enhancing the residential landscape in a newly developed community

As cities rapidly develop and expand, hill landscapes have become more accessible and attractive as epicenters of future growth. The demand for residential spaces in elevated locations offering scenic views, tranquility, and proximity to nature has surged. However, transforming these terrains into livable communities presents unique challenges, particularly in terms of earth retention and stability. Gravity walls, such as the Stone Strong Walls utilized in the Nature’s Edge Development, are essential in retaining earth and preventing erosion when developing the foundations needed to create safe and durable hillside structures. These systems are also necessary to ensure appropriate access and drainage, allowing for the creation of stable, aesthetically pleasing residential communities.

Nestled in the lush greenery of East Abbotsford, this development has undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks to the innovative installation of Stone Strong Systems. This project, brought to life by the creative minds at GeoWest Engineering and developed by Citadel Properties Inc., perfectly marries functionality with aesthetic charm. This development is a thoughtfully designed community with single family homes as well as townhouses surrounded amidst the rich natural foliage, offering easy access to the outdoors of the Sumas Mountain Regional Park.

The hillside terrain is naturally characterized by its steep slopes, diverse vegetation, and unique ecosystems. These areas are home to a diverse plant species, challenging terrain, and unique drainage patterns. The steep gradients and rocky outcrops provide niches for specialized flora and fauna, while the soil composition creates distinct ecological zones. Redeveloping such landscapes poses significant challenges, primarily due to the need to preserve the natural drainage while ensuring stability and safety for new constructions. The use of advanced engineering solutions, such as Stone Strong Systems, plays a crucial role in overcoming the challenges, enabling the construction of beautiful, sustainable communities in previously inaccessible locations.

The addition of Stone Strong into Langley Concrete Group’s (LCG) diverse product mix offers designers, engineers, and specifiers an innovative, aesthetically appealing, functional, and easy-to-install gravity wall solution. This structurally modular gravity block system has proven to be pivotal in enhancing the residential landscape of this newly developed community, GeoWest’s design incorporates various SS blocks, including 24 SF (24-44), 24-86, 24-ME, 6-44 SF, and 3-44 blocks, these were meticulously selected to ensure both stability and visual appeal. The wall, constructed in five tiers, involved the use of geogrid in several specific fill areas to reinforce the native soil, ensuring the wall's stability, reaching over nine meters at the highest, also features a fence addition on top for added safety and aesthetic continuity. The wall spans approximately 15,750 sq. feet. (1,463 sq. meters) in total wall face area. This innovative product not only enhances the aesthetic appeal with its naturally harmonizing façade but also offers unparalleled installation speed, creating a visually stunning environment for this newly built residential community.

One of the most impressive aspects of the Stone Strong Systems is the ease and speed of installation. Throughout our communications, site visits, and research, the contractor expressed immense satisfaction with the blocks and the rapid installation time achieved. The collaboration between GeoWest Engineering, Citadel Properties and Langley Concrete’s Stone Strong Systems has resulted in a project that broadens the potential of hillside communities and residential developments across Fraser Valley Regional District, combining beauty, functionality, and efficiency.