Summerlin

Situated at the highest elevation in Summerlin, the western edge of Summerlin fully embraces its extraordinary setting. Offering panoramic views of the La Madre Mountain Wilderness, the design approach recognizes the land itself as the story, with its natural attributes serving as both inspiration and framework for the open space system. Parks, trails, and streetscapes weave the context of the region into everyday life, giving residents a taste of the outdoor adventures that await beyond Summerlin’s edge.

A system of naturalized trails for walking and biking promote community-wide connectivity and reflect the extensive mountain biking opportunities on Bureau of Land Management lands, particularly within the Cottonwood Valley Trail System and the Red Rock Canyon National Conservancy Area. Neighborhood parks feature placemaking and programming elements, such as rock climbing walls and stargazing shade structures, that create a sense of exploration and wonder. These design elements foster a meaningful relationship between the built environment and surrounding desert–celebrating the land as both a recreational amenity and expression of Summerlin’s identity.

The Mojave Desert is a harsh and unforgiving environment, defined by extreme temperatures, minimal rainfall, and limited natural shade. Yet, the Howard Hughes team required a comfortable, livable outdoor environment where residents could take advantage of the open space network year-round. In a region where water is among the most valuable resources, integrating lush landscapes came with the challenge of minimizing irrigation demand without compromising quality or experience. Working with the Southern Nevada Water Authority’s strict guidelines, we embraced the opportunity to push the standards even further.

Turf is used sparingly and intentionally, only in places where it added clear recreational or experiential value. Elsewhere, a robust palette of desert-adapted, drought-tolerant grasses, shrubs, and flowering plants brought texture, seasonal interest, and resilience to the landscape. Layered, dense plantings reflected the complexity of the region’s ecology while shade trees were prioritized throughout the community to cool spaces, soften the built environment, and create inviting outdoor experiences that encourage daily engagement with nature.