You can download a PDF drawing for this park element from the bottom of the page, or refer to general information below.
RETAINING WALLS //
GENERAL INFORMATION
Use retaining walls to:
- retain areas of sloping topography to create flat platforms in order to improve pedestrian access, usability and opportunities for a range of activities
- retain embankments along cuttings to provide access tracks
- provide functional or spatial enclosure
Achieve good access and usability by:
- ensuring path connections to retained platforms provide access for a range of potential users, and by providing all abilities access gradients of 1:12 or less
Ensure safety and visibility by:
- considering whether a fall height barrier may be required, depending on the height of the retaining wall and topography above and below the wall
- considering geotechnical, structural and drainage requirements
- assessing the visual appearance of retaining walls. The sheer height of walls can be screened with planting or by steeping
Achieve good aesthetics and the right materials by:
- considering if the retaining wall structure is in proportion with its surroundings
- considering the materials, colours, and form of the wall early in the design, to ensure it is complimentary to the setting and function of the park as a whole
- ensuring an exploration of possible construction materials is completed to see if recycled materials or the reuse of an existing element could be used
- considering other retaining methods, such as rock gabions, rip rap stone armouring, earth shaping and planted batters