Project: TMC3- Helix Park
>>>The double helix shape of Helix Park on the Texas Medical Center campus includes a series of interconnected parks, each with its own identity. Camarata Masonry Systems, Ltd installed nine stone clad water features and the granite sidewalk curbs within the helix shape that extends throughout the full length of the campus along with the granite amphitheater seating and various planters.
The design of the water features varies throughout the park. For example, one has a water source forming behind a granite weir with a unique paver bottom where the elevation of the top of the pavers varies, creating a ripple effect. Another section is scallop shaped with a small water scrim at the upper area for the water source. Immediately adjacent is another feature with water cascading down a 40” change in elevation. Near the end of the helix walkway, is a 14’ diameter fountain with 56-lighted vertical waterspouts. The water exits the fountain by way of an overflow into a 75-foot long runnel feature that meanders through a 4-foot change in elevation ending in a basin accented with three cubic granite stepping-stones. It is easy to see that the design of the park is not simply for aesthetics, but just as much for interaction with the public.
Helix Park is the centerpiece of the Texas Medical Center’s (TMC) new 37-acre campus. The helix shaped green space is referred to as the “stimulative core” of the new medical research center. With the complex taking an industry lead in research, innovation and discovery, the green space is appropriately located between campus cross roads: Exploration Way and Breakthrough Way. The Helix Park provides a connection between the research and discovery elements of the campus and the public, offering some tranquil time while traveling between buildings, or just sitting outside for lunch. The unique double helix configuration weaves its’ way through the TMC campus with an open invitation to all for work, learning, leisure and entertainment. The park has nine stone clad water features within the helix shape that extend throughout the full length of the campus. The water features offer a unique design with waterside stone bench seating, pedestrian access into shallow water areas and bench seating over the top of flowing
water.
The Helix Park water features are comprised of 12,000 square feet of Charcoal Black and Iridian granite with textured and Diamond 100 finish, as supplied by Cold Spring Granite out of Cold Spring, Minnesota; along with 1,000 square feet of Saint Sebastien split face granite from the Canadian fabricator, Polycor. Water Feature 1 is 250 foot long in the double helix shape and is divided into 5 distinct sections. Each section of the water feature has a water source forming behind a granite weir. The paver bottom of the water feature is unique. While the pavers are set in a specific pattern, the finish face of them is intentionally not flush. By design, the elevation of the top of the pavers varies throughout the pattern from as little as ¼” to as much as 1 ½”. The variation in the height of the pavers creates a ripple effect in the water as it begins flowing over the weir. In order to achieve the design intent of the water flow, a sand / cement dry pack bed was screeded allowing for the desired change in elevation from one end of the water feature to the other. The pavers were then thinset with the bottoms being flush with one another; leaving the top of the pavers varying in height as needed.
The perimeter of the water feature sections is captured by wood bench seating on one side and cubic granite step / bench seating along the opposite edge. The granite step allows for easy access to get to the water level that is just below the step. Similarly, with respect to accessing the water, Water Feature 2 is scallop shaped with a small water scrim at the upper area for the water source. The water gradually falls to a hidden stone clad trench under a wood walkway; this again makes the water very inviting. Immediately adjacent is Water Feature 4, with its’ dramatic flow of cascading water down the 40” change in elevation. To add to the effect of the water feature, there are strategically placed wood benches directly above the flow of water that are surely to offer a cool resting place on a hot summer afternoon. Near the end of the helix walkway, is the 14’ diameter Water Feature 6 with its 56-lighted vertical waterspouts. The water exits the fountain by way of an overflow, dumping the water into a 75-foot long runnel feature that meanders through a 4-foot change in vertical elevation. The runnel paver bottom is made up of 3,000 2” thick Iridian granite pavers with each course stepping down ½” to achieve the drop in elevation. Additionally, the runnel is bordered at each side with a 3” thick Iridian granite sidewalk. Water Feature 7 serves as the basin for the runnel, with the water accessing through the center of a 10-foot long cubic granite bridge, by way of a stainless steel support within the center of the bridge. The lower basin is accented with three cubic granite stepping-stones, which once again invite the public to feel and appreciate the full effect of the water feature. It is easy to see that the design of these water features is not simply for aesthetics, but just as much for interaction with the public; leading to understanding the reference to this green space as the stimulative core of the campus.
Beyond the water features, there are five rows of amphitheater seating. The 267 linear feet of seating have a 3” thick granite cap with a 2” thick granite facing using Cold Spring Granite’s Rockville Beige granite. The double helix sidewalk, which extends through the entire park, is contained with 3,500 linear feet of 4” thick Charcoal Black granite curb and border. Lastly, at the entry to the Collaborative Building, there are two planters bordered with 300 linear feet of 6” thick Charcoal Black granite curbing and 155 linear feet of granite clad planter wall with a 4” thick granite coping. Between the planters are the entry steps to the building that include 230 linear feet of 6” thick Grolla Beige Italian granite with a sandblasted finish.