A Thoughtfully Designed Outdoor Living & Landscape Transformation in Tomball Texas
Outdoor Living and Landscape Built to Feel Seamless, Timeless, and Inviting
See How a Balanced Mix of Natural Materials and Smart Design Elevated This Space
The SWAIN Project
The Swain Project is a stunning example of how outdoor living and landscape design can work in harmony to create a space that’s both functional and serene. The homeowners wanted a backyard that would be beautiful year-round, low-maintenance, and built to support everything from casual evenings by the fire to entertaining guests.
We delivered a comprehensive outdoor living and landscape solution that included custom hardscaping, landscaping, drainage, and lighting—designed and built with precision.
Natural Stone Patio
At the foundation of this outdoor living space is a beautifully installed natural stone patio that provides structure, warmth, and elegance. The patio was designed for effortless flow between the home, fireplace, and landscape elements, with enough space for seating, gathering, and movement. Its soft, neutral tones offer a timeless look that complements the surrounding architecture and materials.
Custom Gas Outdoor Fireplace
As a focal point for evening gatherings, the custom-built gas fireplace brings both style and function to the space. Designed with large-format natural stone veneer and clean modern lines, the fireplace offers a refined yet cozy ambiance. It anchors the seating area and creates a comfortable destination for conversation, warmth, and year-round enjoyment.
Seating Wall
We built a custom seating wall around the fireplace area using natural stone splitface material to add texture, height, and functionality. The wall creates a subtle enclosure that defines the space, offers overflow seating, and reinforces the cohesive design language used throughout the project. Its material matches the vertical columns in the space for a clean, architectural feel.
Artificial Turf
To minimize maintenance and maximize visual impact, artificial turf was used as a soft, green contrast to the stone elements. Installed between hardscape zones and alongside pathways, the turf creates a clean, natural look without the upkeep of traditional grass. It’s pet-friendly, always green, and perfectly complements the surrounding landscape beds.
Landscaping
Low-maintenance landscaping was designed to enhance the space without overpowering it. We selected drought-tolerant, texture-rich plantings that provide structure and softness year-round. Carefully placed beds add seasonal interest and guide the eye throughout the backyard while ensuring open sightlines and balanced symmetry.
Underground Drainage Infrastructure
Behind the scenes, we installed a full underground drainage system to ensure long-term durability and protection. Proper grading, hidden channel drains, and underground piping were integrated throughout the patio and turf areas to prevent pooling and water-related damage—preserving the structure and appearance of the entire backyard.
Lighting
A layered lighting design allows this space to shine well into the evening. We installed discreet, low-voltage landscape lighting to highlight key features like the fireplace, seating wall, and planting beds. Additional accent lighting was included along pathways and transitions to enhance both ambiance and safety.
Hardscape Stone Retention, Gravel & Steppers
To create a clean and functional side-yard experience, we installed natural stone retaining walls, gravel beds, and large-format stepping stones on both sides of the home. These elements prevent erosion, improve drainage, and guide movement while maintaining visual consistency with the backyard materials. It’s a practical solution executed with refined style.
Top-Notch Construction Team
Every phase of the build was executed with an unwavering attention to detail, from the pool structure and expertly laid travertine decking to the custom masonry and seamless porcelain finishes. Our team managed all plumbing, electrical, and gas integrations in-house, ensuring clean execution for features like the outdoor kitchen, firepit, and lighting. With decades of experience and a passion for building outdoor environments that last, we take pride in delivering a superior construction process—on time, on budget, and built to be enjoyed for years to come.
Materials Used
The seating walls and vertical columns throughout the project were finished with a textured natural stone splitface material, chosen for its dimension and organic character. The custom fireplace was clad in large-format natural stone veneer for a clean, monolithic look that made it feel modern yet timeless. The patio decking was finished in light ivory natural stone travertine, which offered a cool, elegant surface underfoot and perfectly balanced the surrounding greenery and stone elements.
A Complete Backyard Transformation
What was once a plain, underutilized yard is now a beautifully crafted outdoor retreat designed for comfort, style, and everyday living. The Swain Project brought together thoughtful hardscaping, functional design, and rich natural materials to create a space that feels both luxurious and livable. From the natural stone patio and custom gas fireplace to the layered landscaping, artificial turf, and drainage infrastructure beneath, every element was designed to work together. The result is a cohesive, low-maintenance backyard that looks stunning both day and night, and is built for years of enjoyment.