Building on top of ex-garage concrete base

[Toonaroond]

Hi, our garden is built into the side of a hill and has been terraced into a few levels. At the top level there is a driveway. The next level down is approx 5' lower and there is a concrete base where an old garage used to stand, the concrete area is enclosed on 2 sides by walls to the height of the top level.

I want to build retaining walls on the remaining open 2 sides of the concrete base and then build this up to the same level as the driveway above to create a parking spot.

Only one problem - I don't know how or where to start!

Any ideas?
(hope it makes sense!)

 

[noseall]

start with adequate foundations!

do you intend using the space created, i.e. fitting a reinforced concrete roof with a door into the 'void' beneath?

or, do you wish to solid fill the space and concrete the pad as normal?

 

[Toonaroond]

Thanks for the reply!

I just want the finished area to blend in with the ground around it which is basically compacted earth with gravel on top. I won't be building anything on top of it.

The questions I have are - What sort of foundations would I need to lay? What construction do the walls need to be? What do I fill the "space" with and do I need to finish with a concrete pad on top?

Here's (an admittedly rubbish) picture that might help give an idea of what I'm talking about! The dotted lines are where I need to build the retaining walls.

Untitled

• Toonaroond
• 17 Nov 2008
• 1

Cheers![/img]

 

[mikric]

Is it less than 30m2 floor area ? If it is more you will be governed by building regs.

 

[Toonaroond]

Cheers for reply, it's less than that - just!

Any ideas as to the best method of doing this?

Thanks