If there’s one thing the Houston community loves, it’s a well-thought-through outdoor space, and the newly unveiled Camden Park is just that.
Located in Houston’s Westchase District, the 3.4-acre parcel of land is described as a “destination park.” Which makes sense given the numerous amenities you can find while roaming around the space, including an activity lawn, children’s play space, performance pavilion, and fitness area. Camden Park goes beyond just a traditional outdoor recreational area; park staff is dedicated to curating special programming that enhances social opportunities amongst park-goers. This looks like movie nights, art and music performances, and more for park-goers.
Working closely with general contractor DL Meacham, landscape architect OJB, and architecture group Natalye Appel Architects, this project was one of the largest and most complex we’ve ever undertaken. To give an example of the scale, 200 tons of metal were required to fabricate 20-30 distinct items within the park.
Our team’s expertise touched nearly every aspect of the park’s unique structures. Two central buildings, the pavilion (which houses the Sunday Press café) and the porch structure, showcase our skill in structural steel fabrication and installation. For longevity, a high-performance paint with a custom Corten color was applied to the pavilion, ensuring its color for years to come. These buildings feature overlapping staircases, shade canopies, custom perforation cladding, durable Ipe wood decking and steps, and stainless steel handrails.
Several standout features highlight our ability to translate complex designs into reality:
- The Hummingbird Structure: A one-of-a-kind piece, its design was developed in collaboration with OJB. Inspired by the anatomy of actual hummingbirds and airplane structural principles, our team engineered this unique focal point. It features a galvanized carbon steel frame clad in Accoya wood pieces, stained in 10 different colors. Precision cutting of the components was achieved using CNC machinery.
- Custom Swings: We engineered these unique swings in their entirety. The swings feature robust Corten steel frames and Ipe wood cladding.
- Intricate Fencing: Miles of custom, curved Corten steel fencing sit along the children’s play area and dog park. The material features custom perforations, which required seven months of lead time to fully develop.
- Detailed Furnishings: Throughout the park, seven custom Ipe benches in unique shapes were crafted using CNC routing. We also fabricated Corten steel guardrails installed without welding. Instead, we placed individual panels, with each panel being installed, anchored into the ground, and boarded together. Stainless steel handrails, custom Corten steel curbs, and wheel stops clad the park’s performance stage.
From initial drawings and engineering challenges to the final installation, our comprehensive services were key to realizing the vision for Camden Park, creating a vibrant space for the Houston community.
Who: DL Meacham, OJB, Natalye Appel Architects, Westchase District
What: Park Structures, Custom Fabrication, Site Furnishings
Where: Houston, TX
How: Design Consulting, Engineering, Fabrication, Installation
Renfrow+Co PM: Sai Pasupuleti
