New Communities

NEW COMMUNITY PLANNING & DESIGN

ON THE COVER: BRIAR CHAPEL COMMUNITY / CHATHAM COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

PHILOSOPHY & OVERVIEW The name Surface 678 reflects what we do and where we practice.

Surface is the means by which we perceive landscape and beauty and function. Surface is also the field of action where we apply our craft to create places that serve the needs of the user, provide for social interaction, and reflect and enhance a site’s natural and built composition.

678 corresponds with horticultural zones, 6, 7, and 8; the primary regions of our work.

Our philosophy is derived from experience both in imaginative conceptual design and in practical built work.

This experience tells us that successful new communities require achievements in excellence at all scales. From our studio in downtown Durham, we advocate for the artful creation and transformation of places for people that integrate a site’s ecology and architecture into legible and functional urban design.

We believe that this requires an excellence in design and planning that can only be achieved through open, honest, and positive design collaboration among the vested players. The collective intelligence derived from this communication presents itself as an aesthetically satisfying and meaningful integration of architecture, landscape, and community.

NEW COMMUNITY MASTER PLANS New Communities are ground-up developments on land that either has or has not been previously developed.

There are any number of social and ecological responsibilities with either and we are skilled at balancing those needs with our clients programmatic desires. We view these challenges as opportunities to create unique, vibrant, and real places of character and distinction.

The plans themselves are often comprised of both sitewide elements and more focused prioritized projects.

They should address regional connectivity, access, applicable transit, land-use, landscape, environmental considerations, and any necessary sustainable infrastructure needed to support the projected future development.

We are committed to design, horticulture and technical excellence in the planning of new communities. Our familiarity and comfort with multi-disciplinary design projects brings a unique strength and perspective to our work. As stewards of the site, we coordinate all disciplines that influence the site to generate the best possible outcome for all the stakeholders.

We provide the professional services in all phases of physical planning and site design from preliminary feasibility analysis, permitting and approval processes, conceptual design through construction documentation and construction administration.

Starting in the right place is probably the most important factor throughout this process and Surface 678 is a leader in what we call New Community Master Plans.

These plans first look at a place as it exists and through a series of surveys, spatial mapping, interviews develop a synthesis that stands as the foundation for a future design. A New Community Master Plan should also outline goals, objectives, and planning principles to guide the development process.

ETOWAH VILLAGE Cherokee County, Georgia Master Planning Completed 2011 (Phase I) Surface 678 was responsible for the design of the entry sequence design for 1,362-acre mixed-use community, connecting residential and commercial component of master plan through a context-sensitive design treatment of the recreation, common green spaces and forest and river edge.

The master plan for Etowah Village responds and is informed by an extensive study of the natural topography, hydrology, cultural context and history. The study of the site located the prime forests and signature trees for preservation and forest management. The concept of Etowah Village is that of a community which rests in the forest and hills. The Master plan embraces the design philosophy of revealing the site as the community’s greatest amenity. Surface 678 planned the community entry, a winding country road, to set the tone for experiencing the landscape and village. At the village core, vehicular movement is designed to integrate the pedestrian scale and speed of the mixed use center. The village core will be the community’s commercial and social hub. The recreational components of the site such as the Glade, a managed meadow, will double as environmental education and interpretation areas. The Glade will be the community’s cultural gathering space and natural gateway to the Etowah River. The design of the community will use sustainable practices included stormwater management and bio-retention, especially near sensitive riparian areas. Other sustainable practices include topsoil reuse and mulch and stone saved from high density development areas. The landscape plantings are design to feature native and drought tolerant plantings.

LEGEND EXISTING OPEN SPACE FUTURE OPEN SPACE

BRIAR CHAPEL COMMUNITY OPEN SPACE PLAN Chatham County, North Carolina Master Planning/Open Space Plan Ongoing Chapel Hill’s largest green-built master planned new-home community, Briar Chapel will be a 1,500 acre community with schools, shopping, arts, recreation facilities and a special focus on nature. A total of 900 acres will be dedicated to open green space.

NATURE TRAIL EXISTING BIKE TRAIL OFF ROAD PAVED TRAIL

FACILITY #6 ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND 29,740 SF / .68 AC

FACILITY #5 BRIAR COMMONS 50,530 SF / 1.16 AC

FACILITY #1 INFO CENTER: POOL / CLUB HOUSE 133,400 SF / 3.06 AC

FACILITY #7 ‘MEWS’ CONNECTION 11,075 SF / .25 AC HISTORIC PRESERVATION SITE FACILITY #3 TRIANGLE PARK 2 18,710 SF / .43 AC

FACILITY #2 TRIANGLE PARK 1 9,759 SF / .22 AC

PHASE 6 GREEN

FACILITY #4 DOG PARK 15,890 SF / .37 AC

Surface 678 is working with Newland Communities to develop a master plan for open space, trails and pedestrian circulation. Site design work includes neighborhood parks, community parks, dog parks, trails, community entry design, roadways and streetscape.

