The Harrison Estate

North Raleigh, NC · 2024

The Harrison Estate

Pool, spa & fire pit built on a sloped, wooded lot

The Story

The Harrison family wanted a resort-style retreat without sacrificing the mature oak canopy that made them fall in love with the property. Working with a 12-foot grade change, we designed a multi-level pool terrace that follows the natural slope — keeping every tree while carving out a private escape.

The Challenge

A steep, wooded lot with mature oaks that the homeowner insisted on preserving. Traditional excavation would have destroyed the root systems and changed the character of the property entirely.

Our Solution

We engineered retaining walls that follow the natural grade, used hand-excavation near root zones, and designed the pool shape to weave between the existing tree canopy. The result feels like the pool has always been there.

The Harrison Estate feature

14 weeks

Build Time

18×36 ft

Pool Size

Pool + Spa + Fire Pit

Features

2,400 sq ft

Total Area

Construction Timeline

From ground to glory.

01

Site Assessment

Before breaking ground, we mapped every tree, root system, and grade change across the sloped backyard. The original property featured a wooded hillside with untouched natural terrain.

Site Assessment
02

Excavation

Careful excavation around the root zones of mature oaks. Hand-digging in sensitive areas preserved the trees while carving out the pool shape on the natural slope.

Excavation
03

Steel & Plumbing

A reinforced rebar grid was tied to spec, with all plumbing runs, returns, skimmers, and drains installed. The engineering accounted for the hillside's lateral pressure.

Steel & Plumbing
04

Shotcrete Shell

Pneumatically applied shotcrete formed the structural shell. Extra thickness on the downhill wall handles the slope's hydrostatic pressure year-round.

Shotcrete Shell
05

Tile & Coping

Hand-laid waterline tile and natural stone coping give the pool a refined, organic look that blends with the wooded surroundings.

Tile & Coping
06

Hardscape & Fire Pit

Multi-level flagstone terraces, a stone fire pit, and landscape lighting transform the slope into distinct outdoor rooms — all connected by natural stone steps.

Hardscape & Fire Pit
07

Final Reveal

Pool filled, spa jets running, fire pit lit at twilight. The Harrison Estate is a true woodland retreat — every oak preserved, every detail intentional.

Final Reveal

The Transformation

Before & After

The Harrison Estate — beforeBefore
The Harrison Estate — afterAfter

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