Project Spotlight On: Vera

Design

May 1

Written By Hannah D'Amico, PLA, SITES AP | Managing Principal

Designing for Connection & Sustainability: Learn How Vera Will Help Provide Housing in Austin

Thoughtful landscape architecture does more than complement architecture, it shapes how people experience the built environment.
At Vera, a future affordable ownership community in South Austin, the landscape will function as a living system, seamlessly integrating
stormwater management with ecological beauty and human-scale interactions.

A Layered Approach to Site Design

Every element at Vera serves multiple purposes. The enhanced plantings, including switchgrass, inland sea oats, evergreen sumac,
and american beautyberry do more than filter runoff, they help disguise structural components, soften hard edges, and create a
visually immersive experience that blurs the line between built and natural environments.

Movement Through Nature

Pedestrian bridges play a vital role in Vera’s design, acting as moments of connection where residents engage with the landscape rather
than simply passing through. The open-air pathways encourage interaction, reinforcing the project’s focus on human-scaled design
and access to nature.

Commitment to Regenerative Practices

With LEED and SITES accredited staff, the team behind Vera prioritizes long-term sustainability, crafting places that protect, restore,
and support thriving ecosystems. In Austin, the Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) program is a sustainability program that promotes
environmentally responsible design and construction. 70% of Circle V’s urban residential projects participate in AEGB, a reflection
of our commitment to creating environments where both habitat and human awareness can flourish.

By blending stormwater management, native plantings, and intentional connectivity, Vera sets a new standard for affordable housing
communities, one where sustainability, integration, and experience coexist.

Project Team