The Challenge
The client needed to establish a new kiwifruit orchard on undeveloped land that presented several challenges:
- Existing water mains required relocation to accommodate the orchard layout
- Access needed improvement for heavy machinery and trucks
- Site required extensive earthworks for proper drainage and levelling
- Young kiwifruit vines needed protection from strong winds
Our Solution
Water Infrastructure & Access
We relocated the existing water mains to run alongside the gravel driveway, installing a new 20mm water pipe ensure reliable water supply. The existing driveway was upgraded with a gravel overlay. We also created a dedicated truck turning area near the house for easy access during construction and ongoing operations.
Site Preparation & Earthworks
Our team stripped and preserved topsoil before undertaking cut-to-fill earthworks across the site. Material from elevated areas was redistributed to lower sections. Once earthworks were complete, we respread the preserved topsoil across the entire area. A boulder retaining wall along the southern boundary provides soil retention up to 1.4 metres high.
Wind Protection System
The project’s feature was a substantial 122-metre long by 5-metre high windbreak system. We installed timber poles, then fitted windbreak cloth in two strategic sections: 1.5-metre high top section and 3.5-metre high bottom section for optimal wind protection.
Technical Specifications
- Windbreak dimensions: 122m length × 5m height
- Pole specifications: 25 × 8m × 350mm H4 timber poles
- Foundation depth: 2.5m pole holes
- Retaining wall: Maximum 1.4m height boulder construction
- Earthworks: Full site cut-to-fill with 300mm layer compaction
- Water infrastructure: 20mm pipe installation with trenching
Why Choose Excavat?
Excavat has the capability to manage earthworks projects from concept to completion. Our experienced team works with the client to understand the specific requirements of their horticultural developments and delivers solutions that support their long-term agricultural needs.
Ready to develop your next horticultural project? Contact Excavat today to discuss how we can help transform your vision into reality.
