Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

Houston, Texas

Located on a 155-acre urban site, the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center underwent a remarkable transformation into a resilient, ecologically balanced landscape. JBC Landscape Architects (JBC) collaborated with Design Workshop, Reed Hilderbrand, and the Arboretum’s staff to develop a fully integrated approach to water management and conservation.

JBC designed integrated system of planting soils, landscape drainage system, water harvesting network and irrigation system that can sustain plant life through the most catastrophic drought scenarios. This integrated system was engineered to support plant life even during extreme drought conditions, contributing to a net-zero water strategy for the Arboretum’s designed eco-zones. Key features include stormwater treatment trains and two strategically placed harvesting ponds, which now serve as the primary irrigation source for the Arboretum, showcasing advanced water reuse and conservation technologies.

This award-winning project has been recognized for its innovation and impact, receiving:

•ASLA Honor Award for Analysis & Planning

•Dezeen Award for Landscape Project

•ULI Houston Development of Distinction

•ASLA Texas Award of Excellence for Design

•ASLA Texas Project Planning Award

•Featured in the ASLA Center for Landscape Architecture’s Smart Policies for Climate Change

Collaborators:

Design Workshop