Private cabins and public gathering spaces line the edge of the glade, creating a place to connect with the outdoors and with one another.
Birch Creek Eco-Retreat invites visitors to reconnect with nature in the Brazos River Watershed near Somerville Lake, adjacent to a Texas State Park. Situated on 211 acres, the site has a history of cattle grazing and underground oil pipelines, yet retains remarkable natural features—open meadows, dense woodlands, and a winding stretch of Birch Creek along its northwest edge.
The retreat was envisioned as a peaceful escape from city life—where guests can enjoy outdoor recreation, community, and sustainable living. Design priorities include fresh air, natural materials, high indoor air quality, and alignment with the sun’s rhythms.
The chosen site, known as “The Glade,” features mature trees, an untouched meadow, and seclusion that creates a true sense of retreat. At its heart stands the Lodge, a hub for gathering with a spacious living area, screened porch, and an open deck overlooking the Glade—encouraging connection and camaraderie.
Set at the edge of the floodplain, the Pool + Pavilion provide shaded space for swimming, picnics, and barbecues, while serving as the trailhead for hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and skeet shooting.
The Cabins reinterpret the camping experience. A large screened porch offers secure, outdoor sleeping, while glass-lined interiors maintain a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. Upstairs sleeping lofts nestled in the trees evoke the feeling of a cozy treehouse.
The Eco-Retreat is the first phase of a larger Master Plan that includes a sustainable farm, healthy pastures for grass-fed cattle, skeet range, and hunting outpost.
Strong building science to inhibit mold and reduce VOCs
Architecture: Comeaux Architects
Civil: Gessner Engineering
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