On a challenging San Jose hillside, the homeowner needed safe access, more planting space, and a durable way to control erosion. We designed and built a terraced retaining wall system with AB Europa and integrated a paver pathway and step lighting to make the slope functional day and night.

The project unfolded across multiple tiers, beginning with excavation and soil export to establish proper setbacks and drainage. Allan Block AB Europa walls and caps created three primary terraces, with a fourth wall added later to match the homeowner’s request for additional flat area. A planned stair opening, low-voltage step lighting, and a Quarry Stone paver path in Sequoia Sandstone with a 6×9 soldier border tied each level together. Gray polymeric sand was selected to complement the paver color. Seasonal storms were mitigated with tarps and scheduling adjustments. When material inconsistencies were found in wall caps and some block units, the team worked with the supplier to swap out pallets and coordinate credits. To reduce water movement until a full drainage solution is implemented, temporary collection pits were added at the stair base to intercept flows from existing French drains—paired with a strong recommendation to hire a qualified drainage contractor to permanently tie the retaining wall drains into a comprehensive system.

The result is a stabilized, tiered landscape with improved access and nighttime safety. The walls, lighting, and paver path establish a long-term framework for planting and use—ready for a permanent drainage tie-in to complete the vision.