​​​​​​©  S T E L L A   M A R I S   A R C H I T E C T U R E   L L C  │  2 0 2 5 

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​​THE HOMESTEAD - A MASTER PLANNED COMMUNITY
INTERSECTION OF CLEAR LAKE CITY BLVD. & MIDDLEBROOK DR.
HOUSTON, TEXAS
UNBUILT; CONCEPTUALIZATION PERIOD: 2015-2018

COLLABORATORS

Architectural                                                                                    Civil

- Stella Maris Architecture                                                                 - Hardey Group 

- Landology Landscape Architecture

​- Reem Bou Hamdan, Architect, Netherlands                                     Structural

- Kevin Shanley (retired), Mentor, SWA Landscape Architects              - RDP Structural Engineers

Research 

- Leonard Bachman, University of Houston Architecture

Visualization                                                                                    Real Estate

​- Sterling Morris, Sterling Illustration                                                 - Rick Wade, Licensed Realtor

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The Homestead is a master planning proposal for a Houston community, ideally implemented in a mixed use scenario. Its title, The Homestead, evokes the spirit and purpose of the community; the establishing of an enduring and nurturing environment ideal for the formation of the character and happiness of its citizens.  This establishing on this land will employ sustainable and integrative methods specific to Houston’s rich geographic environment and will utilize complementary planning concepts, all of which will be ordained to the psychological and material health of the community.

​SITE ANALYSIS DIAGRAMS

• 1. Circulation Typology
  

• 2. Water Table Typology
  

• 3. Flood Plain Mapping
  

• 4. Land Use Typology
  

• ​5. Soil Typology
  

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TYPICAL HOUSE ILLUSTRATIONS

• ​Illustrations are generated from detailed construction drawings as a means of representing in vision the abstract development and planning concepts; a socially and ecologically engaged community.
  

PASSIVE INTEGRATIVE STRATEGIES

• ​FLUID MAPPING
  
  • Fluid mapping is a physical simulation method utilizing water to simulate air flow through a models of plan and building sections.  This study tests building and vegetation density and spacing; and tests building sections, both individually and collectively.
    

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• BIOCLIMATIC CHART
  
  • ​​Temperature and humidity is plotted against passive and active heating and cooling methods appropriate for this climate.  Methods observed influence the building and planning design.
    

​PROGRAMMING DIAGRAMS

• ​1. Development: Integrative Development Strategies
  

• ​2. Planning: Social Unitization and Organic Sectorization 
  

• ​3. Culture: Physiological and Psychological Wellness of the Community 
  

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HEAVY TIMBER FRAMING DIAGRAMS

• Traditional Japanese methods of building construction underlie and symbolize in various ways.
  
  • The detailed and robust structural systems symbolize what the architectural concepts propose to inculcate: the spiritual strength of the residents.
    
  • Careful craftsmanship in the structural systems translate into careful craftsmanship into every detail of concept and construction.