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Retaining walls are a structural feature in landscaping, used to hold back soil and create level spaces on sloped sections. In New Zealand, they are especially common in hillside properties or gardens with uneven ground.
A well-designed retaining wall can transform a steep area into usable terraces for planting, entertaining, or access. It also plays a role in controlling drainage and preventing erosion.
Materials like timber, concrete blocks, and stone all offer different aesthetics and functional strengths. The choice depends on soil conditions, wall height, and the overall landscape plan.
Engineering becomes important for taller or load-bearing walls. Local regulations may require consent depending on the wall’s size and location, so check requirements early in your planning.
When integrated carefully, retaining walls are more than just practical—they define spaces, guide flow, and add structure to your outdoor layout.
Retaining walls are a structural feature in landscaping, used to hold back soil and create level spaces on sloped sections. In New Zealand, they are especially common in hillside properties or gardens with uneven ground.
A well-designed retaining wall can transform a steep area into usable terraces for planting, entertaining, or access. It also plays a role in controlling drainage and preventing erosion.
Materials like timber, concrete blocks, and stone all offer different aesthetics and functional strengths. The choice depends on soil conditions, wall height, and the overall landscape plan.
Engineering becomes important for taller or load-bearing walls. Local regulations may require consent depending on the wall’s size and location, so check requirements early in your planning.
When integrated carefully, retaining walls are more than just practical—they define spaces, guide flow, and add structure to your outdoor layout.
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Integrating Retaining Walls into Garden Design
Make retaining walls part of the landscape, not just a boundary
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Portfolios
View Industry Specialists
Askö
Furniture designed for life. Ethically made dining and living furniture and accessories by international and New Zealand designers where refined elegance meets sleek, contemporary form. Explore our extensive range of designer furniture via our Christchurch showroom or browse online.
Plumbing World
Plumbing World is New Zealand’s most prominent 100% Kiwi-owned national plumbing merchant, operating over 50 branches from Kerikeri to Invercargill. Plumbing World offers a wide range of bathroom, kitchen, laundry, heating, and hot water products, catering to trade professionals and homeowners.
Landmark Homes
Founding directors Paul and Debbie Clarke established Landmark Homes in 1977. Their vision was to offer “something more exciting” than the average home: a home that made creative use of space but was also beautiful to live in.
Poggenpohl
Poggenpohl is a premium German kitchen brand known for its innovation, timeless design, and precision craftsmanship, offering bespoke kitchen solutions that blend luxury with functionality.
Mastercraft Kitchens
Mastercraft was the brainchild of Murray Belz, a Chief’s supporter with an eye for design, a tonne of ideas and a passion for excellence.
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At Kitchen Studio we are very proud of the fact that we are been voted the most trusted kitchen brand in New Zealand for the ninth year running, and there are good reasons why more Kiwis trust us to transform their kitchen than anyone else.
Kitchen Things
Kitchen Things is a 100% locally owned and operated family business that pioneered European cooking in 1986. We specialise in high quality, premium European cooking appliances and our cooking range is complemented with dishwashing, refrigeration, laundry, sinks, taps and small appliances.