Prestigious residential projects demand precision, and our work for PH Property Holdings Ltd in Prestbury was no exception. Tasked with delivering both slope stability and a deep basement formation, we engineered and installed a permanent anchored sheet piled retaining wall, a temporary basement retention system, and a welded steel frame — all designed to meet the exacting structural requirements of a luxury home with a 5.5m deep reinforced concrete basement and integrated swimming pool.

Client: PH Properties
Location: Prestbury
Activity: Permanent anchored sheet piled retaining wall for stability of existing slope, temporary sheet piled basement and welded steel frame to allow 5.5m deep reinforced concrete (RC) basement to be formed, incorporating a sheet piled box for the proposed swimming pool.
Temporary or Permanent: Both Permanent and Temporary
Plant: Side grip piling hammer, telescopic leader rig, welding equipment

About ESS (CE) Ltd

Welcome to Earthwork Support Specialist (CE) Ltd — Specialists in Geotechnical Retaining Systems & Piling Solutions.

We provide expert solutions in the design, supply, and installation of geotechnical retaining walls and temporary works systems for the UK construction industry. With decades of combined experience, we are trusted by national housebuilders, civil engineering contractors, infrastructure clients, and commercial developers to deliver safe, practical, and cost-effective ground support systems — even in the most technically challenging environments.

Project Overview

This prestigious Prestbury project for PH Properties required a robust and highly engineered solution to deliver both slope stability and deep basement formation for a luxury residential property.

The works involved:

• Permanent anchored sheet piled retaining wall to stabilise an existing slope on the site boundary.

• Temporary sheet piled basement to retain soils during excavation to a depth of 5.5m.

• Fabrication and installation of a welded steel frame to provide propping and structural integrity during basement construction.

• Formation of a sheet piled box to house the property’s future swimming pool.

Challenges

• Complex ground conditions requiring precise piling methodology.

• Tight site footprint within a high-value residential area.

• Integration of both permanent and temporary systems within a single programme of works.

• High structural loads from the basement and swimming pool requiring significant engineering accuracy.

Our Solution

Using our in-house engineering and site team, ESS (CE) Ltd delivered the full geotechnical and structural package, including:

• Design & engineering of both permanent anchored retaining walls and temporary basement works.

• Deployment of a side grip piling hammer and telescopic leader rig to ensure precise, efficient sheet pile installation within the restricted site access.

• Welding and fabrication of the steel frame on site for immediate integration into the basement support structure.

• Sequenced excavation to maintain safety, structural integrity, and programme deadlines.

Outcome

• Delivered on time and to specification.

• Achieved long-term slope stability while enabling safe deep excavation for the RC basement.

• Provided a fully integrated sheet piled swimming pool box, reducing future construction stages.

• Met all client requirements with minimal disruption to surrounding properties.

Core Services Delivered

This project showcased our expertise in:

• Sheet Piled Retaining Walls (permanent and temporary)

• Structural Propping & Steel Fabrication

• Temporary Works Design & Sequencing

• Deep Excavation Support Systems