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DVC Civil & Retaining Specialists

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DVC Civil & Retaining Specialists

𝗘𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴! DVC Civil & Retaining Specialists brings 20 years of hands-on experience to every project. Don’t pay twice for the same job.

Get it done right the first time. DVC Civil & Retaining Specialists can assist you with all your outdoor requirements. We take pride in assisting clients with creative and practical advice.

02/10/2026

YES, WE DO SPECIALISED PAVING TOO!

When disaster strikes, we’ve got you covered.

One of our clients recently had the unfortunate experience of a 𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲.

The Knysna Municipality attended to the burst pipe and carried out the necessary repair, but the excavation left behind a substantial crater and extensive disturbance to the existing paving. Unfortunately, additional paving was also damaged during the excavation process, including sections belonging to the neighbouring property.

That’s where DVC Civil & Retaining Specialists stepped in.

The challenge was not simply to fill the excavation and put the paving back. The original paving bricks were an older size and 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲.

Instead of leaving an obvious patchwork repair, we incorporated a 𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴, deliberately separating the two brick sizes and turning a problem into a neat, practical feature.

Damaged areas were lifted, the affected sections repaired and the paving reinstated to restore the driveway and surrounding paved areas as neatly as possible.

The result speaks for itself: 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗯𝘂𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻, 𝗮 𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗮𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗿.

Retaining structures • Civil works • Drainage • Earthworks • Remedial works • Specialised paving

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗴𝗼 𝘄𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴, 𝘄𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁.

07/09/2026

When a newly built home still needs remedial work…

The new owner of this recently completed home in Schoongezicht Country Estate, Plettenberg Bay, discovered a few unwelcome surprises after taking a closer look beneath the timber deck.

Several of the timber support poles had inadequate founding, with at least one effectively hanging above ground level without a proper concrete footing. The area beneath the deck was also receiving significant amounts of rainwater through the gaps in the decking, with no effective drainage or properly formed surface to manage the water. The resulting erosion and saturated ground were clearly visible.

DVC Civil & Retaining Specialists was brought in to improve the area and provide a practical, durable solution.

Our remedial works included:

● Constructing neat terraced retaining walls to stabilise and contain the embankment.
● Installing a subsoil drainage system behind the lower retaining wall to collect and safely remove groundwater.
● Providing proper support and concrete founding where required beneath the deck structure.
● Casting a reinforced concrete apron/landing, tied into the existing pool-pump plinth, creating a solid and maintainable surface beneath the deck.
● Installing paving to form a clean walkway from the doorway.
● Constructing a new staircase to provide safe access between the different levels.
● Regrading and tidying the surrounding area so that water is better controlled rather than being allowed to erode the exposed soil.

The photographs tell the story particularly well — from an eroded, poorly supported and difficult-to-access space to a far more stable, drained, functional and usable area.

A newly built structure doesn't necessarily mean that everything hidden beneath it has been done correctly. Proper foundations, drainage and water management are just as important as the finishes you can see.

DVC CIVIL & RETAINING SPECIALISTS
Retaining • Drainage • Earthworks • Remedial Civil Works
Serving Knysna, Plettenberg Bay & the Garden Route

07/09/2026

Another Failed Retaining Wall – Dorethea Avenue, Plettenberg Bay

Another good example of why a retaining wall is far more than simply stacking blocks.

We were called in to Dorethea Avenue, Plettenberg Bay, after this retaining wall had failed and started collapsing towards the house. At its worst point, the wall had moved dangerously close to the building.

On investigation, several contributing factors became clear. The blocks had been packed almost vertically, with no starter bars or reinforced concrete infill connecting the wall to a reinforced concrete foundation. There was no subsoil drainage system, the wall had been backfilled with clay material, and stormwater from the slope above was allowed to run directly behind — and at times over — the retaining wall.

The combination of saturated clay, poor drainage and uncontrolled stormwater resulted in excessive pressure building up behind the wall until it eventually failed.

The remedial work

The failed wall was carefully dismantled, with the existing blocks cleaned and stacked for re-use. Failed turf, roots and unsuitable material were removed from the embankment and disposed of in approximately 6 m³ waste bins.

The wall was then reconstructed with the focus not only on rebuilding what could be seen, but on correcting the conditions behind the wall that caused the failure in the first place.

A new subsoil drainage system was installed, together with free-draining backfill. A4 Bidim geotextile was incorporated as tie-backs into the retained material, while the blocks were filled with sand stabilised with cement to help prevent washout and loss of material through the wall.

On completion, a berm was formed above and behind the retaining wall to intercept and divert surface stormwater away from the structure rather than allowing it to flow down the slope and behind the blocks.

The existing timber staircase and landing had to be carefully propped and supported throughout the reconstruction while work proceeded underneath and alongside it. Once the retaining works were completed, the timber barrier poles above the wall were also replaced to restore safe access and prevent anyone from accidentally falling over the retaining edge.

Retaining walls rarely fail because of the blocks themselves. More often, the real problems are hidden behind them: poor drainage, unsuitable backfill, uncontrolled stormwater, inadequate foundations and insufficient reinforcement.

