Gabions and Anchor Wall used to create attractive retaining walls in different locations on semi-rural estate of just six detached homes

05/09/2003

Two contrasting retaining wall systems from Maccaferri Ltd, specialists in retaining structures, slope reinforcement and erosion protection, have been chosen to create visually attractive and highly effective walling solutions at Harlaw Bank, a new development of just six homes in the semi-rural location of Balerno, near Edinburgh. Gabions have been used to provide flood prevention and river walling adjacent to the access road, while Anchor Wall was selected for a highly visible retaining wall to the rear of the properties.

Built in an attractive rural location, the new homes are bordered by the Bavelaw Burn and set in over an acre of private woodland. Housebuilder, Applecross specialises in creating exclusive residential developments within conservation areas, and worked closely with SEPA (Scottish Environmental Protection Agency) to ensure that ground engineering and landscaping solutions were in harmony with the natural environment.

Retaining wall solutions were required in three areas. The original plans specified a cantilevered reinforced concrete wall to replace an existing stone built wall supporting the access road running parallel to the river. However, rising construction costs obliged Applecross to consider an alternative solution. Maccaferri’s Scottish-based construction arm, Maccaferri Construction Ltd, was invited to design and construct a gabion retaining wall, incorporating an impact barrier at the top.

This wall, approximately 60 metres in length and 3 metres high, is now completed. Built on rock head outcrop along the banks of the river, the natural stone used in gabion walls combines engineering strength with ease of construction while also providing an attractive natural finish in keeping with the rural environment.

Maccaferri was also asked to develop an alternative solution to a proposed timber crib wall to the rear of the properties. Clearly visible from the homes, the preferred solution had to combine engineering strength with aesthetic appeal. An Anchor engineered retaining wall was the chosen solution, the high quality segmental blocks providing a retaining structure in keeping with the quality construction of the homes.

The third retaining structure was required to ensure that the Bavelaw Burn, flowing along the western perimeter of the site, did not overtop its banks during times of heavy rainfall. Maccaferri Construction built a gabion flood wall along the bank, incorporating willow saplings to soften the appearance and ensure an attractive vista for homeowners.

Harlaw Bank is now complete, and the Lodge House is sold. Impressed by Maccaferri’s contribution, Billy Murphy, Construction Director at Applecross Properties, is keen to use the company on other projects. He commented: “Having received correspondence from SEPA praising Maccaferri for their efforts in creating retaining wall solutions in sympathy with the local environment, we will certainly be using the company on future projects. We have three projects in the pipeline and intend to use Maccaferri Construction to design and install any gabion or Anchor wall structures that may be required.”

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