location: jarrell, tx

sector: residential

completed: 2024

client: sonwest

civil engineering: pape dawson

gc: cma

photo: john patterson

A breezy former homestead, the seven-acre Cool Water Amenity Center deftly ties together community amenities and native landscapes for residents of the fast-growing Sonterra community in Jarrell, TX. The hilltop parcel was identified as community space within the prescient initial neighborhood Master Plan. The remarkable beauty of the existing mature Oak trees and the sweeping vistas from the hilltop vantage point showcased the best natural landscape features of central Texas. To compliment the native setting, a state-of-the-art facility was envisioned by the homeowner’s association to support the growing neighborhood and larger Sonterra community. Oro Design Group was asked to unobtrusively site two recreation buildings, two distinct pools (beginners & experienced), an indoor/outdoor events space, play lawns, and an extensive pedestrian trail network throughout the pristine native Central Texas landscape.

The real start to the design process, however, began with a resident survey inventorying the recreational needs and desires of the community. A high response rate provided ample feedback to prioritize a pool and event space in addition to recreational spaces. The most consequential decision was whether the overall aesthetic would be a constructed environment of traditional, sport-centric recreation OR whether the space would respond to the native setting as a passive, nature-focused immersive experience. Ultimately the design team and stakeholders coalesced around a celebration and preservation of the natural features to differentiate this space within the broader community.

The choice to maximize preservation of the existing landscape demanded that we creatively site the built structures. The solution located compact destinations of activity, to embrace the efficiency of shared space between compatible uses. Buildings and spaces are connected by pathways through corridors of mature trees and exposed rock outcroppings characteristic of central Texas hilltop meadow.

Recent tree damage from winter storms was assessed by an arborist. The health of all site trees was considered, prioritizing the most viable candidates for long term health and identifying trees with symptoms of decline. With many healthy trees at the property perimeter, facilities were set back from the road to capitalize on the natural buffers. To promote walking within the community, the main pool facility was deliberately separated from vehicular parking. In lieu, equidistant accessible pathways connect the pool complex to each property edge, giving no advantage to driving from home to pool.

Connected to the surrounding neighborhood by trails and sidewalks, a collection of maintained open lawns surrounds the built facilities. The lawns host cornhole tournaments and planned holiday events such next year’s easter egg hunt.  Spread throughout, the charcoal bbq grills and picnic tables are used for large annual events like the Sonterra Family Overnight Campout and smaller, weekend neighborhood meetups. 

Extensive solar and climate studies were conducted during the design phase to guide the optimal building form and orientation. The final design responds to the raised location, embracing passive heating and cooling of southerly summer breezes and the low winter sun.

The 2,046sf administration building has office space for recreation staff, pool technicians, recreation assistants, lifeguards, pool managers and cashiers. Storage space allows furniture to be stored seasonally and protects any special use equipment.

The 1943sf Flex Building features a game room outfitted with a robust audio-visual package. Designed for all ages, the gaming lounge includes billiards, foosball, air hockey, shuffleboard and ping pong.  The event space is often used for celebrations ranging from baby showers to luncheons, and features a dry kitchen to support large events like Parents Night Out, Breakfast with Santa, and Senior Dance.

The swimming facilities were divided by age/skill to accommodate the unique needs of young families and aged adults. The interactive youth play pool was located near considerable shade, additional seating, and restrooms. In contrast, the adult-centric pool has varied water depths and lounge areas to allow for a range of social settings. 

The 3,960sf swimming pool supports a robust program of free swim, swimming lessons, volleyball, water aerobics, senior swim and lifeguard trainings. The shaded 1,200sf shallow aquatic playscape features interactive play for children.