Project: Kingston

Client Brief:

The client requested excavation work on all sides of a new home situated on a site with steep terrain and limited access. The project presented challenges due to the need to carefully navigate existing infrastructure and underground assets, including NBN cables, power lines, and a sewer main connected to a pump station.

The steep, long driveway was a significant concern as it had not been originally designed to handle the terrain or weather conditions. It lacked the appropriate type of gravel for stability and durability, and there were insufficient culvert pipes to manage water flow. Additionally, there were no effective table drains to control runoff during heavy rain, resulting in water cascading down the road, forming deep ruts in the gravel and causing washouts.

Key requirements included:

• Constructing a retaining wall along the entire rear of the house to stabilize the steep bank.
• Managing stormwater runoff from a steep driveway located at the back of the house.
• Redesigning and widening access to the parking area to accommodate two vehicles.
• Resurfacing the steep gravel driveway, forming table drains, and installing culvert pipes to divert water away from the house.
• Building a large boulder wall at the front of the house to create a level garden area.
• Installing a comprehensive stormwater system with agg drains, pits, and pipes to channel water safely into a nearby creek.
• Creating a small sediment trap to control driveway runoff before it enters the creek.

Additionally, the project required close collaboration with the homeowners to ensure all new works blended seamlessly with the existing landscape.

Agreed Solution:

After extensive discussions and detailed planning, the agreed solution addressed each aspect of the brief with precision and care. The project was broken into several components:

1. Retaining Wall Construction
   A robust retaining wall was built along the entire rear of the house to stabilize the steep slope and prevent erosion.
2. Stormwater Management
   A tailored stormwater system was installed, including agg drains, pits, and culvert pipes to direct runoff safely away from the house. Table drains were formed to manage water flow along the gravel driveway.
3. Driveway Redesign and Repairs
   The steep gravel driveway was completely resurfaced with the correct type of gravel for stability and longevity. Culvert pipes were installed to handle water flow effectively, and table drains were designed to control runoff during heavy rains. These improvements eliminated the issues of water running down the road, forming ruts, and washing out the gravel.
4. Parking Area Expansion
   Driveway access was widened to accommodate two vehicles, ensuring more convenient and safer parking.
5. Front Garden Development
   A large boulder wall was constructed at the front of the house, creating a level and visually appealing space for a garden.
6. Sediment Control
   A small sediment trap was built to capture runoff from the driveway, ensuring cleaner water flows into the nearby creek.

Throughout the project, our team worked closely with the owners to refine the design and align the new works with their vision. The homeowners praised the high quality of craftsmanship, particularly with the stonework, and appreciated the attention to detail and commitment to delivering a harmonious and durable outcome. They were especially impressed by how we incorporated their ideas and executed the project to the highest standard.wners praised the high quality of craftsmanship, particularly with the stonework, and appreciated the attention to detail and commitment to delivering a harmonious and durable outcome. They were especially impressed by how we incorporated their ideas and executed the project to the highest standard.