Are you in need of professional retaining wall design advice? Explore Terraforce’s industry-leading design services for support throughout planning and specification. Terraforce offers tailored solutions, helping clients develop strategies that ensure long-term success for every project.
Terraforce L12 blocks chosen for Paarl Early Childhood Development Centre
The new Early Childhood Development Centre (ECD) in Paarl stands as a testament to Terraforce®’s ability to solve complex landscaping and soil stabilisation challenges. With severe level differences and demanding infrastructure requirements, retaining solutions was a core consideration right from project inception in October 2024. The site was completed in February 2025, showcasing strong engineering and smart construction.
Key project details:
• Location: Paarl, Western Cape
• Start: October 2024
• Completion: February 2025
• Engineer: Nortje & De Villiers
• Main Contractor: NR Civils
• Sub-Contractor: LFC Construction Pty Ltd
• Client: The Grape Community NPC (part of The Grape Company)
Custom retaining walls ensure safety and performance
The project team needed to secure steep slopes, protect roads and parking, and stabilise essential service lines such as manholes and pipes. To achieve this, a combination of engineered solutions was developed:
- Vertical brick retaining walls with an average height of 1.8–2.2 metres
- Terraforce® L12 round-faced retaining wall blocks, with the main wall built to 2 metres high
- Additional Terraforce® wall retaining the road and sidewalk, reaching an average of 1.8 metres at a 65-degree angle
Charl Johnsen from LFC Construction, a recommended Terraforce® contractor, explains:
“Combining brick walls with Terraforce® blocks required secure fixing of the first course, along with careful compaction behind all walls to prevent future settlement. The slanted foundations acted as an effective kicker for added stability.”
Aesthetic and sustainable design for educational settings
The client, the Grape Community, opted for Terraforce® L12 blocks with a round face finish, appreciating the visually appealing scalloped profile. The plantable nature of the system allows for integration of greenery, softening the architecture and providing a welcoming environment for young learners.
Landscape planting for the walls will be completed in the final project phase, further enhancing the visual and ecological benefits of the retaining system.
Design resources and professional support from Terraforce®
Ready to unlock smarter retaining wall design?
- Access the Terraforce Book of Ideas and detailed Design Manuals by registering online.
- Tap into free design software (Maxiwall Pro) to simplify your retaining wall calculations.
- Find your closest licensed manufacturer or connect with a Terraforce-recommended contractor.
- Browse technical downloads, case studies, and FAQs for product and project insight.
For direct questions, email: [email protected]
Why specify Terraforce® for your next project?
Specifying Terraforce® systems ensures your project benefits from robust engineering, aesthetic versatility, and expert support every step of the way. With proven solutions for both residential and commercial applications, Terraforce® stands out as a trusted partner for professional specifiers across South Africa.
Learn more at www.terraforce.com
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