ᐅ Retaining Higher-Level Neighboring Properties: L-Shaped Retaining Walls and Tips

Yaso2.0 schrieb:

Could this also be done like this: for example, with a height difference of 1.50 m (5 feet), an appropriate foundation (80-100 cm (31-39 inches)), then 24 cm (9.5 inches) concrete block forms, reinforced with steel and filled with concrete?

That definitely works and is not "cutting corners."
If using L-shaped blocks is not feasible in terms of handling, then using concrete block forms should work just as well! Even 17.5 cm (7 inches) blocks can work, and it’s cheaper anyway!
For 1.5 m (5 feet) height, you just need a bit more steel reinforcement per linear meter, and that’s fine.

There are also wall planners available online or from some suppliers that provide detailed specifications regarding structural requirements and reinforcement, etc.

face26 schrieb:

In my opinion, and this is just my view, I have rarely seen anything that looks good with insulated concrete form blocks. I’ve seen a lot because we spent two years visiting various new housing developments before building ourselves. Insulated concrete form blocks have always been the least attractive option to me. I don’t like them untreated, simply painted, or even plastered.

Personally, especially at a height of 1.5 m (5 feet), I wouldn’t want to use insulated concrete forms, L-shaped blocks, or even natural stone either. So currently, my plan is to cover at least part of a 1.0 m (3 feet 3 inches) high wall with wood cladding. However, if I understand correctly, @Yaso2.0 isn’t concerned about appearance...?

netuser schrieb:

Personally, especially for a height of 1.5 m (5 feet), I wouldn’t prefer shuttering blocks, L-shaped blocks, or even natural stone. That’s why my current plan is to partially cover a 1.0 m (3 feet) high wall with wood. But if I understand correctly, for @Yaso2.0, the appearance doesn’t really matter...?

I haven’t read anywhere that appearance doesn’t matter...

As I said, it’s a matter of taste. I don’t see what could possibly be wrong with a 1 m (3 feet) high shell limestone natural stone wall, especially when combined with wall plants...

Wood can certainly look great too, but it’s more work, and unless you’re experienced working with wood and do everything yourself, I’d say it’s not going to be a bargain price-wise. Plus, if you’re not a fan of naturally weathered wood, there’s maintenance involved.

For a wall like that, it also depends on who’s looking at it—am I the lower neighbor looking up, or the higher one looking down? And in the latter case, how much I care about it or not.

gutentag schrieb:

Hello @Yaso2.0, do you possibly have plans of the situation? Or have you already raised this issue here before?

In my thread https://www.hausbau-forum.de/threads/Grundstück-aufschuetten-oder-nicht.35570/ the situation is described right in the first post.

If we wanted to place the L-shaped retaining walls directly on the property line, we would have to carry out the work over a private access road, which I definitely want to avoid.

None of the four road construction contractors could offer me the stones with the "reverse" angle, as reported by @jaenno1, and one even said, "that’s going to be really expensive."

Therefore, I have to look for an alternative that can be built from within my property and takes up the least amount of land, since on one side I only have a 3.50m (11.5 ft) clearance.

jaenno1 schrieb:

There’s nothing better than L-shaped retaining walls in this regard. Even though the visible side makes them a bit more expensive, they’re supposed to last for years...

gutentag schrieb:

How much did the running meter cost you? Delivery / installation / what size?

I’m very interested in that as well!

netuser schrieb:

That definitely works and it’s not a “hack job.”
If handling L-shaped walls is not possible, then insulated concrete forms (ICFs) or shuttering blocks should work just as well! Even with 17.5cm (7 inch) blocks, which are cheaper anyway!
You just need a bit more reinforcement per running meter at 1.5m (5 ft) and that’s fine.

That’s what our landscape gardener said, too.

netuser schrieb:

Personally, especially at 1.5m (5 ft) height, I wouldn’t want to rely on shuttering blocks, L-shaped walls, or even natural stone. Therefore, my current plan for a 1.0m (3.3 ft) wall is to partially clad it in wood. But with @Yaso2.0, I understand that aesthetics might not be the priority...?

No, appearance definitely matters! We would first plaster the wall, then clad it, probably alternating wood and brick slips, plus a small floor fountain (waterfall). There are lots of inspirations for this online. So the wall can definitely be made to look nice later 🙂

face26 schrieb:

I haven’t read anywhere that appearance wasn’t important...

Exactly, appearance definitely plays a role as well…

@Yaso2.0 Where will the sewer line go?

Is there a plan? Is that the sewer line in the east from #19 in the link?

gutentag schrieb:

@Yaso2.0 Where is the stormwater outlet going?

Is there a plan? Is this the stormwater system to the east from #19 in the link?

The areas marked in red will be retained with a wall.

The private driveway runs to the south, and the neighbors’ driveway is to the west.

Since the setback from the private driveway is only 3.70 - 3.95 m (12.1 - 13 feet), I want to minimize excavation there.

Terracing, sloping, or similar grading solutions are therefore ruled out.