A One-of-a-Kind Backyard Pool Retreat in Houston, Texas
New Pool, Spa, Outdoor Living & Landscaping Built to Inspire and EnterTain
See How This Custom Design Transformed blank slate Into a Private Destination
The Mabry Project
The Mabry Project is a ground-up backyard transformation featuring a custom new pool, spa, and patio designed in a refined Hampton / New England style. Every element from the vertical waterline tile to the layered landscaping and maintenance-free surfaces was intentionally selected to create a calm, timeless outdoor environment that’s as easy to live with as it is beautiful.
The homeowners wanted a backyard that felt elevated, private, and cohesive, without the burden of ongoing lawn and hardscape maintenance. They envisioned a pool that felt classic yet distinctive, a patio that served as a visual centerpiece, and a landscape that created privacy while reinforcing the New England aesthetic.
The challenge was bringing together multiple materials, textures, and zones into a space that felt intentional, not busy, and required minimal upkeep.
Envy Exteriors designed and built a custom pool-centered outdoor environment where architecture, materials, and landscaping work together to create a serene and highly functional retreat.
New Pool & Spa
The pool design is the heart of the Mabry Project, setting the tone for the entire backyard.
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Custom new pool build with PebbleSheen® interior finish.
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Unique vertical waterline tile, alternating between two complementary tile colors for subtle visual rhythm.
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Hampton / New England–inspired design style throughout.
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Two tanning ledges with integrated bubblers.
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LED lighting within the bubblers for a soft nighttime glow.
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Large spa designed for comfort and relaxation.
The result is a pool that feels classic and refined, with distinctive details that set it apart.
Anti-Slip Marble Patio
The patio was designed to be both a functional surface and a visual focal point.
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Anti-slip marble patio mortared over a concrete slab for long-term durability in Tundra Gray, offering a clean, timeless foundation.
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A low-maintenance installation method that eliminates the need to re-sand the joints.
At the entry of the patio, a custom diamond grid pattern combines patio pavers with 6″ turf inlays, creating a striking centerpiece that immediately draws the eye and anchors the design.
Artificial Turf Grass
To reduce upkeep and preserve the clean aesthetic of the desired look, we installed American-made synthetic turf.
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Maintenance-free green artificial turf was installed between the pool and landscaping.
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Keeps lawn equipment completely out of the backyard.
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Enhances usability while maintaining a manicured appearance year-round.
The rear right side of the yard, home to utilities, was finished with black star gravel, minimizing maintenance while maintaining a polished, intentional look.
Landscape Design & Privacy
Landscaping was designed to wrap the entire property with a focus on privacy, layering, and softness, reinforcing the New England style throughout the space.
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Layered plantings to create depth and enclosure.
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Trellis screening around pool equipment and AC units with panels of jasmine vines provides natural screening that adds greenery and subtle fragrance.
Lighting & Evening Ambiance
A thoughtfully designed lighting system completes the space.
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Calming, understated lighting throughout the pool, patio, and landscape.
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Enhances nighttime enjoyment without overpowering the design.
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Adding an additional layer of security while highlighting key features.
From 3D Design Rendering to reality
Before construction began, the Mabry Project was fully designed using Envy Exteriors’ advanced 3D design process, allowing the homeowners to see the entire backyard come together before a single shovel hit the ground.
The 3D renderings played a key role in refining the Hampton / New England–inspired pool design, the vertical waterline tile pattern, spa placement, patio layout, and the relationship between turf, hardscape, and landscaping. Visualizing these details in advance helped ensure balance, proportion, and material harmony throughout the space.
By finalizing the design in 3D, the homeowners were able to move into construction with confidence, resulting in a smoother build process and a finished backyard that reflects the original vision in every detail.
Top-Notch Construction Team
Our team handled every detail of construction with precision and care. From managing permitting and utility integration to ensuring every feature was built to last, we combined craftsmanship with meticulous project management. Finishes were installed with attention to detail, and our crew worked seamlessly to bring the design to life. The result is a backyard retreat that looks stunning.
Homeowners Video Testimonial
To capture the experience behind the Mabry Project, we sat down with the homeowners for a video interview to talk about how they felt the process went from start to finish.
In the interview, they share how the 3D design process helped them feel confident in deciding the final layout, why the low-maintenance approach was important to them with the integration of turf, and the centerpiece design with the patio and turf inlays.
Hearing directly from the homeowners offers an authentic look at what it’s like to partner with Envy Exteriors and how our refined process leads to a perfected outcome for our clients.
Premium Materials Used
The outdoor kitchen and pool’s main water wall were finished with a rich 3D honed natural stone veneer, creating visual depth and tying together the structural and water features. A lighter version of the same 3D honed stone was used on the pool’s secondary walls and columns to create contrast and balance.
The patio surface throughout the space was finished in modern, slip-resistant porcelain for durability and style. The kitchen countertops were crafted from polished 3CM black granite, bringing weight and elegance to the cooking area. The custom pergola was constructed with cedar and stained to match the home’s palette, adding warmth and cohesion to the space.
Ready to build your backyard retreat?
The Mabry Project is a timeless backyard retreat that blends classic New England charm with modern, low-maintenance living. From the custom pool and spa to the layered landscaping, turf, and lighting, every detail was designed to work together effortlessly.
The finished space feels private, polished, and peaceful, an outdoor environment built to be enjoyed daily, without constant upkeep.