When rebuilding a failed retaining wall, simply putting the blocks back is not enough. The cause of the failure must be addressed, otherwise the problem is only being rebuilt for another day.

DVC Civil & Retaining Specialists
Retaining walls • Drainage • Slope stabilisation • Remedial works

05/09/2026

Yes, this can happen to you too. With some things, you simply don’t go cheap.

This retaining wall in Dorethea Avenue, Plettenberg Bay is a good example of why a retaining wall is much more than just a stack of concrete blocks.

When we assessed the existing wall, several fundamental problems became apparent. There was no proper footing, no subsoil drainage, the wall had been backfilled with clay instead of suitable free-draining material, and stormwater from the embankment above was being allowed to overtop and saturate the wall and retained soil.

That combination is a recipe for trouble.

Once clay becomes saturated, drainage is severely restricted and the pressure behind a retaining structure can increase dramatically. A wall that may have stood for years can suddenly start moving, rotating or failing after prolonged or heavy rainfall.

Our solution was not simply to repack the blocks. We rebuilt the system behind the wall as well.

The failed sections were dismantled, the embankment was excavated back, a proper founding base was prepared and the retaining blocks were reconstructed. Importantly, we installed a subsoil drainage system behind the wall, together with designated discharge points directing collected water into the existing concrete stormwater channel.

The photographs tell the story — from an overgrown, poorly drained and failing retaining structure to a properly reconstructed wall with drainage incorporated into the works.

A retaining wall is only as good as what you cannot see behind and underneath it.

Footings. Drainage. Correct backfill. Stormwater management.
These are not optional extras and they are not the places to save money.

Doing it properly the first time will almost always cost less than doing it twice.

DVC Civil & Retaining Specialists
Retaining walls • Drainage • Stormwater • Earthworks • Remedial works

04/09/2026

The Importance of Proper Surface Drainage Behind Retaining Walls

House den Dunnen | Baron's View, Plettenberg Bay

A retaining wall is only as good as the drainage system protecting it.

One of the biggest threats to any retaining structure is uncontrolled surface water. During heavy rainfall, water flowing from higher ground can enter the backfill behind a retaining wall. Once the soil becomes saturated, the additional weight and hydrostatic pressure can place enormous unnecessary pressure on the structure.

At House den Dunnen in Baron's View, Plettenberg Bay, we installed a dedicated concrete surface-water channel along the upper side of the retaining wall. The purpose is simple: intercept the water before it gets behind the wall and safely divert it to a controlled discharge point.

The installation involved:

Excavating the channel route to the correct line and fall.
Placing and compacting an SSG subbase to provide a firm, stable footing.
Installing precast concrete channels to maintain a continuous fall.
Concrete benching alongside the channels to stabilise them and prevent water from undermining or bypassing the system.
Grouting and sealing the channel joints.
Constructing a concrete apron at the outlet so that the collected stormwater can discharge safely without causing erosion at the end of the channel.

The photographs show why we regard drainage as an integral part of retaining-wall construction rather than an optional extra. The channel runs continuously between the neighbouring property and the top of the retaining wall, creating a physical barrier between uncontrolled runoff and the retained embankment.

Good retaining-wall construction is not only about holding soil back — it is about controlling the water before the water becomes the problem.

At DVC Civil & Retaining Specialists, drainage, stormwater management and erosion protection form part of the way we approach retaining structures: manage the water, protect the embankment, protect the wall.

DVC Civil & Retaining Specialists
Retaining Structures • Stormwater Management • Subsoil Drainage • Earthworks • Slope Stabilisation

15/08/2026

HOUSE CHEUNG – ERF 13014 | ESTUARY HEIGHTS

Another substantial project taking shape — from deep foundations and major retaining works to the final paving and landscaping framework.

We commenced the first phase in February with the construction of the main retaining wall. At approximately 4.5 m high from the top of the concrete foundation, this required careful preparation from the ground up.

Suitable founding material was only reached approximately 1.2 m below ground level. The excavation was therefore rebuilt with a 200 mm compacted SSG/G7 layer, followed by the concrete foundation and retaining blocks. A subsoil drainage system was installed directly behind the foundation blocks on top of the concrete.

To reinforce and stabilise the retained material, RockPC 50/50 geogrid was incorporated into the backfill. The initial reinforcement extended approximately 5 m behind the wall, with the lengths progressively reduced as the wall approached the level of the swimming pool and the available distance between the pool structure and retaining wall decreased.

Rather than leaving the full 4.5 m wall exposed, excess suitable material was compacted against the lower slope. This reduced the visible height of the wall, softened its appearance and created a much more usable area for future landscaping.

PHASE 2 – RETAINING, STEPS & PAVING

The second phase included additional retaining walls and precast concrete steps, creating the levels and framework required for the paving.

The paving construction consisted of a 150 mm compacted SSG subbase, followed by approximately 30 mm crusher-run screed. 200 × 150 mm Bosun paving bricks were then laid in a staggered pattern.

All paving edges were secured with concrete benching and allowed to cure before the paving was finally grouted with a sand-and-cement mixture.

