To establish the visual identity and stability of a new high-end subdivision, ICB constructed two patterned AB Ashlar Blend retaining walls that stabilised steep terrain while showcasing the area’s premium look. This was ICB’s first use of the system — delivered seamlessly thanks to detailed planning and collaboration.
Quick Facts
2,811 AB Ashlar Blend units were used to build the retaining walls
A total of 129 square metres of patterned wall area was installed
Walls were designed to support steep 1 in 3 backslopes
Each wall had a 6 degree setback
Both retaining walls were completed in just a few weeks
LOCATION
315 Flat Bush School Road, Flat Bush
CUSTOMER
Murphys Park Development LP
SERVICES
Allan Block Retaining Wall
The Challenge
Bremner Ridge sits at the highest point in Flat Bush, a subdivision crafted to offer a countryside lifestyle within city limits. The first stage required retaining walls that were both structurally resilient and visually distinctive. The steep slopes and engineering constraints added complexity, and the visual standard set by these initial walls would carry forward into future stages.
The Solution
To meet the twin goals of aesthetics and performance, the team selected the AB Ashlar Blend™ system in an Iron Sand finish, using a two-course pattern configuration. ICB worked closely with the client, engineers, and block manufacturer (Bowers Brothers Concrete) to refine the design. Geogrid-reinforced soil was chosen to stabilise the steep 1 in 3 slopes and increase wall mass.
Despite it being ICB’s first patterned Allan Block installation, the team completed the work to a high standard through:
Careful material coordination and training on patterned placement
On-site support and technical input from the block supplier
Close alignment with engineering requirements for slope retention
Rapid construction turnaround to meet subdivision timelines
The Impact & Results
The completed retaining walls now form a key visual and structural feature of Bremner Ridge. The patterned finish elevated the subdivision’s design quality while reinforcing steep terrain against erosion and failure. Completed in just a few weeks, the project was a standout success in aesthetic retaining and an example of ICB’s adaptability and detail-oriented delivery.
OUR WORKRelated Projects
-
![]()
Premium Retaining Wall Installation for Elevated Residential Development
ICB constructed three Allan Block retaining walls to support steep terrain and infrastructure in a high-end housing development, delivering precision and durability within tight tolerances.
Customer: Murphys Park Development LP
Location: 125a Murphys Road, Flat Bush -
![]()
Robust Retaining Wall Construction for Quarry Development
ICB delivered over 600 metres of reinforced Allan Block walls to support industrial land development within one of NZ’s busiest quarries, all while maintaining live operations.
Customer: Stevenson / Fulton Hogan
Location: Drury Quarry, 41 Bill Stevenson Drive, Drury -
![]()
Patterned Retaining Walls for Premium Subdivision
Using the AB Ashlar Blend system, ICB built visually distinctive and structurally sound retaining walls to stabilise steep slopes in a high-elevation residential site.
Customer: BR Land Company Ltd
Location: Bremner Ridge, 315 Flat Bush School Road, Flat Bush -
![]()
Slope Stabilisation for Emergency Road Access
ICB used a soil nail and mesh system to stabilise a steep slip site on Kaiikanui Road following Cyclone Gabrielle—protecting a critical access route for local communities.
Customer: Whangarei District Council
Location: Kaiikanui Road, Opuawhanga
