coolhouse2010_digital03a

Produced by:Texas Solar Energy SocietyAustin Energy Green Building

Sponsors:Central MarketTexas Solar Power Company

THIS IS YOUR TICKET

Be part of the solution

[email protected] 1011 N. Lamar Blvd. Austin, TX 78703 512 476 5555 www.lighthousesolar.com

Specializing in Integrated DesignPhotovoltaics and Solar Thermal Systems

2010 Austin Cool Homes Tour

Locator Map

2010 Austin Cool Homes Tour 1

709NorthTumbleweedTr. 5

5 Reese Dr. 7

1521 Alameda Dr. 9

440 Ridgewood Dr. 11

607 Deep Eddy Ave. 13

1613 Northumberland Rd. 15

2106 East 14th St. 17

5908 Lux St. 18

2411 Devonshire Dr. 19

4229 Camacho St 21

702-BWest CrestlandDr. 22

11402-B Ptarmigan Cv. 23

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See TourGuidelines

on next page

Plan YourOwn Tour!You may visit the

homes in any orderyou wish.

2010 Austin Cool Homes Tour2

• Each visitormust have a Guidebook as a ticket or purchase a companionticket (available at tour locations), for entry to any home on the tour.

• The map provides only a general overview to assist in your personaltour planning; please read carefully the specific directions to each siteyou select. Please note,Google does not give accurate directions to 709 NTumbleweed Tr.

• You do not need to visit the homes in order. Create a route that worksbest for you.

• Look for the Cool House Tour directional signs at key intersections.

• Be sure to register at one of the sites you visit—this will put you on ourmailing list for future tour announcements.

• Rest assured we never sell our lists.

• Please respect the privacy of the generous home owners and visitthese houses only during the public tour hours: 10am-6pm

Guidelines

2010 AustinCool House Tour

Welcome to the

AUSTINCOOL HOUSETOUR 2010

We begin the Tour with gratitude to Austin Energy Green Building for its stellarrating and education program and the incredibly smart, funny and generous staff whomake the selection of the homes on the tour diverse and meaningful.The submittershave our praise and thanks for your willingness to teach our community how to“domore with less,”an idea of Buckminster Fuller’s whose time has truly come.

We are seeing the trend of remodeling and repurposing surpassing new constructionas a means to conserve resources and achieve instant renewable energy in the form ofgreater efficiency in all areas of a home.We learnof creative uses for‘old’materials,divertingthem from the landfill and putting themback into the construction site when possible.

Urban farming and chicken coops are no longer a fringe fad.They are all over theplace and in all income sectors.We see this as an awakening of the public to the pos-sibilities which exist from growing food locally, using water as the precious resourceit is, and an overall commitment to living in ways that protect the planet, save money,and ensure our human comfort and well-being.

We are delighted to share 12 gleaming examples of how your neighbors in Austin arechoosing to build, remodel and revisit their housing choices.We know the environ-mental cachet of each, and can report that the human health and financial benefitsalign to make these homes and their owner’s winners in every sense as they will tellyou themselves on June 6th.

As always,we encourage you to carpool, ride your bike and utilizemass transit wheneverpossible to lower our environmental footprint. Similarly, bringing your own refillablewater containers and filling themat our tour siteswill ensurewe host a zero-waste event.

I’ll leave youwith some enlightening quotes,authors’names omitted to protect the innocent:“ The biggest lesson learned after designing the first zero-energy house in Texas, 2004,was tokeep it simple, rely less on EcoBling© gadgets and systems,and design the home to respondto the climate.Program the project to avoid overbuilding.”

“It takes longer to complete a project like this than you anticipate.Wastemanagement takestime and planning.Nomatter where you store yourmaterials that will be recycled, theyareal-ways in thewayandyouconstantlyhave to remindpeople to separatematerials.”

“Always read the fine print on a rebate tomake sure you knowwhat does and does not qualify.”

It’s about time, it’s about changes, and it’s about time,

Natalie MarquisExecutive DirectorTexas Solar Energy Society

Dear Cool HouseTour Friends,Wehavemuch to sharewith you in the next 28pages. You’ll learn aboutthe latest in net-zeroenergy homes, howDo-It-Yourselfers didit themselves, andI’ll share some secret“lessons learned” fromthe submitters.

RefinedLife in perfect form. Looking for bathroom fixtures with a little more polish? The Bath & Kitchen Showplace carries picture perfect bath and kitchen hardware and accessories to inspire any space. Visit our showroom, where we’ll provide you with the expertise and essentials you need to create your ideal bathroom.

