Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church
Cedar Park, Texas

Master plan for a highly sustainable new compound on nearly 20 acres. The goal was to accommodate three buildings and parking in a compact footprint, leaving as much of the site as possible in its natural state. Elements planned for include:

• Siting of buildings for energy efficiency and natural ventilation
• A gathering meadow
• Shaded outdoor gathering area under large trees
• Large, sun-tempered courtyard for services and gatherings, located over a geo-positive water dome
• Picnic area
• Playground area with combination of shade and sun
• Water feature
• Nature trails through the woods and along the existing wet-weather creek
• Labyrinth
• Rainwater cistern
• Low impact stormwater strategy utilizing pervious pavement, bioswales and earthen berms
• Opening up and restoration of the overgrown, neglected wet-weather creek
• Garden area near classrooms

Client: Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church
Completed: 2001