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The Grande Pinnacle Award of the Natural Stone Institute is so to say the highlight among the stone association’s annual prizes. It is given to the best project across all categories. Sponsor is the Marmomac fair in Verona. We quote the project description from the award’s broschure:
Helix Park is the centerpiece of the Texas Medical Center’s (TMC) new 37-acre medical research campus. The park has nine stone-clad water features within the unique double helix configuration that extends throughout the length of the campus.
The water features are comprised of Charcoal Black and Iridian granite, textured with Diamond 100 finish; along with Saint Sebastien split-face granite. Water Feature 1 is 250′ long in the double helix shape and is divided into 5 sections. Each section of the water feature has a water source forming behind a granite weir. The unique bottom creates a ripple effect as the water begins flowing over the weir. 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.
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. Immediately adjacent, water cascades down the 40″ change in elevation in Water Feature 4.
The 14′ diameter Water Feature 6 with its 56-lighted vertical waterspouts overflows into a 75′ long runnel feature that meanders through a 4′ change in elevation. Water Feature 7 serves as the basin for the runnel, with the water entering through a stainless-steel support within the center of a 10′ long cubic granite bridge. The lower basin is accented with three cubic granite stepping-stones. Beyond the water features, there is a granite-bordered double helix sidewalk that extends through the entire park, along with granite-clad amphitheater seating, planters and stairs which contribute to the aesthetically pleasing and functional design of Helix Park.
Stone Installer: Camarata Masonry Systems Houston, Texas;
Landscape Architect: Mikyoung Kim Design Boston, Massachusetts;
Other Project Team Members: Architect: Elkus Manfredi Architects;
Stone Suppliers/Fabricators: Coldspring, Polycor, Stone Source;
Stone: Charcoal Black granite Grolla Beige limestone Iridian granite Rockville Beige granite Saint Sebastien granite.
From the TMC webpage: Helix Park is located within the world’s largest medical campus, centrally rooted in Houston, alongside healthcare’s most prominent leaders in research and patient care. It includes 37 acres of first-of-its-kind green space, its gardens offer five public parks, each approximately the size of a football field of 55,000 SF, linked in a unique double helix configuration.
With lush lawns and grassy knolls, come our beautifully rooted custom-grown trees, 1,700 to be exact. These new trees represent over 20 different unique and local species that range from 3” caliper size to 12.”
The art program at TMC Helix Park celebrates creativity in all forms. Through a curated permanent collection and a series of rotating installations, the park offers an experience that evolves and surprises over time.
We also invite artists to submit work for consideration as part of our rotating program, helping shape a collection that reflects the diversity and energy of the broader community.