At The Bath & Kitchen Showplace, we’re putting the life in style.

Austin 8740 Shoal Creek Blvd.

512.454.4619 Kohler’s Margaux™ Single-Control Lavatory Faucet and Margaux™ Deck-Mount Bath Faucet Trim with Lever Handles compliments an eclectic designed interior with refreshing sophistication.

Proud partner of the Katz Builders, Inc., 1521 Alameda Project.

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2010 Austin Cool Homes Tour 3

GRANT BUILDERSPETER AND CHRISTIAN GRANT

CERA-MIX STUDIOCLAUDIA REESE

LIGHTHOUSE SOLARSTAN PIPKIN, QUENTIN KEITH

JORGE NAVARROROCKWORK512-461-9367

AUSTIN SEPTIC SUPPLYWAYNE DOLEZAL

ANN PATTERSONARCHITECT

MARY JOHNSTONLANDSCAPE DESIGN AND PLANNING

MAVERICK SOLARMAVERICK BROWN

KOSEL AIR CONDITIONINGSTEVE KOSEL 512 563-5987

THIRD COAST POOLSJOHN LEWANDOWSKI

CasAlegre


T he earth block walls, passive energy design and orientation help keep the house warm inwinter and cool in theTexas heat. It boasts 5kW of grid-tied solar panels, 20K gallons of

rainwater catchment and filtration, and two 2kWwind turbines.The 3.5-acreCasAlegre compoundis also home to Ms. Reese’s ceramics studio, Cera-Mix and includes a sculpture grotto and agarden where she grows many of her own vegetables.

• Original sitematerials reused for landscaping;cedar treesmulched for plantbedding;calicheexcavated fromthe swimmingpool site fordrivewayapproach

• 1904West Campus bungalow provided lumber for window and door trim;exposed structural beams fromaBastrop landfill;minimal constructionwaste

• House orientation benefits fromprevailing breezes;deepoverhangsminimizeheat gain; large screened-in living area shades the south elevation

• Exposed concrete slab floor and centrally located Rumford-design fireplaceprovide temperature-regulating mass; compressed earth block (CEB) con-struction insures stable interior temperatures;whole house fan at top ofstairwell pulls warm air out in hot summer months

• Solar tubes light the living room in daylight hours

• Venting plenum under metal roof reduces heat gain as a break betweenthe metal and the attic insulation

• Exterior walls constructed of compressed earth block clad in lime plaster;interiorwalls inlayedwith tile bedded inmulticolored limeplaster;all ceramictile manufactured on site; durable cast in place concrete countertops

• Energy Star® appliances

• 18 SEER heat pump for the first floor;mini-split heat pump on second floor

• Energy generated from 5.2kW grid-tied solar photovoltaic system and two2kW wind turbines

• 20,000gallonon-site rainwater catchment fordomestic useand swimmingpool• Ozone-filtration for pool eliminates the need for chlorine• Raised bed, drip line-irrigated organic garden and chicken coop


Owners: Claudia ReeseArchitect: Ann PattersonBuilder: Peter Grant and ChristianGrant of Grant Builders LLCMechanical: Kosel Air ConditioningSolar PV: Lighthouse SolarWind Power:Maverick SolarPool: Third Coast Pools

Green Features

709 NorthTumbleweedTr. • Austin Lake Hills

FEATURED TECHNOLOGYCeramist Claudia Reese’s home, CasAlegre, is both theembodiment of her craft and a model of sustainability.The home’s perimeter is constructed of compressed earthblock, which when maintained, resists mold, is fireproof,and is expected to last 400 years.

Driving Directions:Google Map route is incorrect!FromHwy 360 and FM 2244 (BeeCave Rd):west on FM 2244 3.5 mi;(R ) on Cuernavaca .5 mi,;(R ) onN.TumbleweedTr. The house is .75mi down N.TumbleweedTr.This is anarrow street with a turnaround atthe far end.Please respect neighbors’driveways and property lines.Therewill be a shuttle at the property gateto take you to the house should youprefer not to walk.

5

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installed”

www.watercache.com512-490-0932

Gutter Installation

Graywater Reuse

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S et on a wooded lot just minutes from downtown, this “rural loft” functions as both ahome and a working art studio for two nationally recognized product designers.

