Within the main feature areas, three different stone colors were used in two different sizes: Apache Brown, Apache Red and Palomino Coral in 3/4-inch screened and two to four-inch cobble.

Design
With those parameters in mind, Shuler knew she wanted to use earth graphics (creating patterns on the ground plane with hardscape elements and swathes of stone in varied colors and textures) as part of the design. She also wanted the landscape to be more three-dimensional. She envisioned massive chunks of gorgeous red sandstone from a nearby canyon to provide a third dimension. After reviewing the cost of sandstone, it was apparent that a more cost-effective alternative was needed. Recalling an article she had seen, the search began for a large block precast retaining wall system.

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Cobblestone texture blocks were stained a deep red color to match natural red sandstone indigenous to the area. Using massive, wet-cast concrete blocks ?EUR??,,????'?????<

Construction
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Installation of this project was very challenging due to the tight radii and the design of each wall being different. The landscape architect?EUR??,,????'?????<

The Southwest-inspired elements selected for this project showcase the unique design the landscape architects created for this streetscapes project.

The Outcome
In total, the project required 11,500 sq. ft. of cobblestone texture freestanding walls, stained to match the native red sandstone. This creative application showcased the versatility of the blocks and the project was honored as ?EUR??,,????'?????<

To give the project more height, the designer selected image panels made of layered wire fabrics depicting southwest images such as cacti and tortoises. These image panels were attached to the freestanding walls.

Project:
Las Vegas NDOT Freeway Landscape
Customer Name: Nevada DOT
Landscape Architect: C.F. Shuler, Inc.
Block Manufacturer: Jensen
Precast Wall Installer: Valley Crest Landscape
Project Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Year Built: 2010