Creating Accessible Tiers on a Steeply Sloping Bushland Block
Project Overview
Cornerstone Boulder Walls completed this exceptional project on a steeply sloping property in Upper Kedron, transforming previously inaccessible bushland into beautiful, functional tiered spaces. This challenging build required innovative solutions to terrain, access, and integration with the natural environment, creating seamless connectivity between the home and the native forest below.
As the owner says in the Google Review on this page: “The large retaining wall was built in a difficult area where no other company was willing to take on.”
Project Details
Location: Upper Kedron, Brisbane (near Ferny Grove, Keperra, and The Gap)
Project Type: Multi-tier retaining wall system with stepped access
Site Characteristics: Steeply sloping to the north-east into native forest
Materials: A-Grade sandstone blocks, diamond sawn sandstone steps
Landscaping Partner: TerrainX Landscapes
The Challenge
This Upper Kedron property presented one of our most challenging and rewarding projects. The block slopes steeply to the north-east, descending into beautiful native Australian forest that was effectively inaccessible without structural intervention.
Unique Project Challenges:
Extreme Terrain: The steep slope made construction complex, requiring multiple retaining walls to create stable, usable platforms at different elevations while preserving the natural bushland character.
Access Limitations: Perhaps the most unique challenge was site access. With no direct access possible from the property itself, all materials, equipment, and personnel had to be brought through the neighbouring cattle farm. This required:
- Coordination with neighbouring property owners
- Careful logistics planning for all deliveries
- Specialized equipment that could navigate farm terrain
- Minimal disruption to the working farm operation
Environmental Sensitivity: Working adjacent to native forest demanded careful planning to:
- Minimize environmental impact
- Preserve existing vegetation where possible
- Integrate new structures naturally into the bushland setting
- Manage drainage without affecting native ecosystems
Engineering Complexity: Creating multiple stable platforms on such steep terrain required:
- Complex engineering calculations for wall heights and loads
- Foundation work on challenging slopes
- Drainage solutions for heavy rainfall
- Long-term stability on the interface between built and natural environments
Retaining Wall System
We designed and constructed a comprehensive multi-tier retaining wall system using A-Grade sandstone blocks, creating distinct platforms that cascade down the slope while maintaining the natural beauty of the bushland setting.
We selected premium A-Grade sandstone blocks for their:
- Superior structural integrity for steep terrain applications
- Natural appearance that complements native bushland
- Durability in outdoor environments adjacent to forest
- Warm, natural tones that blend with the landscape
- Proven long-term performance
The retaining wall system establishes multiple platforms at different levels: Existing home and swimming pool area and a substantial new platform created below the home level, providing:
- Expanded usable outdoor space
- Direct access to native forest
- Level areas for outdoor furniture and activities
- Transition zones between built environment and natural bushland
The number of retaining walls required to manage the steep descent creates an impressive terraced effect, with each wall engineered to support the elevation change while maintaining visual harmony with the natural surroundings.
Diamond Sawn Sandstone Steps
Diamond sawn sandstone steps provide safe and elegant access between the top level (home and pool area) and the next level down the slope. This is one of the standout features of this project:
- 6 steps in total
- Each step 1800mm wide – creating an impressive, generous passage
- Construction: Each 1800mm step consists of three 600mm sandstone blocks placed end to end
- Total blocks: 18 individual diamond sawn sandstone pieces
This substantial width (1.8 metres) creates a striking architectural feature while ensuring safe, comfortable movement between levels even when carrying items or moving as a group.
Diamond Sawn Finish: The diamond sawn finish provides:
- Smooth, even surfaces for safe footing
- Clean, contemporary aesthetic
- Precise dimensional consistency
- Professional appearance that complements the natural stone walls
Wheel Sawn Sandstone Steps
The structural work by Cornerstone Boulder Walls provided the foundation for beautiful landscaping by TerrainX Landscapes. Their expert work transformed the newly created platforms into integrated outdoor spaces that complement both the sandstone structures and the native forest beyond.
The landscaping features:
- Plant selections appropriate for bushland transition zones
- Ground covers and features that soften hardscape edges
- Integration with existing native vegetation
- Enhancement of the connection between built and natural environments
The collaboration between structural construction and landscaping demonstrates how quality retaining wall work creates opportunities for exceptional outdoor transformations.
Wheel Sawn Sandstone Steps provide the connection between the multi levels of this property
Landscaping by TerrainX Landscapes
The structural work by Cornerstone Boulder Walls provided the foundation for beautiful landscaping by TerrainX Landscapes. Their expert work transformed the newly created platforms into integrated outdoor spaces that complement both the sandstone structures and the native forest beyond.
The landscaping features:
- Plant selections appropriate for bushland transition zones
- Ground covers and features that soften hardscape edges
- Integration with existing native vegetation
- Enhancement of the connection between built and natural environments
The collaboration between structural construction and landscaping demonstrates how quality retaining wall work creates opportunities for exceptional outdoor transformations.
The Result
This Upper Kedron project represents one of our most satisfying transformations. What was once inaccessible sloping bushland is now a series of beautiful, functional platforms that allow the homeowners to fully experience their property’s unique native forest setting.
Key Achievements:
✓ Accessibility: Previously inaccessible native forest now fully accessible via safe, beautiful pathways
✓ Usable Space: Multiple level platforms creating diverse outdoor areas
✓ Structural Integrity: Complex retaining wall system engineered for long-term stability on steep terrain
✓ Aesthetic Excellence: A-Grade sandstone and diamond sawn steps create architectural features that enhance rather than detract from natural beauty
✓ Environmental Respect: Minimal impact construction that preserves and provides access to native bushland
✓ Impressive Scale: The 1800mm-wide main stairway creates a striking visual and functional centerpiece
Long-Term Value:
The combination of:
- Premium A-Grade sandstone construction
- Thoughtful multi-tier design
- Generous step dimensions
- Professional landscaping integration
- Preservation of native forest access
…creates lasting value that will serve the property owners for decades while maintaining and even enhancing the natural beauty of this unique bushland location.
What our client and collaborating landscaper are saying about Cornerstone Boulder Walls
Click here to see all reviews and photos added by other reviewers.
Rating
A big thank you to Glen and his son Tim for the sandstone retaining wall & stairs they built for me. The large retaining wall was built in a difficult area where no other company was willing to take on. The amount of care and precision taken to make the wall level and straight was very impressive. It is hard to find the old fashion service these days where it’s not just about the money, but also about getting the job done right. Thank you again guys.
As a professional landscaping contractor, I rely on other trades for certain project requirements. Glen and Cornerstone have worked on several projects in collaboration with my company. His Professionalism, attention to detail and ease of communication have been outstanding. He and his team provide a product and service that is second to none. I would highly recommend Cornerstone for all of your rock wall and retaining needs. Looking forward to the next project with Glen and his team.
Images submitted in Google Reviews
Transform Your Challenging Site
Steep slopes, difficult access, or bushland settings don’t have to limit your property’s potential. Cornerstone Boulder Walls specializes in solving complex site challenges to create beautiful, functional outdoor spaces.
Whether you’re dealing with:
- Steep terrain requiring multi-tier solutions
- Access challenges requiring creative logistics
- Integration with natural environments
- Large-scale transformations
…we have the expertise, experience, and commitment to quality that delivers exceptional results.
Contact us today to discuss how we can transform your challenging site into accessible, beautiful outdoor living spaces.
