Print Case Study
Project Information
Name: Winchell Residence
Bloomington, Minnesota
Product: AB Ashlar Blend Patterned Wall
Local Engineer: G.M.E. Consultants
General Contractor & Wall Builder: Klein Scape
Allan Block Manufacturer:
Amcon Block - Saint Cloud
Replacement of cinder block wall turns into a beautiful outdoor living space
The retaining walls provided more usable living space with the addition of a rasied patio for entertaining
Patterned Walls and Raised Patios Add Outdoor Living Space
What started out as the replacement of an unsightly cinder block wall, turned into a lifestyle showpiece. "It's probably the most beautiful job I've ever done" says Dave Klein who designed and built this project for the Winchell family in Bloomington, Minnesota. The project began when the Winchell's decided to replace an aging concrete block retaining wall that ran parallel to the back of their home holding up a hillside. The block wall was not only hard to look at, but too close to the house to allow any practical use of the backyard. Dave Klein was chosen as the contractor for his experience in wall construction.
Plan
The primary objective was to create more useable space in the backyard, and to eliminate the overbearing visual appearance of a tall, straight wall built too close to the house. The Allan Block AB Collection was chosen early in the planning process for visual appeal, and it was up to Klein to come up with a design that the customer liked. Klein knew that the wall would have to be reinforced based on the proposed wall heights and slope above the wall.
Design
Klein's final design introduced a raised patio, sweeping curves in the walls, and a built-in fire pit wrapped in natural Chilton stone. The combination of these design elements met the customer's requirements and looked great on paper. With an approved design concept, Klein contracted G.M.E. Consultants to engineer the wall. A geogrid-reinforced wall was ruled out due the amount of excavation needed in a grid design, and the proximity of mature hillside trees above the wall. G.M.E. came up with a pin and anchor solution that involved screw type earth anchors drilled into the hillside and tied into the back of the Allan Block wall units.
Build
First the masonry wall and footings were removed, and the hill excavated to allow for base installation. The sandy soils at the site allowed for good compaction and were more than suitable for backfilling. A bed of 3/4 in. (19 mm) minus crushed limestone was placed for the base trench, and 3/4 in. (19 mm) clear stone was brought in for the wall rock behind the block and in the block cores. The AB Classic units were used for base installation, followed by stacking of the Ashlar pattern. The blocks were stacked to bond beam levels where the earth anchors were tied-in. A notch was cut into the back of the hollow core block at each anchor location, and the anchor secured in place. The bond beam was grouted and the process repeated to completion.
"It was a really slick tie-back system and a real advantage provided by using Allan Block," said Klein.
The Winchell's now have an extension to their home that welcomes family and friends. The new outdoor living space has added an element to their lifestyle that is used every day. The Chilton stone fireplace, raised paver patio, flowing lines and spaces all add up to one great landscape masterpiece. Winters is proud of the final result, and sure that Allan Block was the only product he could have used to meet all the engineering and aesthetic requirements of this project.