How U-Cara Subway and Lavano are Redefining Retaining Wall Designs

Since 1972, Unilock has been helping homeowners and contractors explore new possibilities in retaining wall designs. Over the decades, we’ve celebrated many milestones, but one standout moment came in 2018 with the launch of our U-Cara® Multi-Face Wall System. This innovation opened up design flexibility like never before, making it easier to combine different textures, colors, and fascia panel configurations for retaining walls and other vertical features.

Building on that momentum, we’ve expanded our product line to introduce two new fascia panels: Subway and Lavano. In this article, we’ll share the inspiration behind these new panels, what projects they’re best suited for, and how they can be used to elevate your next outdoor design.

U-Cara Subway: Sleek, Modern, and Architecturally Inspired

Let’s start with the U-Cara Subway panel, which takes its inspiration from the clean, rectilinear look of classic subway tiles. This results in a polished, contemporary look that blends seamlessly into minimalist landscapes and modern architecture. Its subtle three-dimensional texture brings depth and dimension to outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, garden walls, and more. As the sun sets, the surface comes alive under landscape lighting, with dramatic shadows that accentuate its crisp, linear form.

U-Cara Lavano: Textured Elegance Inspired by Nature

If you’re after something softer, Lavano offers a natural, textured look for retaining wall designs. Its surface is inspired by the natural movement of wind-swept sand, subtly echoing the contoured grains of wood while connecting seamlessly with biophilic-inspired spaces. Ideal for garden walls, fire pits, water features, and more, Lavano adds warmth and sophistication to both contemporary and traditional homes.

How to Integrate U-Cara Subway or Lavano into Your Designs

Whether you’re drawn to Subway, Lavano, or one of our other U-Cara textures, here are a few creative ways to incorporate them into your outdoor designs.

• Mix Textures: Combine Subway or Lavano with any of our existing fascias, including Smooth, Umbriano®, or Series™, to create custom vertical features.
• Play with Contrast: Choose a panel color that stands out to make your wall visually striking.
• Highlight at Night: Incorporate landscape lighting to emphasize the panels’ textures and create dynamic shadows after dark.
• Add Accents: Use panels as accent bands in larger U-Cara wall features, like outdoor kitchens or fire pits, for added depth and interest.

 With U-Cara, the design possibilities are virtually limitless. A great place to start is our how-to build with U-Cara blog, which offers practical design tips and guidance for creating walls, fire pits, and other vertical elements. From there, you can start crafting outdoor features that can serve as striking focal points or blend seamlessly with your home’s architecture.

If you’re looking for further design inspiration, explore our Dream Gallery or pick up a copy of our Catalog of Dreams to find products and real-world projects. When you’re ready to make your own ideas a reality, fill out our Find a Contractor form to connect with a trusted local expert who can provide a free estimate and guide you through professional installation and design best practices.