• Methven Gabions - JML Contracts
  • Methven Gabions - JML Contracts
  • Methven Gabions - JML Contracts

Gabion Retaining Wall, Methven

A sloping site in the hills at Methven was chosen as the ideal location by our clients for the construction of a highly energy efficient, semi-basement two storey home by German prefabricated house builders Hanse Haus. The enabling groundworks consisted cutting into the hillside and bulk removal of earth to form a basement area across the site. Incorporating a tiered gabion retaining wall to maintain the structural integrity of the surrounding land, the client also included large areas of 4.5m high gabion terracing and a gabion-clad roundall balcony to maximise the stunning views. A fully-faced up lit feature entrance basket was also installed that was used to incorporate bespoke signage.

Challenges

Numerous challenges were overcome on the site with the foremost being forming completely unfaceted curved walls from engineered retaining baskets to create the sweeping entrance driveway that circumnavigates the property. In addition, the concrete roundall terrace was clad in matching baskets and stone, incorporating a sleeve system within the gabions for the metal baluster and glazed panel handrail system. Working together with a German subcontractor involved close liaison and management to ensure that both companies could work alongside each other simultaneously. This was particularly important due to the specialist nature of their tanking warranty.

Services Provided

All gabion elements across the project were designed and installed by JML Contracts using 4mm BBA approved welded baskets. Sample baskets were constructed and filled with various stones to allow the client to understand and see the proposed gabions in position on the site prior to making a final choice. Upon completion of the gabions, JML Contracts civil division was contracted to carry out all additional hard landscaping works on the site to help create the clients dream home.