Wilcrest Park

Houston, TX 2022

Wilcrest Park is under development as part of the Westchase District Trail System open spaces and is the “big sister” to Woodchase Park (currently under construction). The 3.5 acre parcel, located on Wilcrest Drive just north of the District’s Library Loop Trail, is being designed as a new destination for outdoor recreation and entertainment in West Houston.

Partnering again with OJB, NA+AA was commissioned to design the iconic buildings to support a vibrant destination park of this size. Taking inspiration from the curvilinear landscape forms, two ovoid or egg-shape structures were developed to create the “Pavilion” and the “Porch” buildings. These organic shapes create soft, approachable structures following the pathways that guide you from one park activity to the next.

The “Pavilion” is the main gateway to the park, with an iconic flying razor-thin skateboard-like canopy that can be seen from anywhere in the park. The stage below opens onto a great 18,000SF central lawn, making it an ideal spot for performances and exercise classes. The opening within the canopy, or the “Occulus”, frames the sky and creates a wonderful space for contemplation. Hinging off of the Pavilion canopy is an enclosed structure that houses restrooms and a restaurant.

The “Porch” building gets its name from the multilevel outdoor seating areas providing shaded views to all sides of the park. It is centrally located and connects the playground with the great lawn. The two main porch spaces sit beneath another razor-thin canopy; one at ground level within the playground (ideal for caregivers watching their children, and for activities such as reading, arts + crafts, birthday parties etc.); the other at roof level, accessed by the grand staircase at the lawn. The staircase also provides an opportunity for raised stadium seating to view performances at the Pavilion. The roof top porch is connected to the children’s adventure path, which is a series of ramps and play activities. The Porch building contains family restrooms/changing rooms, handwash and footwash stations, water fountains and bottle fillers.

Landscape Architect: OJB Landscape Architecture

Renderings: OJB Landscape Architecture