Good food and entertaining friends are important to them so the house was designed to revolvearound the kitchen, a bright uncluttered space with a beautiful view, open to the living areas,work areas and screened porch. The open floor plan and industrial-yet-earthy design serves asa sophisticated backdrop for their unique collection of art, artifacts and product prototypes.

Owners: Bob Lehrmitt andSharon DrinkwineArchitect: Loop DesignBuilder: Blue Horse Building & DesignMechanical: Christian BrothersSolar PV:Meridian SolarRainwater Collection:InnovativeWater Solutions

5 Reese Dr. • Sunset ValleyAustin EnergyGreen Building Rating


Driving Directions:From S.Lamar: south onWestgate Blvd. .5 mi; (R )on Jones Rd. .2 mi; (L) onReese Dr.Please park onthe right (west) side ofReese Dr.

• Large storefront windows take advantage of the private view andprovide good natural light

• Exterior walls are Flex-Crete brand non-autoclaved aerated concrete;non-elastomer stucco (exterior) and an American Clay natural earthplaster (interior) were applied directly to the block

• Flooring includes a 35% percent fly ash concrete slabwhichwas polishedand waxed and woven strand bamboo on the second floor.

• SIPS panels used for roof of main house and construction of detachedguesthouse

• High-efficiency windows are UV-rated

• Steel structures, staircase and other architectural details created on siteby local artisans

• Energy Star-rated appliances, dual-flush low-volume toilets andpoint-of-use water heaters

• Micro inverters on 3.456 kW solar energy system maximizes solarenergy collection,which supplies roughly 30% percent of home’scurrent energy needs

• Lap pool designed as a shallow ozone pool without a heater

• Rainwater collection system for irrigation designed to be expandedand adapted for potable water at a later date.

Green Features

7

FEATURED TECHNOLOGYCarefully sited and planned to take advantage ofpassive cooling, this home brings in prevailingbreezes through the huge screened porch on theeast and is protected from the sun’s heat on thewest by minimal windows and storage areas.


T he owners, designer and builder spent hours studying every component that was addedto the original 1930s home. Their intention was to create a livable, healthy, comfortable,

energy-efficient and eco-friendly environment for the family and maintain the original charm ofthe home without breaking the budget. Multiple courtyards and porches connect the family tonature and the neighborhood, but also allow privacy on a narrow urban lot.

• Urban infill renovation, close to shops, public transportation and parks

• Roof overhangs shield most windows from direct sunlight, reducingsolar heat gain; operable windows promote cross-ventilation; stairwellcreates a thermal chimney effect

• Polyurethane spray foam insulation used not just in walls and rafters,but under pier-and-beam floors

• Materials from original home found new life in other homes: kitchencabinets, tub, plumbing hardware;within the home shiplap finishedthe walls and ceiling;wood flooring reused in addition

• LED lighting used extensively; Energy Star® appliances; ceiling fansthroughout

• Non-toxic termite prevention from stainless steel mesh shields pipespenetrating the foundation

• Exhaust fans in bathrooms timed to pull out excess humidityand then shut off

• Low VOC paints and finishes

• Original landscaping saved, reducing water needs associated withestablishing a new landscape

Owners: Bryan and Juliana AzarHomeDesigner: BenMayBuilder: Katz Builders Inc.Mechanical: City MechanicalWindows and doors:Grand OpeningsInsulation:DeRuiter Insulation

Green Features

1521 Alameda Dr. • Travis Heights


Driving Directions:From S.Congress: east onE.Monroe .5mi; house ison SE corner of Alamedaand E.Monroe.

9

FEATURED TECHNOLOGYOriginal materials were saved and reused in both the oldand new parts of this home, combined with extensiveuse of state-of the-art energy-efficient Light EmittingDiode (LED) lighting.

Austin EnergyGreen Building Rating


O riginally designed and built by modernist and maverick AD Stenger, this home wasthoughtfully updated by architect Stuart Sampley to continue the unique Central Texas

modernist experience and help preserve the architect’s legacy. Like most Stenger houses, itsmodest footprint belies the inventiveness that defines the architect’s particular aesthetic and holdsso much appeal for its owners.This renovation focused on updating the interior spaces, reinforcingthe existing outdoor connections, while upgrading the thermal envelope and systems.

• Icynene® insulation used in the walls and roof to improve home’sthermal envelope; windows were replaced with Anderson® A100units containing 40% pre-consumer reclaimed wood fiber and 12 %reclaimed glass; Marvin Integrity® sliding doors contain argon gas

• Locally owned companies provide materials when possible: pre-finished hardwood flooring by Max Windsor; tile and carpet fromBrian Pousson of Flohr; custom cabinetry by Cabinets Deluxe;plumbing fixtures and appliances from KIVA®/McNairs®.

