I am embarking on a design for this rear garden. What I'd really appreciate is advice on the walls please. The garden level immediately out of the patio doors is at basement level so there is about a metre of space at this level and then some steps up to ground level.
What the client would like is to dig down so that more of the garden is at same basement level as the rear of the house. As you can see in the image the stone wall is fully built to the basement level but I am thinking that this probably isn't the case for the remaining length of the wall down the garden? The neighbouring houses look similar (they have basement levels) so I am assuming the ground level is the same on their side unless they've dug down.
Is the best idea to dig a small inspection pit? Possibly the wall needs work to reinforce it once the earth has been removed? I am thinking lower wall if unsightly can be hidden with timber cladding.
Any comments gratefully received. Thank you and Happy Friday!
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the wall and foundation probably steps up past the retaining wall. Hope your client has deep pockets (I would check).....the side walls would need taking down and rebuilding as retaining walls, assuming the ground level on the adjoining properties is at the same level
Thank you John, sound advice, much appreciated.
It's a huge job could you even get machines in to do the work, I would not like to think how long with shovels and wheelbarrows.
If you do go ahead it would be nice to see some pictures of the finished article.
Not trying to put you off. Have any of the other properties had this work done? Like John says the walls would need to be changed and would it feel like a garden in a hole at the end?
Interesting job
The kitchen/living space leads directly from the double doors onto the garden.... but currently its not truly the garden but instead you are met with an imposing and unsightly wall. Pushing back the retaining wall will create usable space directly onto the rear of the house. There is the budget for this.
I went to the property yesterday and so was able to look, as best I could from an upstairs window in the dark, into the neighbouring gardens. On one side the garden is lower and I think on the other at the same height so I am hoping the walls will not need rebuidling but perhaps just reinforcing.
I think with careful design, looking at the high walls and level changes, it'll be a great garden. I will happily post images of the finished garden.
Many thanks,
Claire
Given the height of the existing retaining wall, and height of potential new ones to the rear and each side, I believe that you need to consult a structural engineer, especially to cover your liabilities
I am pleased to say this job is almost complete - with only the garden office/room to be installed in a few weeks. The boundary stone walls luckily went down as far as was needed. I designed raised beds to either side - at the level of the neighbours raised beds/ground.
The walls had to be repaired in various places but other than that successful.
Looking good Claire.
Do you have an image of the completed terrace, the same as this one?
Thanks Phil, I don't as yet - I will make a note to get one - that would be good. I am waiting till the garden room is up and then I'll do a proper shoot.