ᐅ From what height difference are L-shaped retaining walls / barriers required?
Created on: 1 Jan 2017 22:10
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Henrik0817123
Hello everyone,
We are currently planning the groundwork on our purchased plot, and one of the questions is whether the terrace should be level with the house floor or if there should be steps leading down. We would prefer to raise the entire garden, including the terrace, as high as possible since a lot of topsoil will be excavated during the groundwork and can then be redistributed. Also, the house sits relatively high, so raising the terrain makes sense if everything—floor, terrace, garden—can be on the same level.
However, this would make our plot higher than the neighboring property, and I would like to know up to which height difference work can be done “simply and cost-effectively,” and from when it becomes more complicated, for example requiring L-shaped retaining walls.
Alternatively, two levels could be created so that the terrace is still at the same level as the house (referring to the finished floor level), and from the terrace a step down leads to a second level that aligns with the neighbor’s property height. This would mean some topsoil still needs to be removed, but it might be cheaper than raising everything and using many retaining walls.
Here are a few numbers for a better idea of the heights:
Finished floor level: 62.46
Current ground level in terrace area: 61.47
Height at boundary with neighbor: 62.20
Of course, the whole situation is more complex, and the groundworker and later the landscaper will need to plan and measure in detail, and there are more sides of the house involved. But I just want a rough idea as this is important for the groundwork as a basic terrace preparation—whether the terrace will be at a height that allows a step-free exit from the house or if there will initially be a significant step down. We want to avoid steps for aesthetic, practical, and other reasons, especially since the house is quite high and there will be a lot of topsoil available to potentially raise the entire garden to this level.
Thank you and best regards!
We are currently planning the groundwork on our purchased plot, and one of the questions is whether the terrace should be level with the house floor or if there should be steps leading down. We would prefer to raise the entire garden, including the terrace, as high as possible since a lot of topsoil will be excavated during the groundwork and can then be redistributed. Also, the house sits relatively high, so raising the terrain makes sense if everything—floor, terrace, garden—can be on the same level.
However, this would make our plot higher than the neighboring property, and I would like to know up to which height difference work can be done “simply and cost-effectively,” and from when it becomes more complicated, for example requiring L-shaped retaining walls.
Alternatively, two levels could be created so that the terrace is still at the same level as the house (referring to the finished floor level), and from the terrace a step down leads to a second level that aligns with the neighbor’s property height. This would mean some topsoil still needs to be removed, but it might be cheaper than raising everything and using many retaining walls.
Here are a few numbers for a better idea of the heights:
Finished floor level: 62.46
Current ground level in terrace area: 61.47
Height at boundary with neighbor: 62.20
Of course, the whole situation is more complex, and the groundworker and later the landscaper will need to plan and measure in detail, and there are more sides of the house involved. But I just want a rough idea as this is important for the groundwork as a basic terrace preparation—whether the terrace will be at a height that allows a step-free exit from the house or if there will initially be a significant step down. We want to avoid steps for aesthetic, practical, and other reasons, especially since the house is quite high and there will be a lot of topsoil available to potentially raise the entire garden to this level.
Thank you and best regards!
H
HilfeHilfe3 Jan 2017 06:55Henrik0817123 schrieb:
What is the total cost per linear meter? That way, it’s easier to compare, including both materials and labor? So far, I’m assuming a height difference of about 80cm (31 inches) for L-shaped retaining walls. I think you only need bollards or posts for larger height differences, but I might be wrong.
Therefore, a direct cost comparison would be helpful. I believe there are quite a few options to support a terrace at 80cm (31 inches) height.The cost will be provided by your civil engineer or landscape contractor.
Any other estimates are just guesses.
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Bieber08153 Jan 2017 07:24Henrik0817123 schrieb:
Finished floor level: 62.46
Current ground level in the terrace area: 61.47
Height at the transition to the neighbor: 62.20 So there is a 26 cm (10 inches) difference to the neighbor, correct? Is this on all four sides? How large is the plot, and are slopes close to the property boundaries possible?
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Henrik08171235 Jan 2017 15:42Oh no. It’s 61.20 at the neighbor’s; the plot slopes downwards. It’s really unfortunate, as the lot isn’t very large, so you can’t create long, gentle embankments. That means more "sharp edges," which usually means walls or retaining blocks.
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Bieber08155 Jan 2017 16:26That means there is a height difference of 1.26 m (4 feet) from the finished floor level (same for the terrace) to the neighbor’s property. Oh dear... At least from a distance and without knowledge of the local conditions (at least a site plan, photos, etc.), I cannot offer any advice.
Hello Henrik,
First, clarify whether such a high fill compared to the neighbors is even allowed under building regulations, or if the neighbors might also want to add fill. It depends on various factors, including how the planned elevation is defined, but your architect can provide you with exact information.
Best regards
Dirk Grafe
First, clarify whether such a high fill compared to the neighbors is even allowed under building regulations, or if the neighbors might also want to add fill. It depends on various factors, including how the planned elevation is defined, but your architect can provide you with exact information.
Best regards
Dirk Grafe
H
HilfeHilfe5 Jan 2017 17:04Dirk Grafe schrieb:
Hello Henrik,
first clarify whether such a high fill compared to the neighbors is even legally permitted according to building regulations, or if the neighbors might also want to add fill. This depends on various factors, especially how the planned height was defined; your architect can give you precise information.
Best regards,
Dirk GrafeI already said this at the beginning, Henrik likes to go all in.