• 90% of the lighting is high efficiency; Energy Star® appliancesthroughout

• Interior surfaces painted with Sherwin Williams® no-VOC paint

• High-efficiency toilets by TOTO; low-flow fixtures by Hansgrohe.

• 1850 sq. ft. seems larger because of well defined outdoor “rooms”in the front, dining courtyard and back lawn

Owners: Brian andTamara StillmanArchitect: Stuart Sampley ArchitectBuilder: Keith Husbands,Metropolitan CustomHomesMechanical:Austin Contractor ServicesLandscaping:JohnMcNiccol LandscaperPerformance Testing:Andy Pell, 1 Earth Energy Audits

Green Features

440 Ridgewood Dr. • Rollingwood


Driving Directions:From Barton Springs Rd:west on Rollingwood Dr.1.1mi; (R ) on Ridgewood.The Rollingwood policeare serious about thespeed limit.

11

FEATURED TECHNOLOGYIn a neighborhood where scrapping modesthomes to build larger ones is the accepted norm,the owners chose to rescue and gently remodel thishomeby mid-centurymodernarchitect,ADStenger.



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15808 FM 1826Austin, TX 78737

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quality tile installation

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12

D uring the renovation, efforts weremade to incorporate green design

principles and materials whenever possible.Creative details throughout provide a modernexpression of the owners’ personalities andincorporate a comfortable and ecologicallybalanced lifestyle.

• Renovationwas limited to the existing footprint of the original 1917 home;urban infill site is close to public transit, grocery store, and public parks

• Demolition materials separated on site, removed by Texas DisposalSystems, and reborn at Garden-Ville for composting

• Long-leaf pine shiplap hiding behind sheetrock walls reused as foyerceiling and beams in master bedroom

• Windows and open floor plan permit cross-ventilation; stairs and loftwindows create solar thermal siphoning effect

• “One room width”strategy in downstairs public places allows naturaldaylight and promotes ventilation

• Thermal break and radiant barrier created by exterior walls wrapped in60-milwaterproofingmembraneand insulatedwith2”(R-13)Polyisocyanuraterigid insulation outside the studs result in a total wall R-value of R-22

• Most cabinetry and spiral staircase made from rapidly renewable Lyptus(eucalyptus);mesquite kitchen cabinets; countertops of quartz andrecycled paper; flooring of mesquite, cork, recycled glass and durabletravertine tile

• Dimmers on all recessed down lights; compact fluorescent bulbs inother fixtures except one

• 18 SEER Carrier® multi-zoned HVAC system with variable-speed motorand fan coils allow humidity control

• Interior and exterior surfaces finished in no-VOC paints,water-basedpolyurethanes and stains, and tung oil

• Loewen metal clad,wood double-glazed windows with Cardinal 366low-E glazing result in heat gain coefficient of .28

• Low-consumption, dual flush toilets; tankless water heater; rainwatercollection is in the planning stage

• Ceiling fans throughout

• Metal roof

Owners: Joseph and Amber BennettArchitect: JosephM.Bennett,AIABuilder: Joe Bennett/U-BuildItMechanical: Phillips MaintenanceSolar PV:Meridian SolarInsulation:DeRuiter Insulation

Green Features

607 Deep Eddy Ave. • Deep Eddy


Driving Directions:FromMopac:west onLake Austin Blvd. .2 miles;(R ) on Deep Eddy.

13

FEATURED TECHNOLOGYThis remodel of a 1917Craftsman-style cottagemaxi-mizes daylight and ventilation.The downstairs publicspace is one roomwide for ease of cross- ventilation andlight penetration, and the stairwell and cupola serve as athermal chimney to pull hot air up and out of the house.



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4. The rainwater collected in the Overmiller’s 1,000 gallon and 1,500 gallon BlueScope water storage tanks will be used for landscape irrigation and to fill their garden fountain. The sturdy tanks are constructed from corrugated galvanized steel and feature a leaf and debris catchment filter as well as an FDA approved interior emulsion coating.

3. The Overmillers are putting the power of the sun to work for them! With both an electricity generating photovoltaic system and a solar hot water system from Texas Solar Power Company, their family uses less, creates more and lives well.

