Unity Church: Phase IIB Courtyard | Houston, Texas

Composed in a series of equilateral triangles organized in tiered areas of paving interspersed with planting beds and large shade trees to create intimate gathering areas

The courtyard at Unity Church was designed to complement the new sanctuary and implement the next phase of the master plan for the site. The slate paving extends from a large glass wall in the building interior out to the courtyard linking the spaces together. The courtyard area is composed in a series of equilateral triangles organized in tiered areas of paving interspersed with planting beds and large shade trees to create intimate gathering areas. Overhead large laminated wood beams span between stone clad concrete columns. The opening in the grid formed by the structural system has fabric shade screen and infill panels alternating with open areas to create a mix of light and shadow. The edge of the courtyard, adjacent to the primary circulation path entering the sanctuary, is defined and segregated from the pedestrian traffic by a linear fountain and weir providing a background of softly falling water. The courtyard is used for fellowship and food service in support of services and other events offered at the church and serves as refuge and calm reflection at other times.