Story: 2018 Retaining Wall Project of the Year


2018 Retaining Wall Project of the Year transforms unusable hillside into livable outdoor space

What was once a steep, unusable hillside is now a beautiful backyard living space thanks to Midland Concrete Products. Massive Kodah retaining walls, a Belvedere Fire Pit, and winding Dimensional Steps create a marvelous lakeside first impression worthy of stares from passing boaters.

2018 Rosetta Project Awards - Midland Concrete Products: Retaining Wall Project of the Year

2018 Rosetta Project Awards - Midland Concrete Products: Retaining Wall Project of the Year

What was once a steep, unusable hillside is now a beautiful backyard living space thanks to Midland Concrete Products. Massive Kodah retaining walls, a Belvedere Fire Pit, and winding Dimensional Steps create a marvelous lakeside first impression worthy of stares from passing boaters.

2018 Rosetta Project Awards - Midland Concrete Products: Retaining Wall Project of the Year

Midland Concrete Products, based in Clear Lake, Iowa, was honored at the Rosetta Hardscapes Producer Summit held Sept. 25-27 with the 2018 Rosetta Project Award for Retaining Wall Project of the Year.

Many manufacturers submitted their projects for consideration, but Midland's rose to the top based on the best overall quality, creativity, and salesmanship. For this project, the homeowners wanted to transform their unusable lakefront slope into a livable space including two patios and an "S" shaped winding staircase - specifically with no handrails. After initially requesting Rosetta Outcropping, spatial constraints made the contractor, Country Landscapes Inc., suggest Rosetta Kodah instead, a smaller block wall solution that maintained the natural feel the homeowners wanted and allowed the designer more flexibility.

Kodah's consistent dimensions gave the designers the freedom to create what the homeowners envisioned. In total, 1,250 square feet (116 square meters) of Kodah went into the project, along with 47 Dimensional Steps with three landings to create the winding staircase.

Consistent rainfall and working on the slope's 31-foot grade change presented a unique challenge for installers of this project. The closeness of neighboring homes made it impossible for any project materials or equipment to be onsite, making access to the project only possible via a floating barge.

Despite the onsite challenges and complex installation, the dedication of everyone involved with the project allowed for the homeowners to have the usable and beautiful outdoor living space of their dreams.

Midland Concrete Products offers Rosetta Hardscapes' full line of wetcast concrete landscaping products, including retaining walls, patio pavers, fire pit kits, and accessories. Its unique, natural appearance and easy installation processes make Rosetta an increasingly attractive option for landscape professionals and homeowners across North America.

PROJECT DETAILS

Manufacturer: Midland Concrete Products General Contractor: Country Landscapes Inc. Case: 034 - Midland Concrete Products 2018 RPA