Objectives
This homeowner desired a multi-functional backyard to enjoy with her family—including a fun place for her dog to run around, an area for her grandchild to enjoy, an easy path to access her garden, and a fire pit at the top of the hill. The challenge was the steep slope her property sat on that she nicknamed “Billy Goat Hill” to achieve this project.
Solutions
An excavator prepared the site for the first retaining wall and set the wall back 14 feet to carve out a cozy backyard space. The second and third-tiered walls were staggered to create ample room for landscape, stair landings, and seating walls. Installers used a pinned retaining wall system because of its high weight-to-wall face ratio and flexible design capabilities. They employed several engineering techniques to ensure the longevity and stability of the walls exceeding four feet in height to create the multi-tier structure in the backyard.
Results
The homeowner can now safely access the garden and fire pit for family get-togethers. She and her granddaughter love the backyard, and her dog enjoys the grassy area on the improved “Billy Goat Hill.”
Team & Location
Designer: Paul Devine
Producer: Willow Creek Concrete Products
Installer: Devine Hardscapes
Project Location: St. Paul, MN