Combining Function and Beauty
After expanding the footprint of their home in Lafayette, this client needed to shift their existing retaining wall to provide access to their side yard. We preserved as much of the existing planting as we could, cut into the hillside, and utilized the material from their existing wall combined with new material to construct a taller wall that provided enough room for a pathway. We added a drain rock footer to support the wall and improve the drainage conditions on their patio. The drain rock footer extended into their side yard to ensure water was directed away from the home and toward an existing storm drain. We softened the appearance of the retaining wall by adding planting area along the base and filling in the hillside with additional plants that will eventually cascade over the top of the wall.
Erosion Control Through Design
This project in Berkeley combines retaining walls, strategically placed drainage trenches, and deep-rooted California native plants to slow runoff, stabilize soil, and protect the landscape from erosion. Existing materials were used where possible, rotting or inadequate materials were replaced, and wall locations were shifted to support stronger and more balanced slope retention. By working with the site's natural conditions, the design creates a more resilient and sustainable outdoor space that will continue to strengthen over time.
Repurposed and Refined
This Albany home had an existing retaining wall in their front yard that was encroaching on their walkway and was more imposing than was a necessary to accommodate the sloping conditions of the site. We stockpiled the existing materials, filled in their walkway with matching pavers, and reconstructed a more modest retaining wall that was better suited for their garden.