FUTURE BRIDGE

MIDDLE SCHOOL MULTI-PURPOSE FIELD; SOFTBALL

PARK WITH HISTORIC FENCE

10,000 SF RETAIL

BOARDWALK TOBACCO BARN / CEMETERY WOODS CHARTER SCHOOL

CIVIC / INSTITUTIONAL SITE

COMMUNITY PARK

COMMUNITY PARK

Existing Open Space Facility Plan Briar Chapel Masterplan Chatham County, North Carolina

TRADITIONS AMENITY CENTER

Surface 678 was engaged to produce a master plan for a mixed use development in Wake Forest which was to be thought of as an Amenity center. Our creative approach combined temporary sales center, swim center, play area/ village green, parking, small private school, (2) day care facilities, medical and/or professional offices and small retail parcel with artfully designed parking, streetscape and pedestrian opportunities.

NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTION

Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC Master Planning Completed 2009 REC

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The project site is approximately nestled among adjacent neighborhoods, this 18.66 acre site was meant to serve not only the town-homes on the property, but the surrounding community. It was therefore conceived and designed as a neighborhood meeting place and amenity for local access to dining, shopping, and work.

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NEW COMMUNITY DESIGN Thoughtful Master Planning allows for opportunities to create wonderful design. Distinctive and memorable places often blend function with a celebration of the site as a unique place.

We think it is possible - and desirable – to extend architectural themes outward, creating a seamless transition. We use visually exciting landscape forms and share materials and colors with the architecture in ways that express a connection with the site’s natural setting and cultural context.

Our focus on design excellence is the foundation for our leadership throughout the process. Well-reasoned opinions coupled with right-sized egos allow us to concentrate on developing the correct solution. Years of experience with high-end architecture, art, and engineering give us the knowledge and confidence to advocate for our clients and help the team achieve their desired goals.

BRIAR CHAPEL PUBLIC GREEN Chapel Hill, NC Site Design/ Recreational Amenities Ongoing Chapel Hill’s largest green-built master planned new-home community, Briar Chapel will be a 1,500 acre community with schools, shopping, arts, recreation facilities and a special focus on nature. More than 900-acres will be preserved and each neighborhood will have open space within a 5-10 minute walk. Surface 678 is working with Newland Communities on the development of open spaces, streetscapes and the overall aesthetics of the community, with emphasis on nature, sustainability and community. Recreational facilities built so far include a Dog Park, Adventure Playground, Briar Patch Community Garden, Briar Commons Central Greenspace, and Triangle Neighborhood Park, with 12 more neighborhood parks included in the overall master plan.

CASCADES VERDAE CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY Greenville, SC Site Design Ongoing Surface 678 created a unified landscape for a new 40-acre wooded continuing care retirement community. A multitiered, stone entry water feature and lush landscape introduce residents and visitors to The Cascades. This entry opens up to the heart of the community, the Great Lawn.

A grand open space framed by an allée of trees, the Great Lawn provides a place for social gathering and serves as the foreground to the Georgian Clubhouse. From an outdoor terrace, patrons enjoy the view of a second waterfall feature spilling into the pond below. Greenways linking residences to the Great Lawn, community sidewalks and a woodland trail make this truly a “walkable community”.

The Health Services Center features four gardens for residents, designed with a comfortable “backyard feel”.

An existing mature forest of pines and deciduous trees is preserved along the stream at the edge of The Cascades and in various areas throughout the development.

The preservation of an existing 50-year old specimen oak tree near the Clubhouse provides a second focal point from the dining terrace and complements the view of the waterfall. Native plant and tree species are used throughout the community that reflect the local South Carolina surroundings.

FRANKLIN GROVE Chapel Hill, North Carolina Site Design Surface 678 was asked to provide a unified and custom image for streetscape, entrances, recreational spaces and pedestrian spaces within a townhome community.

The project fronts the Town’s main street (Franklin Street) with a park-like grove of mature oak trees and open lawn areas. A low stone wall at the site perimeter recalls those traditionally found along Franklin Street mansions and the University of North Carolina campus. The idea of “front door” is further reinforced by a pedestrian gateway located at a remnant drive with new stone walls and custom metal gate depicting a handcrafted, woodland theme. Recreational amenities include a system of woodland walkways, bird watching areas and a sunken lawn with a sitting trellis and boccie court. The lawn is described at its edges by stone walls, informal rockwork and plantings that create its garden quality while also functioning

THE CEDARS OF CHAPEL HILL CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY Chapel Hill, North Carolina Site Design Completed 2005 Surface 678 provided a garden designed for Alzheimer patients with a residential garden character. The enclosed garden provides a safe environment for patients to be in the landscape with interest, color, passages and circuit pathways. Rich materials and plantings provide opportunities for mental focus and attention.

Comfortable furnishings provide places where visitors and patients can be together in an outdoor garden.

