The sublime invasion

In February 2021, we had started work on a concrete retaining wall on the northern boundary of our site - this is where the site edge meets the rising slope of the Channagiri hill. The wall will prevent the earth from moving downhill due to erosion.

Tree roots growing thru metal fence, Sainte-Marie, La Réunion

While we do this, I am acutely aware that, despite our best efforts to tame and control our environment, nature always finds a way to assert its presence. Check out how the roots of this tree have effortlessly grown through the metal fence.

Another beautiful example is in the image below - see how this tree has defied the confinements of the pavement; and its roots; steadfast and determined, have gradually infiltrated the very structure of it.

The defiant tree

Inspired by these visuals, I wanted to pay homage to the unyielding forces of nature, even while we went about building a strong concrete wall to essentially hold back the hill from falling on us.

In my imagination, the retaining wall would not be able to withstand the pressure of nature over the coming decades and centuries and eventually, one might have boulders breaking through the very walls intended to contain them. Why not install boulders in the concrete walls to remind us of our vulnerability, our insignificance in the face of natural forces ?

Construction image showing external supports for the boulders prior to shuttering and concrete pouring

Concrete walls are build by adding steel reinforcement and pouring concrete mix between shutters. Our plan was to have boulders bursting out of the wall at varying heights, this required us to have the boulders in place when concrete would be poured.

The boulders would not be supported by the concrete alone especially when it was

Completed northern retaining wall

being poured and even after it set, and hence temporary external and permanent internal support for the boulders were provided. The following image shows what how the rocks appeared when the concrete wall was completed and the external support removed.

Top view of southern wall under construction

We followed a similar approach on the southern site wall this month. The top and side view images show the effort needed in blending the shuttering, the boulder placement and the supports.

Side view of southern wall under construction

Boulder breaking out of partially completed southern wall

When the walls are finally ready, I hope that the sight of untamed nature breaking through the rigid confines of human-made structures, will generate a range of emotions, blending awe, wonder, and a subtle hint of unease.

While the boulders initially looked stark against the concrete, the blooming garden we have created has resulted in a striking visual delight !

...What they DONT teach you

...The 'Thinker' rock