State of Oklahoma OMES Kerr Building Courtyard

This existing space had fallen into disrepair and was underutilized. The renovation goal was to provide an inviting, peaceful outdoor oasis for the building’s tenants and guests to eat, relax or enjoy nature in an otherwise urban setting. Furthermore, the site had substantial accessibility and stormwater challenges that required thoughtful and creative solutions to unite courtyard improvements with the existing adjacent structures.

The courtyard’s design focused on sustainability through the use of native material selections. We chose a wide variety of native perennials, evergreens, and deciduous plants to provide year-round interest, beauty, and education. Sustainable benefits include natural stormwater filtration, minimal water requirements, and modest maintenance resulting in lower life cycle costs. The use of architectural concrete paving throughout the courtyard echoes the historical slate floors inside the building, providing continuity between the interior and exterior.