GREAT HILLS

• Location- Great Hills Neighborhood in Austin, Texas
• Architect- Open Envelope Studio
• Builder- Praetorian Landscaping
• Photographer- Eyes Tired Photography

The client’s backyard in Great Hills featured challenging grade changes and limited usable area. Our team began with site evaluation and strategic planning, then executed a comprehensive layout that brought structure, stability, and purpose to the space.

Key goals included:

• Reconfiguring the slope into usable terraces
• Creating stable, long-lasting retaining elements
• Integrating the landscape into the natural hillside setting

A centerpiece of this project was the installation of retaining walls that combine stone and steel, addressing the existing slope while enhancing visual continuity. These elements provide structural integrity and define outdoor areas without overpowering the natural beauty of the site.

The walls were engineered to support changes in grade and to allow for dynamic use—such as seating zones, plant beds, and circulation paths—while blending with the hill country aesthetic.

At the heart of the landscape sits a natural bedrock step, preserved and highlighted as a distinctive focal point of the design. Rather than removing this feature, the team integrated it into the circulation path, allowing the material to act as a sculptural transition between levels.

This approach reinforces a sense of place and respects the existing site conditions, creating a stronger connection between build and terrain.

With the terrain stabilized, the layout now maximizes usable outdoor areas for daily activities, gatherings, and passive enjoyment. The combination of structural walls and softscape areas creates a cohesive layout that functions for both everyday use and entertainment.

Plant beds were incorporated to soften hardscape edges and enhance seasonal interest—balancing performance with a refined, livable quality.

This Great Hills project highlights:

• Disciplined landscape construction that reconciles difficult topography
• Integration of structural materials and natural features
• Maximized usability while respecting existing site character
• Quality craftsmanship that delivers long-term performance

Praetorian Landscaping’s work in Great Hills demonstrates how technical site preparation and thoughtful construction can unlock the potential of challenging outdoor spaces.