Architectural-grade gabion retaining walls constructed by geotechnical engineering contractor EarthTEC are a defining feature of the newly constructed Charles Sturt University School of Dentistry & Health Sciences, which has won a Master Builders Association Award for Excellence in Construction.|

EarthTEC managing director Alan Moss claimed that unlike commercial-grade gabions, the company's architectural gabions are suitable for landscaping applications because they achieve an accurate finish and aesthetic appeal.

Affectionately dubbed ‘The School of Rock," an imposing 3.5 metre-high gabion retaining wall dominates the school's central courtyard and provides the defining exterior feature. The 80-metre-long wall is interspersed with door & window openings with cages cut and shaped to suit dimensions as required. The feature gabion wall forms the majority of EarthTEC's 500m² total works for the project.

Mr Moss said EarthTEC achieves architectural-quality results principally by applying the skills of its experienced installation crews and dedicating time to selecting & hand-placing the stones within the gabion cage.

"All gabions share the same basic materials. The difference between a gabion for a temporary wall and a gabion of acceptable quality for a feature wall comes down to hands on experience, rock selection & placement.

"By manually selecting a particular face of a particular rock and matching it to fit with another, we can create a tight, solid mass. Without gaps, there's nowhere for the rocks to move so the structure presents & retains a neat finish over time."

Mr Moss said EarthTEC's ability to provide architectural gabions nationwide was a draw-card for its client Joss Constructions, given the school's regional location in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales.

"We consider ourselves the only truly national gabion specialist. We can design, supply and construct anywhere in the country, even internationally," Mr Moss said.

Joss Constructions project manager Tony Byrt said he was impressed by the results, which were achieved in the face of challenging seasonal conditions.
"EarthTEC's gabion team battled with unbelievable heat to hand-place tonnes of rock - and the job looks terrific", he said. Mr Byrt's opinion was borne out by Master Builders Association judges, who when awarding the Excellence in Construction Tertiary Buildings category described it as a "most attractive university building".

Mr Moss said that while the introduction of architectural-grade gabions to Australia was relatively recent, EarthTEC has already completed several significant projects including the 5 Star Qualia Resort at Hamilton Island and more are underway. He said the company has developed and excellent reputation with landscape architects and will continue to assist clients & architects with retaining wall innovations.

"Premium-grade gabions are commonplace in European countries but Australia remains a largely untapped market. We expect uptake will increase along with awareness of our gabions as a viable alternative to traditional architectural walling."

To find out more about the gabion construction please click here.