2021
Stannington, Sheffield
Newett Homes
Castle Construction
Maccaferri Ltd
Green Terramesh Reinforced Soil Retaining Wall in Sheffield
Green Terramesh unit erected – no external formwork needed
Green Terramesh – note factory-fitted braces and face support
Green Terramesh structure complete and vegetation establishing well
MacDrain installed between reinforced soil block & insitu soil
Gabion walls between plots
Challenge
A residential development by Newett Homes in Sheffield required the construction of retaining structures to maximise the usable space and optimise plot layouts across the site. The scheme presented both technical and environmental challenges, as the retaining solution needed to accommodate varying heights while remaining visually acceptable to surrounding properties. Given that sections of the structure would be clearly visible to neighbouring residents, aesthetics were an important consideration alongside performance. In addition, the project had to be delivered within a defined budget, placing further emphasis on identifying a cost-effective yet durable solution. Maccaferri was therefore approached to develop a system that could balance structural requirements, visual integration, sustainability, and economic constraints. A residential development by Newett Homes in Sheffield required the construction of retaining structures to maximise the usable space and optimise plot layouts across the site. The scheme presented both technical and environmental challenges, as the retaining solution needed to accommodate varying heights while remaining visually acceptable to surrounding properties. Given that sections of the structure would be clearly visible to neighbouring residents, aesthetics were an important consideration alongside performance. In addition, the project had to be delivered within a defined budget, placing further emphasis on identifying a cost-effective yet durable solution. Maccaferri was therefore approached to develop a system that could balance structural requirements, visual integration, sustainability, and economic constraints.
Solution
To address these requirements, Maccaferri designed a reinforced soil structure extending approximately 130 metres around the perimeter of the site, with heights reaching up to 6 metres. As the structure would be highly visible, a vegetated finish was specified to soften its appearance and blend it into the surrounding environment. Maccaferri proposed the Green Terramesh system, featuring a 70-degree front face designed to support the establishment of vegetation and provide a natural, green façade.
The Green Terramesh system, which holds a BBA HAPAS certification with a design life of up to 120 years, is manufactured from double-twist steel mesh and incorporates a factory-assembled fascia. This prefabrication significantly reduces on-site labour, improving installation speed and enhancing safety when compared to traditional soil bag or wrapped-face reinforced soil systems. The efficiency of installation also contributed to keeping the project within budget.
In conjunction with Green Terramesh, ParaDrain geogrid was incorporated into the design to enable the use of site-won marginal fills that would otherwise have required disposal. ParaDrain is specifically engineered with integrated drainage channels that rapidly dissipate pore water pressure within the fill material. This not only improves the engineering performance of the backfill but also accelerates construction by reducing the time needed for consolidation. By reusing on-site materials, the solution minimised the need for imported aggregate, reducing both costs and environmental impact.
To further enhance drainage performance, MacDrain W geocomposite was installed behind the reinforced soil mass to prevent the build-up of water pressure. The entire system was designed in accordance with Eurocode 7 and BS 8006-1, using Maccaferri’s MacStars design software to ensure compliance and reliability.
Finally, seeded topsoil was placed directly behind the facing units to promote rapid vegetation growth. This approach not only delivered the required aesthetic outcome but also contributed to biodiversity by creating habitats for flora and fauna, while supporting improved air quality through carbon dioxide absorption. The completed solution successfully combined structural integrity, sustainability, visual appeal, and cost efficiency.
Used Products
TerraMesh
Maccaferri Terramesh® Family includes different facing options to build a Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) structures and Reinforced Soil SlView
