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The project, developed by Terra Visions, includes innovative water management features designed by R. G. Miller Engineers and Aguirre & Fields

Stonebrook Estates – a 51.4-acre, single-family residential community developed by Terra Visions, LLC in northwest Harris County – is one of three projects recognized with a Sustainability Stars Award by the West Houston Association (WHA) for sustainability efforts in land development and infrastructure in Greater West Houston.

RG. Miller Engineers designed grading, water systems and roadways for the project. The development was recognized in two categories:  Investment, for including sustainability elements in the design of a project; and Integration, for including sustainability elements in a constructed project.

Stonebrook Estates features a number of innovative water management elements, including a natural drainage system, which mimics the natural flow of water through a green landscape; engineered soils, which remove pollutants from the runoff; and curb cuts with false-back inlets, which drain stormwater into perimeter bioswales instead of traditional precast concrete storm sewer pipes.  The result is an environmentally friendly, attractive residential development that is served by a more cost-effective drainage system and meets or exceeds current floodplain management regulations.

Randy Jones, Managing Member of Terra Visions LLC, retained Steve Albert, P.E., then with Aguirre & Fields LP, for design of the natural drainage features, and R. G. Miller Engineers, Inc. for the design of the lot grading plans, potable and sanitary water systems and roadways.

Michael Bloom, P.E., who directs the Sustainability Practice at R. G. Miller Engineers, adds that “the natural drainage system, which serves about 70% of the development, reduces the site detention requirement by 24 percent,  increasing the number of lots that could be developed.”

Award recipients were honored at WHA’s Holiday/Awards Reception December 5^th.

For more information on the Sustainability Stars Program, visit the WHA website at www.westhouston.org.