2. The C.E.S. Smart Distribution Panel is an integrated energy management system that transparently shifts loads to the cheapest available energy source (solar, grid) and provides real-time, actionable intelligence by individual circuit breaker. From their web browser, the Overmillers can monitor and control their energy consumption, saving energy and saving money.

1. Thanks to Spray Right Insulation’s Sealection 500, the Overmiller’s attic is airtight and now part of the home’s air conditioned envelope. The benefit? A comfortable, draft-free, condensation-free, quiet environment with improved air quality and 50% lower heating & cooling costs!

212.570.2048www.C E Systems.com

1 2 4

Redding Tile Works adds luxury to the xeriscaped backyard with artistic tile treatment to the rainwater-fed fountain. 512-259-2533

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14


T he owner’s childhood home,built by her parents in 1950, was

reconstructed to suit both current and futureneeds and be as near zero-energy as possible.During construction, care was taken todecrease environmental impacts. This olderhome is amodel of energy efficient, sustainableand environmentally sensitive intention.

1613 Northumberland Rd. • Enfield

Owners:Patsy OvermillerArchitect:CraigM.Overmiller,AIABuilder:Patsy OvermillerMechanical:Epic MechanicalSolar PV:Texas Solar Power CompanyInsulation:Spray RightLandscaping:Patsy and Craig Overmiller

Driving Directions:FromMopac: east on Enfield Rd..2 mi; (L) on Hartford .2mi;(R ) on Northumberland.

• Every thought was given to reuse, reclaim and recycle.Original materialsrepurposed include: framing; crushed glass, toilets,masonry, concreteand ceramic tile as infill for new slab; brick crushed for landscaping;unused framing was ground and used as mulch; All American Recy-cling took copper plumbing, ferrous metals and aluminum windowframes; sheetrock scraps became soil stabilizers under a water fea-ture; excavated river rock was reused to form dry creek beds

• Thermal mass was created under the house using 2 inches ofwashed gravel to store excess heat; windows catch the prevailingbreeze; no windows face the west; 40”overhangs reduce solar gain;car porch serves as shade and a breezeway

• GAF® Elk Cool Roof reflects heat away from the house

• Day lighting achieved through window location, sun tunnels anda shaded “eyebrow”window in the master bath

• Rafters, walls and floor insulated with closed-cell foam; Carlislebuilding wrap provides further insulation

• All lighting from CFL or light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs;Energy Star ® appliances and HVAC

• Two 3kW grid-tied solar systems and one 2.8kW battery backup system

• Solar thermal used for hot water, interior space and to powerrefrigeration of an ammonia base pre-chiller for air conditioning;Computerized Electric Systems (CES) Smart Panel for energymanagement and load shedding

• 7,900-gallon rainwater collection system (1,000-gallon tank,1,500-gallon tank, 5,400-gallon concrete cistern); natural featuresof the site were emphasized in the landscape; original pecanorchard preserved

• 5,400-gallon water cistern hand-dug to avoid pollution fromdiesel backhoe

Green Features

15

FEATURED TECHNOLOGYThe Computerized Smart Panel (CSP)allows the owners of this home to read andregulate their electric load from off site.They can choose solar, stored or grid-tiedenergy, based on cost at that moment.



LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL A GREEN HOME?

NATHAN DOXSEY, GREEN REAL ESTATE BROKERE3 Properties, LLC www.ethreeproperties.com512 293 3266 [email protected]

With professional green building experience and over twenty years involvement in Austin’s green building community, Nathan Doxsey, Managing Broker-Owner of E3 Properties, provides unmatched green real estate services.

Six-year staff member of Austin Energy'sGreen Building Program

Builder, remodeler, real estate investor, and green building consultant

LEED Accredited Professional

Trained in Home Energy Ratings & Solar PV Design and Installation

National Association of RealtorsGREEN designee & certified EcoBroker

Central Austin residentand lifelong treehugger

A G R E E N E R R E A L E S T A T E C O M P A N Y

16


T his owner-designed and built eastside downtown home was infused with greening at everyturn. The “rustic spa” feel is complemented by antique pine floors and trim reclaimed from

the original 1913 dilapidated structure. Thoughtfully placed windows provide maximum day lighting,and the simple elegance of travertine tile, bamboo cabinets and recycled glass counters round outthe intention. A 3.7kW solar PV system; solar thermal water heater; 3,000+ gallon rainwatercollection system, and other energy-efficient systems minimize the footprint of this home.

