Sandhill

These 22 units (10) duplexes are sited on a busy road with a bus route. Subject to highly restrictive Wrightsville Avenue Corridor regulations, the project maximizes developer’s required density, while providing cost-effective, creative designs compatible with local development patterns.

Required open spaces, a dog-park, and retention pond become an integrated part of the site design, rather than residual, token prerequisites of a very restrictive development code. Parking areas are grouped into spaces of 10, with each groups’ stormwater runoff flowing into river-rock perforations, then flowing into gravel filters, then into a nice clean pond with happy fish and turtles.

Each structure sits within its own “square of nature” where the landscape directly next to the building is deliberately left natural. The edges next to parking pods outside these squares are treated as crisply trimmed turf so the site looks as though it always has a fresh haircut.

Required neighborhood sidewalks at the perimeter are planted with shade trees encouraging walkers to slow down and enjoy the stroll. A park for kids and one for dogs appeals to longer term, more family friendly, neighborly tenants.