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Restoring access and a hillside renovation - The background
We love a challenge, and our clients, David and Margaret, presented an opportunity to rejuvenate a neglected portion of their magical 4.5-acre property in Terrigal on the NSW Central Coast.
The dynamic duo had already invested considerable resources and time on one side of their property. They had constructed sandstone block retaining walls and beautified the gardens and surrounding terrain with clever plantings and well-maintained walking paths.
The challenge was on the opposite side, where a steep slope, aging trees, and dense foliage made the area difficult to work in. David and Margaret had let it go while they directed their efforts to the more scenic part of the estate. The area is large and neglected, resulting in wild vegetation overgrowth, and the hillside had become unstable and inaccessible. The area lacked functionality, was dangerous, and was not fulfilling its potential as a statement piece for the property.
Additionally, Margaret had been experiencing health and mobility issues and was reliant on a mobility scooter. David and Margaret had a clear goal. Reclaim the area and transform it into a safe beautiful space she could access using their 4×4 buggy.
“A well-executed excavation project can transform a bland or overgrown backyard into a visually stunning outdoor space.”
The challenge
The location and slope presented several challenges. Also, at Rov’s, we are committed to sustainability and, wherever possible, prefer to repurpose materials or use natural alternatives rather than artificial materials.
“I’m a bit of a conservationist and I was really pleased when Matt started talking about repurposing and using recycled products instead of the easy option like steel and concrete,” Says David
The terrain was unstable and eroding, making accessibility difficult. Years of overgrowth had turned the site into a thicket of dense vegetation, making “seeing” the ground and maneuvering safely cumbersome.
Considering that Margaret required safe, level, and stable ground to use her mobility aids, ensuring the site was fit for purpose, and could be executed within budget needed careful planning, repurposing, and efficient scheduling.
The Solution
David and Matt from Rov’s collaborated on a phased master plan that fitted into David and Margaret’s timeline. The master plan enabled Matt and the team to work with natural and recycled materials that added to the existing environment and preserved the site’s natural look and feel. The team also redesigned a composting site that could absorb organic waste from the entire property.
Matt’s priority was establishing stable tracks for the tractor and ride-on mower to reach key areas of the site safely and quickly. He created extensive networks of paths intertwining over 1.5 km throughout the hillside. The team used cut-and-fill excavation methods and recycled aggregate for stability and durability.
Matt introduced a GEOWEB system for the steepest and highest-traffic sections. A grid system and cellular structure made from 100% recycled PET bottles, the product is combined with recycled GEO Fabric and secured in place. It offers several key advantages:
- Long-term slope stabilisation.
- The product provides a high degree of permeability, which allows water to flow naturally and helps prevent erosion.
- Its durability enables mid-sized machinery, such as small tractors, 4×4 buggies, and ride-on mowers, to use the track safely.
The overgrown vegetation was removed, and new trees and plants were transplanted to promote rain absorption and create visual lines of sight. David, an avid gardener, and his regular gardener, Ned, planned these plantings carefully.
Matt and the Rov’s team used excavators, posi-track loaders, compactors, and a fair amount of old-fashioned manual labour to shape the land and ensure it was safe, stable, future-proofed, and fit for purpose.
The outcome
We are pleased that the project ticked the practical boxes and pulled on the emotional heartstrings.For the first time in a while, Margaret can safely visit this part of the property using the 4X4 buggy.
The once neglected part of the garden is now a terraced sanctuary that moulds into its surroundings.
The project was completed in under 25 days, avoiding the cost blowouts that traditional landscaping often incurs.
Its functionality is matched by its beauty, and the extensive repurposing of materials and use of ecological landscaping practices are perfectly balanced and aligned with Rov’s philosophy of sustainability wherever possible.
David and Margaret’s hillside oasis is now a treasured part of their property and will be enjoyed for many years.
“Margaret is overjoyed with the new look of the garden. It is her favourite place to spend time,”Says David
Call Rov's for your earthmoving and excavation needs
You can confidently turn to us for your earthmoving and excavation projects. We work with you to form a plan and complete the job within budget and to your complete satisfaction. Call our office today to get your earthmoving and landscaping project moving.
