Developed by Meta Housing Corporation with YM Architects, this expansive 8-acre site provided a unique opportunity to landscape large open areas for the residents while being cost conscious. The building is arranged in a mirrored 3-sided form that created two generous courtyards. The main courtyard features a children’s play area and shaded community gathering space off the community room. Because the site required stormwater management features in the form of retention basins, we incorporated these as serpentine desert dry streambeds with rock and cobble and naturistic desert plantings. This unifying element served as a bridge between the children’s play area and the shaded community gathering space.

A secondary courtyard became a park-like space with generous oval walking paths and benches. The center space was split between a dog park and an open lawn area for passive use although large enough to kick a ball around.

Around the perimeter on two sides, large open spaces included additional retention basins, a natural walking trail through natural landscape for exercise, and a half basketball court for more recreational opportunities.