2021
Copthorne, Crawley
St Modwen Homes
Readie Construction Ltd
Maccaferri
Heathy Wood Development Sustainable Slope Stabilisation with Green Terramesh
Green Terramesh unit erected – no external formwork needed
Structural backfill placement
Green Terramesh slope – vegetation established
Green Terramesh slope – vegetation established
Challenge
Heathy Wood is a modern residential development by St Modwen Developments, located near Copthorne in West Sussex. Positioned close to Gatwick Airport and Crawley, the site offers excellent connectivity while being surrounded by attractive woodland, making environmental sensitivity a key consideration throughout the project.
One of the primary engineering challenges at Heathy Wood was the site’s natural topography. The southern section required a raised platform to maximise the developable area and enable efficient housing layouts. This called for a robust earth retention solution that could safely support the increased ground levels.
However, conventional retaining structures such as concrete walls would have conflicted with the natural woodland setting and potentially increased both costs and carbon impact. The project, therefore, required a sustainable, cost-effective slope stabilisation solution that would integrate seamlessly into the landscape while delivering long-term structural performance.
Solution
Readie Construction partnered with Maccaferri to design and deliver an eco-friendly ground engineering solution tailored to the site’s requirements. The chosen system was a Green Terramesh reinforced soil slope, constructed at a steep 70-degree angle to optimise land use while maintaining stability.
Green Terramesh is an advanced reinforced soil system with a BBA HAPAS-certified 120-year design life, making it ideal for long-term infrastructure and residential developments. Manufactured from durable double-twist steel mesh, the system combines structural reinforcement with a vegetated facing, offering both engineering strength and environmental benefits.
A key advantage of the Green Terramesh system is its integrated design. Each unit includes a steel mesh geogrid tail that extends into the compacted backfill, providing essential soil reinforcement. The units also feature a heavy-duty welded mesh panel and internal bracing struts, which maintain the desired face angle during installation. This eliminates the need for temporary formwork or external support systems, significantly reducing construction time, labour costs, and on-site risks.
To enhance the natural appearance, seeded topsoil was placed directly behind the face during construction. This allows vegetation to establish quickly, transforming the engineered slope into a green, living structure. Once fully established, the vegetated slope blends harmoniously with the surrounding woodland, preserving the aesthetic value of the development.
Beyond visual integration, the solution also delivers important environmental benefits. The vegetation supports local biodiversity by creating habitats for plants and wildlife, while also contributing to improved air quality through carbon dioxide absorption.
By combining structural performance, sustainability, and visual appeal, the Green Terramesh solution provided an effective and environmentally responsible answer to the slope stabilisation challenges at Heathy Wood, supporting the successful delivery of this high-quality Sussex housing development.
Used Products
