Rockwood Estate, Godalming, UK

Project Overview
As part of the redevelopment of the Rockwood Estate a semi-basement extension was proposed to the rear of the existing main dwelling. The basement would be cut into the sloping ground leading up to the rear of the property. To prevent the temporary dismantling of the 1st floor balcony during the construction of the basement, a temporary anchoring solution was required to allow for a near vertical cut (>80°) over a length of 55m to be formed immediately behind the footprint of the property.
Solution
The cut slope was excavated in several stages with anchors being installed at each working level. Temporary sheeting and A142 steel mesh were laid against the surface of the cut slope then secured into place with Percussion Driven Earth Anchors (PDEA®) through load spreading timber soldiers. Excavation was continued and the process repeated until a secure face of 5.50m height was achieved. The area in front of the cut slope was then safe to enter and building work for the new basement could commence.