East Shady lane Project

Tucked into Houston’s Memorial district, this backyard now feels like a private resort rather than a plain pool deck. Our clients wanted materials that felt organic yet upscale, so we surfaced roughly 2,200 square feet in creamy white travertine. The stone’s cool tones play off a fresh border of chunky white river rock, outlining the existing flower beds and tying the entire space together.

Drainage was the hidden hero of this build. The original patio sloped toward the house, so we re-graded the deck, added a full-length channel drain, and linked new French drains to the gutter system. Rainwater now moves away from the home instead of pooling at the foundation.

Around the pool, every edge was renewed. We replaced the coping, installed a smooth, modern tile, and echoed that coping detail on a low CMU retaining wall that frames the lounge area. A ribbon of emerald Zoysia sod softens the hardscape and stays cool under bare feet.

For privacy and a touch of evergreen color, we planted a row of Japanese yews beyond the turf. Their upright form screens the yard without closing it in, completing a clean, cohesive look that will mature beautifully over time.