraforce noise berm alongside the hotel, with additional smaller walls alongside the buildings and parking
Water for irrigation is sourced from a mountain stream and stored in the artificial lake. There is also a heavy emphasis on waste recycling.
Water for irrigation is sourced from a mountain stream and stored in the artificial lake

Situated in the heart of the Franschhoek Winelands, this prestigious development, brainchild of property developer Dawie du Preez, in collaboration with design consultant Lydia Uys, was winner of the Best Development in Africa award at the International Residential Property Awards recently held in London.

Terraforce blocks were also used on some low retaining walls between some villas and parking areas
Terraforce blocks were also used on some low retaining walls between some villas and parking areas
Greened with hardy ground covers and creepers, such as edible granadilla
Greened with hardy ground covers and creepers, such as edible granadilla


With 32 villas, manor house, a wellness centre and a conference centre, the complex offers many other up-market and “green” features. Four 3kw wind turbines and solar panels with a 6.3kw capacity charge a huge battery pack to store surplus power, power that is not immediately used by the dual circuit power system.

Water for irrigation is sourced from a mountain stream and stored in the artificial lake. There is also a heavy emphasis on waste recycling.

Terraforce blocks were also used on some low retaining walls between some villas and parking areas
Terraforce blocks were also used on some low retaining walls between some villas and parking areas
To keep the feel as natural as possible, the crest and road facing slope of the berm is planted with hardy fynbos
To keep the feel as natural as possible, the crest and road facing slope of the berm is planted with hardy fynbos
Greened with hardy ground covers and creepers, such as edible granadilla
Greened with hardy ground covers and creepers, such as edible granadilla

On the landscaping side, next to Mediterranean style gardens, piazzas, fountains, bollards and lanterns, two Terraforce retaining walls were specified by architect and designer Dennis Moss, notably a 4-meter-high earth berm that provides extra privacy and acts as a noise barrier to preserve the tranquil, reclusive atmosphere of the hotel.

The walls, designed by Engineer Fred Laker, were installed by Terraforce approved contractor, Dassenberg Retaining. To keep the feel as natural as possible, the crest and road facing slope of the berm is planted with hardy fynbos vegetation, while the inner slope is steeply retained with 561m² of Terraforce L12 rock face blocks for extra space.

Terraforce retaining blocks were also used on some low retaining walls between some villas and parking areas. The walls will eventually be greened with hardy ground covers and creepers such as edible granadilla.

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