• Overhangs provide shading in summer but are shallow enough to allowheat gain in winter

• Natural light throughhighandclerestorywindows,glassdoors front andback• Wood floors and all trim reclaimed from original 1913 structure• Recycledglass andCeasarstone®countertops,bamboocabinets,marmoleumflooring,Mexican travertineand local ceramic tile,recyclablecarpet,a recyclableGalvalume® roof;master bathwith Lumicor recycled resin shower enclosure

• 2x6 framingandsteel-framepierandbeamfoundationminimizematerialusage• Construction waste reused, reclaimed, recycled or mulched• 3.7kWsolarPVsystemandsolarthermalwaterheaterminimizegridsuppliedenergy• Wood finished with low-VOC Velvit oil; flooring secured with zero-VOCfloor adhesive; no- or low-VOC paints

• Carpeting and carpet padding are Green Label Plus-certified• 2 ton, 19 SEER variable-speed heat pump provides efficient cooling; floorplan maximizes cross ventilation; fans throughout including 60” fan on a17-foot ceiling, pull hot air up to clerestory windows

• 3,000+ gallon rainwater collection system;minimal turf grass; native andadapted low-water plants;drip irrigation lines hooked to rainwater system;separatelyplumbedwastewater linesallowforfuturegray-watersysteminstallation

• Raised vegetable beds and chickens; three-stage composting reduceslandfill waste and need for chemical fertilizers

Owners:Daniel and Nicki GlauserArchitect:Designed by ownersBuilder:Daniel GlauserMechanical:Phillips Maintenance ServiceSolar PV: Texas Solar Power CompanyInsulation: Sprayright InsulationLandscaping:Great Outdoors Design (design) andWTG Landscapes (landscape)

Green Features

2106 East 14th St. • The Eastside

Driving Directions:From I-35,go east on E.12th .9mi; (L) on Coleto;(L) on E.14th

17

FEATURED TECHNOLOGYThe owners reclaimed materials from theoriginal dilapidated 1913 structure to use intheir new home on the site.They made apoint of using recycled content and recyclablematerials, and constructionwastewas recycledor mulched for use in the landscape.



Owners: Jakob and Kathy ClarkArchitect: KRDBBuilder: Beck-Reit and SonsMechanical: Austin AirSolar PV:Meridian SolarInsulation: EMSLandscaping:Groundscapes/Michael BiechlenSmart panel: CES

5908 Lux St. • Sol Austin

T his home is one of 40 homes in the Sol Austin community.In addition to five-star green building features, 40 percent of the

units are designated affordable housing (both rental and ownership) forpeoplemaking 30 to 80 percent of the community’smedian family income(MFI).When complete, Sol Austin has the potential to be one of thefirst full net-zero-capable single-family developments in the country.

• Easy access to public transportation; joint-access driveways reducepermeable cover

• All construction waste shredded or recycled on site• Energy Gauge® software maximizes energy efficiency• Proper window placement, strategic shading and clerestoriesmean the home uses no artificial light until after dark

• High-performance thermally broken windows and 2x6 exteriorwalls insulated with spray foam seal the thermal envelope

• Sealed concrete floors, no- VOC paint; cabinets are KitchenCabinet Manufactures Association-certified

• Energy Star® appliances and 95% compact fluorescent lighting• 3.2 kW PV array provides on-site solar energy production• Net zero energy capable and projected reduction in energyconsumption over 2006 energy code by 55%

• Smart electric subpanel monitors and controls utility usage• Drought tolerant landscaping; low-flow plumbing fixtures• Community garden is designated for neighborhood food production

Green Features

Driving Directions:From I-35: east on E. 7th 2mi; (L) on Springdale .4mi;soft (R ) on Bolm .8mi (youwill cross Airport); (L) onPerry; (R) on Lux

18

FEATURED TECHNOLOGYThis home, and eventually the 39 other homes to bebuilt in this development, is“net-zero-energy-capable”.This means they have the potential, through gooddesign and solar electric power, to produce as muchenergy as they use.



A large rainwater catchment system and a rain garden are installed at this site. Visitorsare encouraged to walk around the entire Devonshire Village community and cross

over to Towbridge Circle via the construction site across the street from 2411 Devonshire(2408 Devonshire) to see custom shading devices, a home with no turf, a rainwater cisternand urban vegetable gardens covering the entire front yard (2415 Towbridge Circle).

