Editor's note: This story originally appeared Sunday, Jan. 31, exclusively in the print edition of the San Antonio Express-News. Despite the growing popularity of towering retaining walls like the one ...

Lowe Larretta is former lead editor for Forbes Home, covering all things related to home improvement and good design. She previously worked in the decor and lifestyle spaces for digital publishers ...

You’ve seen them many times along the terrain of freeways cutting through the mountains. Gabion retaining walls are very common in such areas that have ongoing drainage issues and potential collapse ...