Objective:

Design an exclusive destination resort in the heart of Texas Hill Country with mixed glamping accommodations and captivating, scenic views.

Project Goals:

Starlight Haven is an outdoor hospitality and events company with a mission to help others enjoy nature in comfort. The client envisioned an exclusive resort experience with signature experiences that included a fireside lounge, hot springs spa oasis, outdoor dining under the stars, scenic overlooks, and nature immersion zones.

Challenges We Overcame:

When asked to develop the project vision and schematic design, there were some challenges in the signature experience creation, amenity programming, marketing window, project topography, project vegetation, and the surrounding neighbors.

RVi Planning + Landscape Architecture curated signature experience opportunities based on a target buyer profile developed through research and insights provided by the client. Signature experiences were recommended based on the alignment of the client’s brand and the unique market opportunity in Texas Hill Country. Amenity programming was developed and placed to capitalize on key marketing windows, grades, and overall site circulation. Project topography and vegetation was used to nestle accommodations into the site to reduce visual impact, emphasize the breathtaking views, and create a secluded atmosphere to the resort all while lessoning impacts from the surrounding development.

Outcome:

For the 20-acre glamping resort, RVi implemented about 20 units of four accommodation types, all encompassed by a sense of exclusivity between the trees and dramatic views at the drop-off. With the client’s robust programming of signature experiences and amenities, we were able to visualize a unique environment that differentiates their resort from competitors. The overall site plan considered both short term impact opportunities and long-term considerations that aligned with Starlight Haven’s overall company brand.