How to utilize large gap between retaining wall and boundary fence?

[chenchen403]

Update: I made a mistake on the length, and have just updated it. It is 16m long. The space is 1.2m wide, 1.2m deep and 16m long.

Hey team,

This has been an issue for us over the last few years, and I have spend hours searching online trying to see if there is anyone having similar issue but didn't get to anywhere... That is why I am here, hoping to pick some of your brains and help us ultilize a large gap between our retaining wall and neighbour's fence.

Due to local regulations and ex-neighbour is hard to dealing with, our retaining wall has to have a set back from the boundary. The retaining wall is 1.2m height, and locate on the west side of the property. Gap between retaining wall and fence is 1.2m wide, 1.2m tall and 16 m long. 

Currently, we have two small compost bin at one end. And put gravel in the gap. It is a lot of land just set empty and not used (not to mention it is also a hazard for kids). We have had lots of ideas, like put a planter box, storage shed etc, but none of them works. This gap doesn't have much sun, especially in winter. We also thought about building a deck to close the gap, but it is going to be a lot of money to build a deck that is 1.2m height, not to mention we have had some drainage burried underneath, and building a deck would likely to destory the drainage pipe.

We are sort of out of ideas and open to suggestions on how to ultilize this space.

[EricL]

Hello @chenchen403 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about the gap in your boundary fence.

I propose installing an outdoor bowling alley, it's wide enough and certainly long enough to accommodate a D.I.Y bowling lane. I suggest having a quick look at this discussion - Outdoor bowling alley by @Kermit. there is also the possibility of installing an artificial mini putting green, at 32 meters you can have a mini golf course with 8 holes with a distance of four meters per hole. Another option would be to install posts near the retaining wall with overhangs that will allow you to hang orchids or plants in baskets. Since it is close to the top of the fence it should be able to receive sunlight.  

In regards to the falling hazard, I strongly suggest building a timber fence to serve as a safety barrier. 

Here is a link for ideas and inspiration: Top 10 most popular backyard projects

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @redbournreno, @RenoRach, @prettyliving and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @chenchen403 

Mmmm you have me thinking of uses for that strip I love figuring out what can be done on an unused section of yard

I do like @EricL 's bowling lane idea, and mini golf will call those Ideas 1 and 2

Idea 3

Hydroponics in either PVC pipe or guttering. Mounted on the retaining wall side with posts to give even more distance to the neighbours. So walkway between the hydropinics and fenceline. Tomatoes, strawberries come to mind straight away. Oh and because the hydroponics would be multi tube (top, then back and then back again as the water works its way down through the horizontal lengths of piping) it would be a fence line to define the top part of the lawn.

Idea 4

Cut steps into the far end up to the lawn area and then large stepping stone styled pavers so the area can be used for access.

Idea  5

Large pots spaced along the gravel and grow something like a Jacaranda in them, beautiful colours and nice scent. May irritate neighbours with flowers falling once they get larger tho.

Idea 6

Grapes! Far out!! That aisle would be perfect to build a curved arch over and grow grape vines along. You could either plant them amongst the gravel or even on your lawn area. Imagine a wedding arch all the way along the path. (I wouldnt attach anything to the fence as to not exacerbate issues)

Idea 7

Mmmm will keep thinking and see if I come up with other ideas  

Have you come with any ideas that you like but cant see how to impliment them? Maybe someone in here can see a work around?

Dave

[chenchen403]

Thank you @Dave-1 and @EricL for the ideas. I forgot to mention we live across the ditch (in Queenstown where winter is very cold). The gap doesn't get much sun even in summer, and it is like a freezer in winter. Therefore, I am worried if we use it to grow anything, it may not survive. Also the lack of sun makes it less appealing to do any activities there: its a bit dark, cold, and with spider webs on both side.

That is why I was also thinking about building a storage shed down there. But of course that means we will only use a small part of the space and most of it still goes to waste.

I do like the curved arch idea, we also have garden beds on one side. We can probably grow some climbing veggies in the garden beds and let them climb over the arch. I guess the main issue will be for an arch that goes over 1.2m gap, we would need post deep into the ground, and the cost maybe similar like building a deck/boardwalk ?

[Dave-1]

Morning @chenchen403 

So now we switch tact and go with the next idea...

I plan on using some second hand solar panels to create an awning style run down the side of my driveway next to the retaining wall (much like yours)

Its going to be sloped so the rain runs off but serve a dual purpose. Shelter me from the rain when I get out of my car and also heat the spa or whatever else I have in the yard that I want to use it for. The panels wont be connected to the grid. 

So for you, the same type of deal where you have the ability to fasten posts to the side of your retaining wall and then a second shorter post on the lawn area maybe, the idea is to not necasarily maximise the sun but to capture and use it and also provide shelter from raina nd maybe privacy. Depending on which way the sun comes in you could also capture the rainwater.

Dave

[chenchen403]

Morning Dave. You read my mind I was talking to my partner (who used to be a solar electrician) a few days ago about the possibility of putting solar pannels there and probably storage underneath.

My other brainstorming idea is get something like this (container home frame) and maybe put wood on the top. Then If I seal the sides, and make the top removeable, potentially I have a hidden storage space. But it just all in my head, I haven't really look into it to see if it is doable and the cost. 

[Dave-1]

 @chenchen403 

Love the thinking! If something can be used in 2 or 3 differant ways, evenion seasonal, life cant get better then that!

I like the idea of being able to walk underneath, if I have to crouch I know the are will be used less and then grow weeds

To get the ideas from my head I have a sketch book, Then I sketch teh top down look and the profile of it. If that passes teh "feel good look" Then I start adding measurements to see if its possible. Saves $$$ when the sketch says nope.

Dave