Tapu Coroglen Magnum Stone Wall

The Project

Situated on the Coromandel Peninsula, Tapu Coroglen Road serves as a vital connection for the region. This critical route was severely impacted by a major landslide following Cyclone Gabrielle, rendering it impassable. An urgent, robust, and innovative solution was required to restore safety and accessibility.

The Tapu Coroglen Curved Magnum Stone Wall was the result, and is a remarkable demonstration of smart thinking in engineering and innovation. Completed in late 2023, it holds the distinction of being the only curved, stepped Mangum Stone block wall in the world.

Our Role

Our team, led by Senior Engineering Geologist, Hunter Jenkinson, approached the challenge with smart thinking from the outset. An emergency site inspection and geotechnical investigation informed the development of a comprehensive ground model, enabling the design of a resilient solution tailored to the site’s unique conditions. The final design combined an 8.2-metre high curved Magnum Stone wall with a 2.0-metre high timber pole wall, effectively addressing slope stability and mitigating further risk.

Facing tight timeframes and political pressures, our construction strategy focused on precision, efficiency, and safety. By leveraging innovative techniques and meticulous planning, the walls were successfully completed, and the road was reopened just in time for Christmas 2023. This ensured minimal disruption for the community while delivering a high-quality solution.

Check out the full case study at Cirtex here.

The Results

The completion of the Tapu Coroglen Curved Magnum Stone Wall not only restored a critical transport link but also set a new benchmark in retaining wall construction. Its success is a testament to our commitment to smart thinking for projects—combining technical expertise, innovative design, and community-focused outcomes to deliver engineering solutions that stand the test of time.