The Cross Creek Ranch acreage was worn-down pasture land when Trendmaker Homes bought the ranch, located about 30 miles west of Houston. The curves of the land’s natural creek had been straightened, the grass was pounded by cattle and the property was barren, without trees. Sediment filled the creek, which no longer supported wildlife. SWA devised a plan to restore the land, make it consistent with native vegetation and make the community a showplace for sustainability and sound ecology. 3200-acre Cross Creek changes the way housing developments are designed using the environment as key inspiration and sustainable landscape as a central focus. SWA’s planning concepts created a consistent identity for the project with an internal roadway network and the expansion of an existing waterway to help organize and maintain distinct neighborhoods. The water systems provide natural filtration services for the entire ranch, cleaning wastewater for reuse in irrigation. SWA’s full green design included re-forestation, establishment of wildlife habitat, water quality enhancement, an emphasis on native species and low-maintenance planting regimens. SWA created a natural system through planning and landscape architecture that will preserve the natural environment while fostering economic and community growth.
Woodson’s Reserve
This new master-planned community challenges conventional thinking by preserving wetland areas and open space while achieving an optimal mix of housing products and amenities. A robust local economy has elevated demand for both commercial space and single-family housing. The master plan for Woodson’s Reserve targets active families and those who enjoy outdoor ...
Sands Bethworks
One of the most prominent examples of redirecting the environmental legacy of a post-industrial landscape can be traced to the south banks of the Lehigh Canal, in the city of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Comprising 1,800 acres (20 of which belong to this project) and 20 percent of Bethlehem’s total land mass is the former headquarters of Bethlehem Steel Corporatio...
3Roots
A transformed mining site in Mira Mesa, 3Roots captures San Diego’s innovative spirit, drive, and natural beauty. SWA’s work began with the master plan, including 1,800 new homes, 160,000 square feet of commercial, retail, and office spaces, a five-acre mobility hub, and over 250 acres of parks and open space. The landscape blends the region’s mining her...
Exploration Green
Golf courses are among the most water-intensive and ecologically destructive landscapes in the world. A typical 150-acre site might exhaust over 200 million gallons annually – demolishing habitat in its wake.
At Exploration Green, SWA partnered with a local water authority to transf...