A Vegetated Retaining Wall System for Resilient Landscapes

Retaining walls are often thought of as hard infrastructure, but they do not always need to result in a hard visual finish.

Flex MSE® offers a different approach. It is a vegetated retaining wall system designed to combine structural support with a green planted face. For many New Zealand projects, this creates an opportunity to manage level changes, reinforce slopes and support a more integrated landscape outcome.

Available through Advance Landscape Systems, Flex MSE is particularly relevant for civil, commercial, public space and environmentally sensitive projects where performance and landscape integration both matter.

 

 

Where Flex MSE fits

Flex MSE can be used in a wide range of retaining and slope stabilisation applications. It is especially useful where a project needs a flexible, vegetated wall system rather than a traditional hard-faced retaining solution.

Typical applications include:

• Road and rail corridors
• Slopes and embankments
• Stream and riparian margins
• Parks and public spaces
• Commercial landscape
• Residential developments
• Infrastructure interfaces
• Difficult access or constrained sites

Because the system supports vegetation, it can help soften the appearance of retaining structures and allow the wall to become part of the surrounding landscape over time.

 

A greener face for retaining projects

One of the key advantages of Flex MSE is its ability to support a planted of hydroseeded face. This can be particularly valuable where visual impact, ecological integration or community acceptance are important.

A vegetated wall can help a retaining structure blend into the environment, rather than stand apart from it. For parks, reserves, public infrastructure and sensitive sites this can make a meaningful difference to the final result.

Vegetation can also contribute to biodiversity, surface shading and a more natural finish, depending on the planting approach and maintenance plan.

 

 

Built for project pressures

Retaining wall projects are rarely simple. Sites may involve poor access, variable ground conditions, drainage challenges, tight construction windows or environmental constraints.

Flex MSE is designed to support practical installation and long-term performance in these kinds of project conditions. Its flexible nature can make it suitable for sites where rigid systems may be less appropriate or more difficult to install.

As with any retaining solution, project-specific assessment is important. Design, engineering, drainage, soil conditions and installation methodology all need to be considered before a final system is confirmed.

 

Supporting sustainability goals

Many project teams are looking for retaining solutions that reduce reliance on heavy, hard-faced materials and support better landscape integration.

Flex MSE can help meet this need by offering a vegetated system that supports a softer, greener finish. In the right application, this can contribute to broader sustainability goals, especially where planting, reduced visual impact and landscape resilience are important.

The system is well suited to projects where the retaining wall should contribute positively to the site, rather than simply perform a structural function.

 

 

Useful for councils, contractors and specifiers

Flex MSE is relevant to a wide range of project audiences.

For councils, it can support public space, infrastructure and environmental projects where resilience and visual outcome both matter.

For contractors, it offers a practical system for retaining and slope applications where installation conditions may be challenging.

For landscape architects, engineers and specifiers, it provides another option when considering how retaining structures can integrate with planting and long-term site performance.

 

Why early advice matters

Every retaining project is different, and early product guidance can help project teams assess whether Flex MSE is the right fit.

Questions to consider include:

• What height and slope conditions are involved?
• What are the soil and drainage requirements?
• Is vegetation part of the desired finish?
• Are there engineering or council requirements?
• What access is available for installation?
• Is the site exposed to water movement or erosion?
• What long-term maintenance expectations apply?

Discussing these details early helps ensure the system is considered properly within the wider project design.

 

 

Retaining with landscape value

Flex MSE gives project teams a way to think differently about retaining walls. Rather than seeing them only as structural necessities, it allows retaining to become part of the landscape outcome.

For New Zealand projects where resilience, planting and visual integration matter, Flex MSE offers a strong option worth considering.

 

Planning a retaining or reinforced slope project?

Contact Advance Landscape Systems to discuss Flex MSE suitability, project guidance and specification support.

[email protected]
0800 600 789