Vegetated Retaining Wall Installed by Habitat for Humanity
21 May, 2010 LDB SolutionsWest Virginia installation to be planted with thyme.
 The large blocks are designed to contain plants after construction. |
West Virginia recently installed its first vegetated retaining wall system called SmartSlope at River Bend Gardens, the latest project of Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity in Franklin, WV.
SmartSlope, developed by Furbish Company, Baltimore, was installed at the community in last month.
"We selected the SmartSlope system after seeing a display at the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington, DC," says Almost Heaven's Executive Director, Michelle Connor. "This product supports our green initiatives and we are absolutely thrilled with the results."
Manufactured in concrete modules, the SmartSlope system will be planted with edible thyme, which is being grown in a local nursery. Soon after the herbs are planted, they cover the SmartSlope modules, transforming the hardscape into a vertical landscape.
"We chose edible thyme because they will grow year-round," says Connor. "And as a bonus, the residents can use the herb for cooking."
A footer was dug and leveled for the SmartSlope installation.
SmartSlope has been recognized by the Department of Natural Resources for its innovation and contributions that improve water quality. The SmartSlope modules are made with post-consumer recycled materials that use 50% less concrete than traditional retaining walls, helping to reduce heat island effects and stormwater runoff.
The wall during construction.
According to the company, Smart Slope offers one of the largest planting pockets of any hard-armored, plantable wall system. At almost 2 cu. ft. of root zone for each module, these modules support a broad plant palette. By design, the modules drain well, modulate temperature (by nature of thermal mass surrounding the plants), and provide wind protection.
The wall will later be planted with thyme.
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