• Grading for water retention, low-water plants, trees and grass

• Pre-built walls created less than 2 cubic feet of waste;wood scrapsreused for shading devices

• Porch and southwest-facing windows shaded with custom devices tominimize heat gain

• Public spaces designedwithwindows on three sides for greater natural light

• Closed-cell foam encloses both HVAC system and ductwork within ther-mal envelope;walls insulated with blown-in batt insulation; structuraltees insulated with Dow Chemical’s EPS

• Metal Galvalume® roofing created from over 70% recycled material

• CFLs, Energy Star® appliances and ventilation,well insulated HVAC systemand ductwork increase energy efficiency

• Solar RV pumppowers thewater flow from the 500 gallon rainwater cistern

• Dehumidistats attached to bathroom fans discourage mold and mildew;whole house sprinkler system for fire safety

• Termi-mesh, a stainless steel mesh system treated with borates threefeet above the slab is a natural termite deterrent

• High efficiency showerheads, faucets and a front-loading Energy Starwashing machine conserve water

• Centralmanifold plumbing saveswater by reducingwait time for hotwater

Owners: Jessica GuerreroDesigner: Austin Habitat for HumanityBuilder:Austin Habitat for HumanityMechanical: Expert-AirInsulation:Del Valle InsulationLandscaping: Lynn OsgoodLEED AP adviser: Richard AndersonCustom shading designer:IreneMees

Green Features

2411 Devonshire Dr. • Devonshire Village

Austin Habitat for Humanity has been building four andfive-star homes under the Austin Energy Green BuildingProgram for years. This is the first for which a Leadershipin Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating hasbeen pursued.

Driving Directions:From I-35: east on E.51st.7 mi; (L ) on Berkman .9mi;(R) onWheless .5 mi; (L) onN.Hampton Rd; quick (R)on Devonshire Dr.

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FEATURED TECHNOLOGYCustom but inexpensive exteriorwindow shading devices, createdfrom wood scraps, prevent unneces-sary solar heat gain.This increasescomfort and reduces utility bills,making the home more affordable.




T his is rated five stars in theAustin EnergyGreen Building program, has aHERS (HomeEnergyEfficiency) score of 37, meaning it consumes about one-third the energy of a new home built to

the International Energy Conservation Code (baseline of 100), or about one-quarter the energy of atypical American single-family home. It is the only home in theMueller—and one of few inTexas—toreceive the U.S. Green Building Council’s Platinum rating. Designed and built with long-term durabilityin mind, this house is extremely inexpensive to operate relative to other homes of equal size.

• Dense cluster development reduces potential commuter miles, provideshousing options away from environmentally sensitive watershed areas; smallhome footprint increases pervious cover, increasing rainwater absorption anddecreasing storm water runoff

• Post-industrial recycled steel roof;Moisture Shield© exterior trim is90% percent recycled content

• Screened porch provides shade and captures prevailing breeze; stair tower actsas solar-thermal chimney;windows carefully positioned for cross-ventilation;window size coordinated with overhangs and unique fabric shading devices

• North-facingwindowsprovide for continuousnatural daylight;maindownstairsarea’s curved ceilingplanebrings light deeper into the living room.

• Passive solar design principals, air-tight attic, and exterior rigid insulationcreate an energy efficient home

• Over next 50 years, little exterior maintenance required from masonrycomposition and pre-finished metal

• Energy efficient, high-quality fluorescent lighting supplements the naturalday lighting, consuming the 1/3 energy of typical custom home

• 3kW grid-tied solar PV• Low-VOC paints, balanced distributed air pressure, dehumidification, anddetached garage improve indoor air home

• Centrally located water heater, carefully designed manifold distributionsystem, short plumbing runs, insure water and energy conservation

• Rainwater collection compatible

Architect: Barley & Pfeiffer ArchitectsBuilder:Durrett Interests LLCMechanical: Stan’s Heating and AirSolar PV:Meridian SolarInsulation: Energy Smart ConceptsLandscaping: Elements Group

DrivingDirections:From Airport Blvd.(east of I-35): easton Zach Scott; first(L) is Camacho St.

Green Features

4229 Camacho St • Mueller

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FEATURED TECHNOLOGYAsmall, highly efficient, zoned, variable-speedHVACsystem is able to provide su-perior comfort anddehumidification for lowutility bills, in large part becausewindoworientation, sizing and sun protection areso carefully planned.



