Case Studies

Straightcurve® Flex

Curved Terracing on a
South Downs Slope

Photos courtesy ofJonathan Browning Photography

This case study looks at a new-build home in Henfield with views across the South Downs. Garden designer Echo Cao of Echoes of Nature turned a steeply sloping plot into a series of flowing terraces and retaining walls, using Straightcurve Flex.

Project Brief

The clients wanted a garden built around curves and organic shapes, with prairie-style planting rather than hard lines and rigid geometry. The plot had a level change of around 4 metres, so terracing was needed to create usable space. The designer also had to find a retaining material that could deliver curves without a big increase in cost or installation time.

A Garden Designed for Living and Wildlife

The terraced layout creates a variety of spaces for relaxing, entertaining and enjoying the views. Curved levels provide a natural division between different areas of the garden, giving each space its own character while maintaining a cohesive overall design.

For the outdoor dining area, Echo opted for an alternative to a conventional pergola. Four parasol trees will eventually form a living canopy, bringing natural structure, seasonal interest and welcome shade during the summer months.

At the lowest point of the garden, where the ground is naturally damp, a wildlife pond is planned to help manage surface water while creating a valuable habitat for local wildlife. Designed to work with the site’s natural conditions, the pond will encourage biodiversity and add another point of interest to the landscape.

Together, these features create a garden that balances carefully considered landscaping with a more naturalistic approach, making the most of both the challenging terrain and the stunning South Downs setting.

Why Straightcurve® Flex?

Having used Straightcurve products on previous projects, Echo knew that Straightcurve Flex would be an ideal choice for this garden.

Unlike more traditional retaining wall materials, such as brickwork or railway sleepers, the flexible system makes it easier to create smooth, flowing curves. This was particularly important for a project where organic shapes were central to the overall design.

The system also offers practical installation benefits, helping to save time and reduce costs while achieving a clean, precise finish. Its distinctive weathered steel appearance works particularly well alongside the contemporary new-build property, adding a natural warmth that complements the garden’s planting scheme.

By combining functionality with design flexibility, Straightcurve Flex provided a practical solution for managing the significant changes in ground level without compromising the garden’s visual appeal.

Key Benefits

• Smooth, flowing curves: the clean lines gave the terraces the organic shape the clients asked for.

• Quicker, more economical installation: the system is designed to need no special skills or additional tools.

• A finish that suits the house: the rusted steel complements the contemporary architecture and sits well with prairie-style planting.

• Practical retaining: the Flex range covers heights from 75mm edging up to 560mm for planters, raised features and retaining.

A Flexible Solution for Creative Landscaping

This project demonstrates how Straightcurve Flex can help landscape designers overcome challenging changes in ground level while achieving the curved forms and contemporary finishes their designs demand.

For Echo, Straightcurve offered the flexibility to create the flowing retaining walls central to the garden’s design, alongside the practical benefits of straightforward installation and a neat, consistent finish.