2023
Rathdrum
Oak Homes
Regan Construction
Kilgallen and Partners
Sustainable Slope Stabilisation for Rathdrum Housing Development
Challenge
Initial plans for the site included using traditional reinforced concrete retaining walls to manage the steep embankments and varied terrain. However, this approach raised several concerns. Concrete production carries a high carbon footprint, conflicting with the client’s sustainability objectives. Aesthetically, concrete lacked the natural appearance desired for a development set against the scenic Wicklow backdrop. Furthermore, concrete walls would require complex formwork and curing time, leading to increased material and labor costs and a longer construction timeline.
These challenges led the project team to search for an alternative that would deliver structural stability while aligning with environmental goals, maintaining cost-efficiency, and blending more naturally into the landscape.
Solution
Following consultations between Maccaferri and distributor Geostrong, the team opted to trial Green Terramesh, a modular system designed for reinforced soil slopes and green-faced retaining walls. The first structure installed using Green Terramesh was drawn up as a green earth retained embankment and performed exceptionally well. Its success prompted the team to abandon the use of reinforced concrete entirely for the rest of the project in favor of Green Terramesh.
In total, Maccaferri supplied 2005 square meters of the system via Geostrong, who collaborated with Geoman to tailor the design to the site’s specific geotechnical conditions. The solution proved to be structurally robust while offering a vegetated finish that enhanced biodiversity and reduced visual impact. This natural integration into the surrounding environment aligned perfectly with the development’s design ethos.
Construction moved efficiently under Regan Construction’s management, with nine green slope structures completed during Phase One by November 2023. The modular nature of Green Terramesh enabled quicker installation and minimized both material use and on-site labor, contributing to lower overall costs and a more streamlined schedule.
The client, Oak Homes, expressed high satisfaction with the outcome, citing the solution’s alignment with both practical and environmental project goals. Phase Two of the development is set to commence throughout 2025, with Green Terramesh anticipated to remain the preferred method for future embankment works.
Used Products