702-BWest Crestland Dr. • North Austin

T he house’s location—six miles from downtown, a back house on a single-family lot and half amile from the Crestview rail station, is its most sustainable feature.The scale and materials—

two stories designed to complement the 1954 existing house; reclaimed, renewable and recyclablematerials; efficient mini-split HVAC; native plants and a vegetable garden; local cedar on theexterior trim—are the sexier features.

• As an accessory dwelling unit, no extra utility infrastructure was needed• Efficient framing layout reduced construction waste; drywall recycledby a third party

• Sited to the north side of the lot, using a large tree for shade andfreeing up land for gardening; west and south facing sides of homeprotected by porch, roof overhangs and awnings

• Casement windows allow prevailing breezes to cool the house; operablewindows at the top of the stairs act as natural thermal chimney ventilation

• Single-room-wide design creates good natural lighting all day long• 2x6 exterior walls filled with blown-in cellulose insulation for de-creased air infiltration; in lieu of an attic, the house has a sealedroof rafter cavity, also filled with blown-in cellulose insulation

• Reclaimed materials used for exterior door, interior wood walls,some of the double-pane windows and the interior trim

• Metal roof, Hardiboard® siding, exterior trim from East Texas cedar• Optimum-value engineering advanced framing techniques reducelumber needs

• Energy Star ® appliances, LED and CFL lighting throughout• Mini split HVAC system; tankless gas water heater; Waterwise toilets• Landscaping and garden areas address the relational focus of per-maculture: the HVAC condensate line drips into the garden, com-post and chickens feed the soil; reclaimed brick and stone give formto the landscape

Green FeaturesOwners:Valerie KanakArchitect:Craig Nasso,Nasso ArchitectureBuilder:Eli Mosley, JEMDesign BuildMechanical:Jason Baker,Acme Heat & A/CInsulation:Sunbelt Insulation

Driving Directions:Just south of Hwy 183(Research Blvd.) andN.LamarFrom N.Lamar:east on W.Crestland Dr.

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FEATURED TECHNOLOGYUsing the back of a deep lot, the owner built acompact second residence inaneighborhood that haseasy access to the new Capital MetroRail system,reducing the need for an automobile and increasinghome affordability.



I nstead of the cost and waste incurred with building a new home, Brian and JenniferLasseter turned a 1981 duplex into their net-zero dream home. No longer needing any

gasoline or natural gas to run their lives is a good first step, but the Lasseter family even generatesenough electricity to power their 1400-square-foot home and highway-capable electric car.

• Interior paint is matte white with 100 square feet of mirrors; light isspread from the windows around the interior of the home

• R-38 blown insulation in attic; R-8 ductwork for effective thermal re-sistance; solar screens on the south- and west-facing windows

• All lighting is from light emitting diode (LED) bulbs; Insteon® smartaddressable light switches

• 6.56kW solar PV array; solar thermal for hot water heater

• Two-stage air-source heat pump installed in 2009, four times moreefficient than original air conditioner

• 2002 Saturn SL was gutted and turned into a plug-in, all-electricvehicle; parts are ‘off the shelf” with custom welding and customwiring; top speed is 80 mph and range is 45 miles with a two hourcharge time; the electric car was less expensive than a Prius andelectric fuel is five times cheaper than gasoline

Owners:Brian and Jennifer LasseterMechanical:All Year Heating and CoolingSolar PV:Meridian SolarSolar Thermal:Techsun SolarWater Heating SystemsElectric Vehicle:Revolt Custom Electric Vehicles

Green Features

11402-B Ptarmigan Cv. • North Austin

“Reduce, reuse, and recycle”is the mantra for this home.

Driving Directions:Near Braker & Metric Blvd.From N. Mopac:east on Braker Ln.1.5 mi ;(L) onMetric Blvd.;1st (R ) is Ptarmigan Dr.;(R) on Ptarmigan Cv.From N. Lamar Blvd:west on Braker Ln. .8 mi, (R)on Ptarmigan Dr.; (L) onPtarmigan Cv.

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FEATURED TECHNOLOGYThis home’s energy use is considered net-zero.Through solar electric power and efficiency, enoughenergy is generated to run the family’s living space aswellas their Saturn, reborn as a retrofitted electric vehicle.


Mark RollandCIC Vice President

10713 RR 620 N.Suite 424

Austin, TX 78726

I N S U R A N C E S E R V I C E S

www.legacytexasinsurance .com

ph 512-250-0433 • fax 800-709-3403cell 512-422-0531 • toll free 800-340-1319

[email protected]

2010

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