Wake Forest, NC · 2023
The Morrison Retreat
Full backyard transformation — pool, kitchen, fire pit & landscape
The Story
The Morrisons had a large, flat backyard that was mostly unused grass. They wanted the works: a freeform pool, full outdoor kitchen, stone fire pit, and professional landscaping. This was our largest residential scope — a complete backyard-to-resort conversion over 18 weeks.
The Challenge
Coordinating a project of this scale with four distinct outdoor zones — pool, kitchen, fire pit, and garden — required careful phasing to avoid rework and keep the 18-week timeline on track.
Our Solution
We built from the center out: pool shell first, then kitchen and fire pit pads simultaneously, then connected everything with a unified paver system. Landscaping came last, framing each zone with purpose.
18 weeks
Build Time
20×42 ft
Pool Size
Pool + Kitchen + Fire Pit
Features
3,800 sq ft
Total Area
Construction Timeline
From ground to glory.
Site Assessment
A large, flat backyard with nothing but grass and a fence line. The blank canvas was perfect for a full outdoor living transformation.
Excavation
The freeform pool shape was staked and excavated alongside grading for the kitchen pad, fire pit area, and future landscape beds.
Steel & Plumbing
The largest rebar grid we've built for a residential project. Dual main drains, six returns, and plumbing for the kitchen's outdoor sink were all run at this stage.
Shotcrete Shell
The freeform curves demanded skilled nozzle work. The shell includes a built-in bench, sun ledge, and a deep-end section for diving.
Tile & Coping
Natural travertine coping wraps the freeform edges, with a mosaic tile accent on the sun ledge. The organic look ties pool and landscape together.
Hardscape & Outdoor Living
Paver patio connecting pool, kitchen, and fire pit. The outdoor kitchen features a built-in grill, smoker, sink, and granite counters under a cedar pergola.
Final Reveal
Every zone complete — pool glowing at dusk, fire pit crackling, kitchen ready for a crowd. The Morrisons' blank backyard became a private resort.
The Transformation
Before & After
BeforeAfter
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