6/2021 – Magnificent views with Terraforce

Steep slope? No problem with Terraforce!

Purchasing property on a steep slope often leaves the owner faced with finding a safe, but also attractive way to create enough level building space for their dream home. In this case, two plots needed levelling to allow optimal space for two new luxury villas and generous gardens to be built on the slopes of Paarl Mountain, South Africa.



The Terraforce interlocking retaining wall system was proposed by Energy Master Builders, offering the most cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing solution, and Decorton Retaining Systems, Terraforce Recommended Contractor, were contracted to install the retaining walls on both properties.


Project Participants

Architect: Johan Visser

Engineer: Fred Laker (Icos Consulting Engineers)

Main Contractor: Energy Master Builders

Sub-Contractor: Decorton Retaining Systems


 

Creating level building platforms for two properties with Terraforce
Creating level building platforms for two properties with Terraforce
Landscaping with shrubs, trees and creepers
Landscaping with shrubs, trees and creepers

Green walls for the win!

Says SP van Blerk, Decorton: “The installation was straightforward, on a concrete foundation with the specified drainage system and geofabric reinforcement for added stability. To green up the block walls, trees and shrubs were planted along the terraces and bottom boundaries of the walls, while some sections were planted with fast growing creepers that will eventually cover most of the blocks. The result? A softer, greener solution to a problem that would have otherwise warranted solid concrete walls that cannot not be planted easily and cost a fortune.”

Fast growing creepers cover the wall more and more
Fast growing creepers cover the wall more and more
The block retaining wall in the morning light
The block retaining wall in the morning light