Eagle Springs is a new 2,000 acre community in the woodlands of East Houston, Texas. Originally envisioned as a traditional suburban community, the Landscape Architect was requested to depict novel urban principles, thus creating a community core. Bringing all planned elements into a master scheme preserved the environmental context and enhances the homeowner's sense of neighborhood.

Landscape Architects Role:

The Landscape Architect was responsible for all improvement components, including site planning, grading, and imaging/design elements. Example of these elements include the main entry, lakes, preserving native woodland, a visitors center, future public facilities (library and fire station), a central green, nature trails, and a recreational /sports facility.

Successful Resolution of the Project's Program:

The design approach was to create a sense of community for a new neighborhood that addressed issues of protecting the natural landscape, to developing the sense of community. The central green accomplishes this goal by creating a destination whereby residents can reach the area by foot, bike or car.

Scope:

Our scope involves taking a series of designed elements and develop a consistent master plan that illustrates to either the first time visitor or homeowner a improved sense of community. The design works on two levels:

One:

The planned physical arrangement of the components in a logical sequence demonstrates arrival, preservation, information, central green., recreation, sports and nature trails. The plan is highly amenable to existing site features, concerning wetlands. The protection of special woodlot areas were vital to maintain and manage.

Two:

The second level is the design of each element to collaborate inside the stipulations of hard and soft materials, massing, lighting and styles that would determine the quality and character of the community. Stone was used for the hardscape to help build a pastoral charm.

Project elements:

Essential components include an entrance that creates perspective with the natural environment and distinguishes this neighborhood from the existing commercial boulevard. Continuing through the entry, a visual retreat awaits with a picturesque lake and wetlands area adjacent to the visitor's center. The visitors and recreation centers shape an exclusive framework for the central green and provide a delightful pedestrian or vehicular experience for the visitor and homeowner. The central green is linked to a series of trails complementing an active neighborhood lifestyle that brings residents together. Additionally, the recreational facility provides sports and recreational activities such as softball, soccer, tennis and swimming builds community. Additional site planning allows for the inclusion of new public buildings (library and fire house) that will complement the central green.

Impact and Significance:

The development of a landscape that focuses on preserving the natural landscape and the concept of community environs is a rather unique project type in the Texas Market. As a highly successful project in a competitive market, the idea of combining new urban concepts within traditional community planning is proving that growth and experimentation in the traditional development community can be financially worthwhile.

Special or Unique Solutions to unusual problems or budgetary constraints:

Creating a uniquely livable neighborhood in what is typically known as suburbia was the greatest challenge. By designing communal areas where residents can gather and share experiences, the architect encourages interest and community.