Mention the word “density” to single family suburbanites who are concerned about their property values and you’re likely to spark a maelstrom of NIMBYism. This innovative housing option for the ‘burbs is a model of diplomacy. It manages to add 376 rental units to 25 acres of suburban landscape, all the while honoring the scale and history of its Hill Country setting with architecture that is completely contextual.
Herein lies a great housing choice for renters who want a suburban lifestyle, but without the maintenance and mortgage of a larger single family home. This project’s 34 low-lying buildings offer a mix of one- and two-bedroom stacked flats with private garages allowing direct access to the units. And it’s got all the amenities one would expect to find in an upscale neighborhood, including a rainwater catchment system for irrigation, a nature preserve with walking trails, a pet park, and a swimming pool with waterfalls, a spa, a cabana, an outdoor kitchen and fireplaces.
Measures were taken during construction to preserve more than 100 live oak trees on site, and indigenous landscaping shows respect for the natural environment. As suburbs across the country evolve to accommodate households of varying sizes, generations, and economic means, this is a prototype with broad applications. The overall concept is universal, but buildings can be elevated to match the aesthetics of all kinds of regional climates and architectural traditions.
Learn more about markets featured in this article: San Antonio, TX.