A project like this demonstrates why the work you eventually see above ground depends so heavily on the work that is done below ground.

Good retaining work starts with the foundation. Good paving starts with the subbase. Build it properly from the bottom up.

15/07/2026

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 – 𝗔𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁

When the severe storms struck the Garden Route in early May, this property suffered a major retaining wall failure after concentrated stormwater from the neighbouring property discharged directly down the slope. The excessive runoff saturated the embankment, causing the retaining wall to collapse beneath the elevated top floor of the house.

This project presented a number of unique engineering and construction challenges.

The timber support poles carrying the load of the upper floor had originally been buried approximately one metre behind the failed retaining wall. Before any demolition could begin, the structure had to be safely stabilised using temporary braces and props. To improve access for the reconstruction, an opening was cut through the garage wall, allowing machinery and materials to reach the work area.

The failed retaining wall and unstable embankment were then carefully dismantled, while the collapsed turf and unsuitable material were removed and disposed of in multiple 6 m³ skips.

The original timber support poles were replaced with longer poles founded on new concrete pads positioned approximately one metre below the garage floor level, providing a far more stable and permanent foundation.

Once the support structure was secured, the retaining wall was rebuilt from the ground up. Stabilised backfill was placed behind the wall, and where conventional compaction equipment could no longer be used, the material was compacted in carefully controlled layers to achieve the best possible density under the confined conditions.

Projects like these remind us that a retaining wall is only as good as its drainage. Managing stormwater correctly is just as important as building a strong wall.

If your property has experienced storm damage, retaining wall movement, or erosion, don't wait until the problem becomes an emergency.

29/05/2026

Landscape Beautification & Stormwater Improvement Project

We recently had the privilege of enhancing the entrance landscaping at the home of Mr & Mrs Cameron, transforming the existing garden area into an attractive, structured feature that complements the architecture of the residence and improves the overall street appeal of the property.

The project included:

• Construction of decorative terraced retaining walls using dry-stack retaining blocks.
• Re-shaping and preparation of planting areas.
• Supply and placement of quality topsoil.
• General landscape enhancement to create a neat and aesthetically pleasing entrance feature.
• Stormwater Management Improvements

During the course of the works, it was identified that stormwater from the roof downpipe was discharging into the landscaped area, resulting in ongoing soil erosion.

To address this issue, the downpipe system was extended and redirected to discharge safely onto the estate road's stormwater runoff path.

The completed works have significantly improved both the appearance and functionality of the property entrance. The new terraced retaining walls provide a clean, modern appearance while creating usable planting areas and improving the overall presentation of the home.

DVC Civil & Retaining Specialists would like to thank Mr & Mrs Cameron for the opportunity to undertake this project and for entrusting us with the enhancement of their property.

09/05/2026

𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗠 & 𝗙𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗗𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘

Our thoughts are with every family, homeowner and business affected by the recent storms and flooding across the Southern Cape. We understand the stress and uncertainty that severe weather can cause, and we are ready to assist where we can.

DVC Civil & Retaining Specialists is available for:

• Emergency retaining wall repairs
• Stormwater damage repairs
• Erosion control
• Washed-away paving repairs
• Subsoil drainage solutions
• Excavation and cleanup work
• Slope stabilisation

Serving Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Sedgefield.

📞 CALL US: +27 82 778 7066
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.dvccivils.co.za

21/04/2026

PROJECT REPORT — 2022-08 | Schoongezicht Country Estate

This project is a textbook example of what happens when basic civil and construction principles are ignored.

Upon inspection, we identified the following issues:

No drainage installed behind the outbuilding
Subsurface water saturating both the founding soil and underlying sand layer
Expansive clay causing structural cracking to the building
Severe movement and failure of the paved driveway surface
No proper subgrade or G7 subbase — paving laid directly on sand over clay

RECTIFICATION WORKS COMPLETED:

● Excavation and removal of all saturated clay material
● Installation of subsurface drainage behind the outbuilding
● Construction of a retaining block wall after removal of backfilled material against the structure
● Installation of a concrete open surface channel between the house and retaining wall
● Sealing of the area with a concrete apron to prevent water ingress
● Regrading and correcting falls for proper water runoff
● Import and compaction of SSG subgrade (150mm)
● Placement of a 50mm crusher run bedding layer
● Reinstallation of existing paving (cleaned and reused)
● Diversion of stormwater to a newly installed sump system

THE RESULT:
A stable, properly drained, and structurally sound surface — built to last.

THE LESSON:

This entire situation could have been avoided if the fundamentals were done correctly from the start. Cheap work almost always becomes expensive later.

At DVC Civil & Retaining Specialists, we don’t do shortcuts — we fix what cheap work got wrong. If you’re dealing with movement, drainage issues, or failed paving, let’s sort it out properly the first time.

Contact us:
082 778 7066 | [email protected] | www.dvccivils.co.za

Address

36 Campbell Drive
Knysna
6571

Opening Hours

Monday	07:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	07:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	07:00 - 17:00
Thursday	07:00 - 17:00
Friday	07:00 - 17:00

Website

http://www.dvccivils.co.za/

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