Glencairn Place, Abernethy

Boundary Retaining Wall & Garage Redevelopment

Client: Private Residential
Location: Glencairn Place, Abernethy, Perth & Kinross
Principal Contractor: Thomas Menzies Builders Ltd
Sector: Insurance
Project Duration: 31 weeks

Overview

Thomas Menzies Builders Ltd was appointed as principal contractor for a complex residential civil engineering and building project at Glencairn Place, Abernethy. The works centred on the reinstatement of a collapsed boundary retaining wall and included associated construction and demolition works to safely access and rebuild key site features.

Key elements included the construction of a new gabion basket retaining wall, demolition and rebuilding of a rear porch and garage, underpinning of the existing house, and full reinstatement of surrounding hard and soft landscaping.

Scope of Works

Demolition of existing garage, porch, retaining wall, and associated structures
Construction of a 5-stage Underpinning gabion basket retaining wall, including temporary works
Underpinning of existing house foundations
New blockwork garage and rear porch construction
Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing installations
Gas tank base, fencing, regrading, and landscaping
Decoration and internal finishing

Subcontractors & Specialists

The project was successfully delivered through close coordination with a skilled team of subcontractors:

JML Contracts – Gabion retaining wall
Camtech – Electrical installations
Room Reno – Plumbing services
EC2 Roofing – Roofing services
Kevin Smith Slaters – Roughcast and external envelope
RGP Arborist – Tree felling and site clearance
Finishing Touch Decorators – Internal finishing and decoration

Project Challenges

Complex Access and Demolition: Demolition of structures built directly adjacent to the collapsed slope required meticulous sequencing and safety precautions.
Live Residential Site: All works were undertaken adjacent to an occupied property, requiring noise, dust, and access controls throughout the project duration.
Slope Stability: Significant temporary works were designed and installed to facilitate safe excavation, underpinning, and wall construction in a constrained, sloped site environment.
Contractor Design Requirements: Thomas Menzies Builders led the design and delivery of temporary works and scaffolding solutions, ensuring stability and compliance during staged operations.

Technical Approach

The gabion retaining wall was constructed in five carefully sequenced stages, progressing north to south, each involving:

Temporary sheet piling for safe excavation
Foundation formation
Placement of gabion baskets
Integration of fence post sleeves
Regrading and landscaping of the reinstated slope

To safeguard the property, underpinning works were carried out at key locations adjacent to the existing dwelling before rebuilding the garage and porch.

Environmental & Enabling Works

Tree felling was coordinated with PKC under local authority guidance for safe site access.
Waste was managed under SEPA guidelines, with selective reuse of materials wherever possible.

Outcome

Full structural reinstatement of the failed boundary wall was completed to engineering specifications.
Despite challenging site access and working within a live residential environment, all works were completed with minimal disruption to the client.
This project showcases our capability in delivering complex domestic structural works with precision, coordination, and care.