OPEN SPACE AMENITY “Open Space” as a general term can be defined as a sliding scale of user density from wilderness parks with few visitors per acre to extensive greenways like the Tobacco Trail in Durham, NC, to the more urban River Walk in San Antonio, to Bryant Park or even the hardscaped Paley Park in New York City. There are any number of theories that attempt to explain why open space is an important and valued, but whether it is an innate, spiritual, or pragmatic attraction, there is little doubt that it adds richness and vitality to a community.

We therefore look to the open space in our New Communities to complete the composition of a truly “walkable community”. These places thrive from a knitted network together of open space, continuous campus walkways, residential sidewalks, garden paths and recreation trails. Pedestrian connectivity encourages outdoor physical and social activity by safely linking various neighborhoods and community facilities. Simple sitting spaces and recreational amenities provide healthful social and living environments.

The orchestration of these events, where they find themselves in the landscape, how they relate to each other, the architecture, the vehicular circulation, the programed urban elements (cafes, shops, civic centers), is as important as their careful design and construction.

HERITAGE PARK AT WHALEHEAD CLUB Corolla Village, North Carolina Site Design Under Design KEY FEATURES: NC Coastal Region Kayaking, Fishing, Boat Launch Open Space Park planning and programming The prestigious Whalehead Club has been a dominant attraction to Corolla visitors since it was renovated and opened to the public in 2002. As part of the Currituck Heritage Park, the Whalehead Club serves as a northern Outer Banks icon, and a living testament to Corolla and Duck’s heyday as a secluded oceanfront retreat for the country’s wealthy hunters and conservationists.

A new Master Plan for the Park is being developed with the vision of creating a more dynamic, self-sustaining, and expansive Park programming agenda. Surface 678 is working with Clearscapes and the design team to develop such a park plan that celebrates the unique sense of place through the preservation of cultural heritage, physical and natural resources and engages both visitors and residents of Corolla.

Existing key attractions of the 39-acre park are the Whalehead Club, Boat House, Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education, and pedestrian bridge. Programming includes tours, exhibits, educational events, kayaking, fishing, crabbing, and recreational opportunities in various open spaces. The Park plan addresses many vehicular and pedestrian issues, open space programming, connectivity, and landscaping. The relocation of the Boat Launch will allow increased usage of open space and opportunities for wayfinding and historical expansion.

MIDDLE BOLIN CREEK GREENWAY Chapel Hill, North Carolina Site Design/Work

For the town of Chapel Hill, which has long espoused the need for ample green space within the town boundaries, Surface 678 created a .8- mile streamside greenway/bicycle trail. The project is a key leg of the Town-wide greenway system. The trail is aligned to minimize clearing of existing woodlands and streamside buffers, and disturbance to existing drainageways and wetlands. Trail and design of bridge structures were coordinated to conform to criteria established by an HEC-2 flood model, the Town’s Tree Protection Ordinance and the stormwater runoff and hydrological regulations for development within the Resource Conservation District.

BARTLEY PARK MASTER PLAN Cary, North Carolina Master Planning, Site Design

Surface 678 has developed a master plan and Phase I construction documents for a 50-acre multi-use recreational park with a focus on passive recreation, ecological study and reinterpretation of a historic rural farmstead. The siting of park recreational uses is in direct response to the natural and historic features of the park, which include mature woodland, remnant orchard, open fields, a farm pond and an 1840’s farmhouse. The park’s recreation features are original, arranged along a low ridge and connected by a spine road and a network of trails. At the center of the park, a community center and gymnasium building are sited adjacent to the existing farmhouse. Surrounding this core area are group picnic facilities, a two-acre dog park, a fantasy play area and multi-use athletic fields. Sustainable design techniques are used including an integrated stormwater management system throughout the park, vegetative bioswails and biobasins and constructed wetlands.

HILL STREET NEIGHBORHOOD PARK MASTER PLAN AND PHASE I Raleigh, North Carolina Completed 2012 Phase I $1,200,000 Responding to goals and priorities established throughout a five-meeting public process, the program focuses on creating passive recreation and education areas that protect the natural integrity of the 16-acre site. Environmental assessment and land use history reports conducted by consultants identified hydrology, vegetation and habitat resources that dictated areas suitable for park development. Open play areas, facilities and picnic facilities create a core area of structured recreational use. Minimizing intrusion into sensitive areas, a comprehensive trail system links each of the site’s three distinct forest communities and wetlands to the constructed park area and also creates opportunities for future greenway connections.

PEOPLE FIRST We are fierce believers in the the notion that good design happens when you are having fun. Our team of 14 landscape archtiects and urban designers are self described “land-geeks� who approach every design challenge with postitive eneregy and confidence. Dreamers with a practical notion for how to build. Builders with the heart and fearlessness to dream.

We understand that the success of any project begins with listening to our clients and setting and exceeding expecations for the work to be done. With 20 years of experience at our core and a group of dedicated designers we are capable and ready to provide high quality, imaginative landscape soltuions.

surface678.com

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215 Morris St Durham, NC 27701

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919 . 419 . 1199 tel