2018
Gorseinon, Swansea
Rapid Grid
Barratt Homes
BDW Trading Ltd
Gabion Retaining Wall Solution for Residential Development in Gorseinon, Swansea
Elevation View
Close up of the neatly placed stone
3.5 metre high wall
The wall retaining and with a 6ft fence on top to surround the car park behind
Challenge
The Barratt Homes development at Heol Pentre Bach is a modern residential housing scheme located in Gorseinon, Swansea. Designed to deliver high-quality three- and four-bedroom homes, the project focused on creating a sustainable, visually appealing environment that encourages healthy living and enhances community wellbeing.
Despite its strong design vision, the site presented significant engineering challenges due to natural ground level variations. Such topographical changes are common in this part of South Wales, but at this location, the extremities of the site required substantial level reductions. This created a need for a robust and reliable retaining wall solution to stabilise the earth and support key residential features, including private gardens, driveways, and communal open spaces.
Without appropriate ground stabilisation measures, these level differences could have compromised both the safety and long-term performance of the development. Therefore, an effective retaining structure was essential to ensure durability, usability, and compliance with modern construction standards.
Solution
To overcome these challenges, Maccaferri Construction was appointed to design, supply, and install a high-performance gabion retaining wall system. The solution was specifically developed to address the complex ground conditions found on the northern section of the site.
The project involved the installation of approximately 137m³ of gabion units, forming a 24-metre-long retaining wall with a maximum height of 3.3 metres. Constructed using PVC-coated double twist woven wire mesh, the gabion system was selected for its strength, durability, and suitability for long-term ground stabilisation in residential developments.
A mass gravity retaining wall design was implemented, making it ideal for the site’s cut slope environment. Importantly, the local water table intersected the lower levels of the structure, making drainage a critical consideration. Gabion retaining walls are inherently free-draining, allowing water to pass through the structure and preventing the build-up of hydrostatic pressure. This feature significantly enhances stability and reduces the risk of failure compared to impermeable retaining solutions.
The foundation design accommodated varying ground conditions across the site. Part of the wall was constructed on a concrete base due to the presence of a large stormwater pipe running beneath the structure. The remainder was built on a compacted, free-draining granular levelling pad. The flexibility of the woven gabion system allows it to adapt to minor ground movements and settlement, ensuring that the structure remains intact and visually consistent over time.
This modular retaining wall solution offered several key benefits, including rapid installation, cost efficiency, and long-term performance. Its natural appearance also complemented the surrounding landscape, contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal of the development.
By implementing a durable and sustainable gabion retaining wall system, the project successfully addressed complex ground conditions while supporting the creation of safe, functional, and attractive residential spaces in Swansea.
Used Products
