Resolving retaining works close to neighbouring boundaries.
Setiabakti Residence is a proposed private residence in Kuala Lumpur, designed by MJ Kanny Architect. The structural design brought together the building's changing levels, earthworks and retaining structures on a constrained site.
The proximity of adjoining properties presented challenges for excavation and retaining works. The retaining structures were developed in coordination with the building footprint and proposed ground levels, balancing the need to create usable space with the constraints imposed by neighbouring boundaries.
The structural elements also form part of the visible architecture. Their positions and dimensions were developed with the intended fair-faced finish.
Private Client
MJ Kanny Architect
2022
Structural engineering
Geotechnical engineering
Civil engineering
Not built
Tender Documentation
Visual: MJ Kanny Architect
On a constrained site, establishing the building levels is only part of the challenge. The difference between existing and proposed ground levels must also be resolved without compromising neighbouring properties or introducing impractical excavation and retaining works.
For Setiabakti Residence, Ohr undertook a detailed earthworks and retaining study alongside the architectural development. Plans and sections were used to examine the relationship between the proposed basement, existing terrain, adjoining boundaries and access arrangements.
The study identified excavation depths of up to approximately 4.1 m, requiring careful consideration of temporary excavation support and permanent retaining structures.
Different solutions were developed for different parts of the site. These included reinforced-concrete retaining arrangements, localised slab thickening and staged excavation with shotcrete protection.
In one location, the proposed fill slope had a gradient of 1V:0.7H, considerably steeper than the allowable 1V:2H. This was identified during the engineering review, prompting coordination with the architect to develop a practicable slope profile.
By studying the earthworks in plan and section, potential conflicts between architectural levels, excavation limits, retaining structures and neighbouring boundaries could be identified during design.
The exercise illustrates how early structural and geotechnical coordination can inform building geometry and construction methodology, rather than treating retaining works as a separate problem after the architectural layout has been established.
The basement platform, boundary conditions, proposed cut-and-fill depths and local retaining proposals.
Sections showing the relationship between the proposed platform and existing ground levels, including excavation, filling and boundary constraints.
Sections illustrating the varying excavation and fill arrangements and the relationship to localised retaining structures.