DESIGNED WITH INTENTION.

BUILT TO LAST.

LANDSCAPE & HARDSCAPE DESIGN AND INSTALLATION IN CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA.

704-222-3143

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RECENT PROJECT TRANSFORMATION

paver patio with firepit, steps, and retaining wall / bench before picture (an empty steep hill)

Reclaiming the Ridge: An Indian Land Transformation

A Backyard Lost to the Incline

For this Indian Land family, their backyard wasn’t a retreat—it was a liability. A steep, aggressive slope made the space nearly impossible to maintain and completely unusable for hosting. The soil was eroding with every Carolina rain, and the “view” was something they could only see from their deck, never experience on the ground. They didn’t just need a patio; they needed to conquer the topography of their own property.

 

Key Constraints:

 

  • Unusable Grade: A vertical drop that prohibited foot traffic.

  • Structural Erosion: Destabilized soil threatening the lawn’s health.

The Hortus Solution

Engineering Elegance from the Ground Up

We approached this project as a blend of structural engineering and outdoor luxury. We carved a 100-square-foot sanctuary directly into the hillside, anchored by a custom-built bench wall. This feature does double duty: it retains the massive weight of the slope while providing permanent, elegant seating for guests.

At the center, a hand-laid firepit serves as the heartbeat of the new terrace, connected to the upper lawn by a series of deep-set architectural stone steps. What was once a “dead zone” is now the premier destination of the home.

The Result:

  • Integrated Masonry: Multi-functional retaining bench for maximum utility.

  • Safe Passage: Solid stone steps designed for a natural, effortless descent.

  • The Firepit Hub: A perfectly leveled 10ft x 10ft pad for year-round Indian Land evenings.

after pictures of the paver patio with the firepit, steps, and retaining / bench wall

LOCATION: 

INDIAN LAND, SC

MATERIALS: 

BELGARD DUBLIN COBBLE® (3-PIECE PAVER) IN THE HATTERAS COLOR

TECHO-BLOC VALENCIA FIRE PIT IN THE CHAMPLAIN GREY COLOR WITH BLACK METAL INSERT

SAPHIRE 9D BROOKSTONE WALL BLOCK AND WALL CAP (FOR WALL AND STEPS)