A new community where cars take a back seat

At a Glance

  • Goal

    Net Zero

  • 2K

    Acres

  • 10

    Minute Walkability

Location
Sacramento, California
Offices
Client
  • Somers West
Partners
  • HDR/Calthorpe
  • Lake Flato
  • WHA

Braden Master Planned Community

Finding a place to call home in California can be difficult given population growth, the high cost of housing, and lengthy commutes. Owner and developer Somers West is creating a sustainable community in north central California that lives lightly on the land—where work, school, amenities, entertainment, and recreational areas are within walking distance or a short ride via EV shuttle or e-bike. Somers West engaged us to provide landscape architecture design services.

Collaborating with land planner Peter Calthorpe and architect Lake Flato, we’re working to provide easier access to nature and high-quality outdoor spaces. A signature piece of the community will be the park blocks, which contain a wide median within the central commercial streets where people can gather, relax, and socialize. Transplanting mature oak trees from other parts of the property will give these spaces an extra touch of character. Together with the owner, we’re also organizing grow contracts for native trees, shrubs, grasses, and groundcovers.

With trees and plants creating green open spaces and the start of a new neighborhood ecology, this master planned community addresses some of the most pressing economic, social, and environmental challenges of our time.

At a Glance

  • Goal

    Net Zero

  • 2K

    Acres

  • 10

    Minute Walkability

Location
Sacramento, California
Offices
Client
  • Somers West
Partners
  • HDR/Calthorpe
  • Lake Flato
  • WHA

Services

Markets