Retaining Walls & Structural Landscaping
Engineered walls built for function, form, and compliance—ideal for levelling, drainage and slope management
Stability Meets Design
Modern Environments delivers engineered retaining wall solutions for commercial developments, councils, and infrastructure projects. Our structural retaining systems provide long-term slope stability while meeting all engineering and building consent requirements.
Comprehensive Retaining Wall Services
- Multiple Construction Methods: Expertise in concrete, timber, keystone, and gabion retaining systems selected based on site conditions, height requirements, and aesthetic preferences.
Commercial Retaining Wall Applications
- Commercial Developments: Shopping centres, office complexes, and industrial sites requiring level building platforms and efficient land use through engineered slope retention.
- Educational Facilities: Schools and universities needing safe, attractive retaining solutions that support campus development while managing liability risks.
- Council Projects: Public reserves requiring community safety.
Retaining Wall Systems We Install
- Reinforced Concrete Walls: Engineered concrete retaining systems for maximum strength and durability, suitable for high loads and challenging ground conditions.
- Timber Retaining Systems: H5 treated timber construction for cost-effective solutions up to 2m height, popular for landscaping integration and natural appearance.
- Keystone Block Systems: Modular concrete block systems providing attractive finish with excellent structural performance, ideal for commercial landscaping applications.
- Gabion Basket Walls: Rock-filled wire basket systems offering flexibility, drainage, and environmental integration for civil engineering applications.
Engineering & Compliance
- Structural Engineering: Collaboration with certified structural engineers for load calculations, foundation design, and seismic analysis appropriate for New Zealand conditions.
- Geotechnical Assessment: Collaboration with Geotechnical engineers providing soil testing and analysis, ensuring appropriate foundation design and long-term stability for site-specific conditions.
- Building Code Compliance: Full compliance with NZBC requirements including structural adequacy, durability, and safety factors for commercial construction.
- Seismic Design: Earthquake-resistant design appropriate for New Zealand seismic conditions using current engineering standards and best practices.
Construction Process
- Excavation & Foundation: Professional excavation with appropriate foundation installation and drainage systems
- Wall Construction: Precision construction using qualified tradespeople and quality materials
- Finishing & Restoration: Site restoration, landscaping integration, and drainage completion
- Engineering inspections and sign off: We ensure all walls are built as per design, all inspections have passed 100% and engineering sign
off is achieved.
Height & Load Capabilities
- Up to 1.5m Height: Permitted development not requiring building consent, suitable for most commercial landscaping applications
- 1.5m to 4m Height: Engineered systems requiring building consent with structural engineering input
- Surcharge Loads: Design capability for additional loads, including traffic, buildings, and stored materials
Material Selection & Durability
- Concrete Systems: 50+ year design life with minimal maintenance requirements, suitable for high-stress commercial applications
- Treated Timber: 15-25 year design life with periodic maintenance, cost-effective for appropriate applications
- Modular Blocks: 50+ year design life with attractive finish options and proven commercial performance
- Natural Stone: Premium appearance with exceptional durability for high-profile commercial projects
Drainage & Water Management
- Foundation Drainage: Using industry standard geo fabrics, socked and punched nova-flo drains, preventing water buildup behind walls.
- Surface Water Management: Integration with site stormwater systems for comprehensive water control
- Waterproofing Systems: Applied waterproofing where required for below-ground applications
Quality Assurance & Warranty
- Construction Standards: All work meets or exceeds New Zealand construction standards with quality control throughout the construction process
FAQs
How long do retaining walls last?
Properly constructed concrete and block walls last 50+ years, timber walls 15-25 years depending on conditions and maintenance.
What causes retaining wall failure?
Poor drainage, inadequate foundations, or exceeding design loads. Our engineering approach prevents these common problems.
Can retaining walls be built on slopes?
Yes, we design stepped systems and specialized foundations for sloping sites with appropriate engineering analysis.
What maintenance is required for retaining walls?
Concrete and block walls require minimal maintenance. Timber walls may need periodic treatment and board replacement.
Contact Modern Environments for professional retaining wall construction that provides lasting stability while meeting all engineering and consent requirements.