Spain
and offer enough flexibility to assimilate the defor-
mations that may occur in such unconsolidated soils
and incorporate their own drainage system. This
option was also cheaper since it was not necessary
to excavate the ground in search of a stable base.Reinforced earth walls are made of soil that has
been compacted in layers and reinforced with
steel mats. The walls were battered at an angle of
8º to accommodate possible ground movements.
The face of the reinforced earth wall can simply
be seeded or clad/covered with any material. The
decision was to use corten steel sheets without
treatment. The colour contrast between pale con-crete and the ochre red walls it is one of the most
defining characteristics of the garden. Corten steel
does not need maintenance and its colour reminds
one of ploughed earth.For walls in the lake area, close to the water, a
specific construction detail was adopted to prevent
‘brown’ drainage water from getting into the lake.Though difficult, it was possible to persuade the
politicians not to insist upon any railings on the
landfill walls, which would have spoiled the views.
The top part of the corten wall was gently raised to
provide a sort of rim with a welded ‘U’ bar profile.7.22
Section through ‘standard’ retaining wall before
facing
7.23
Photos: construction process for the reinforced
earth walls