COOL HOUSE TOUR 2019 Sunday, June 9 10 am – 6 pm This book is your ticket. Valid for one person.
3303 River Road
Produced by Austin Energy® Green Building & Texas Solar Energy Society Retail Sponsor Austin Habitat for Humanity ReStore
coolhousetour.com
“ Our architect sent us to a Green By Design workshop to learn about the features we could choose for our new home. We started a conversation there that helped us select our builder. Getting our team together early was the first step to a successful building process. Purrrrr … ”
WHAT IS A COOL HOUSE?
August 1 7:00 – 9:00 PM Green Planning and Design
Learn more at Green by Design Workshops
August 8 7:00 – 9:00 PM Green Materials and Landscaping
Register at: greenbuilding.austinenergy.com
August 15 7:00 – 9:00 PM Green Home Systems © 2019 Austin Energy. All rights reserved. Austin Energy and the Austin Energy logo and combinations thereof are trademarks of Austin Energy, the electric department of the City of Austin, Texas. Other names are for informational purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Welcome to the 2019 Cool House Tour It’s the Texas Solar Energy Society’s 23rd collaboration with Austin Energy Green Building. I like to remind people that this is not just a solar tour - the tour displays and documents many of the building blocks on the path to energy efficiency and the wise use of all resources. This year we again feature three remodels, a nod to the fact that most homes in any city are not new construction. Thoughtful updates to homes already in place benefit the homeowners, the city and the planet by saving construction materials and façades contributing to neighborhoods’ individual character. To paraphrase a quote from one of our architects, sometimes the greenest building is the one that exists already. We also have newly built houses featured on the tour - five modestly sized homes, ranging from 550 to 2800 square feet. All of this year’s homes feature an economy of size that proves we can live well and comfortably in smaller spaces. TOUR GUIDELINES » Each visitor must have a guidebook to enter a home » Children 12 and younger attend for free » Please note if there are special parking instructions » Avoid blocking neighbors’ driveways » Be ready to take off your shoes or wear booties provided at the homes » Please refrain from taking photos in the homes » Please respect the privacy of our generous homeowners and visit only during the public tour hours of 10 am – 6 pm on Sunday, June 9 » Share your experience on social media using #coolhousetour and the unique hashtag for each property
The tour is self-guided so you’re welcome to visit in any order. Four homes are clustered in Crestview, Allandale and North Hyde Park. Three homes in Travis Heights, Tarrytown and Oak Hill are just south of that group. Noteworthy this year is the home situated at the Travis Audubon Baker Sanctuary on the northern edge of Austin. The house, barn and education pavilion are respectful complements to the 715-acre protected wild lands. We have a savvy group of homeowners who understand the teamwork and planning needed to create a comfortable home that uses little energy. Several of the homeowners are veteran Cool House Tour goers who gained ideas and professional relationships that helped them reach their residential goals. We have some firsts this year – a shipping container supports an accessory dwelling and provides storage space for a busy family. A remodel has the first residential gray water system in Austin. The homeowner who installed the system is being honored as a Net Zero Hero by the city’s Office of Sustainability. Thank you to so many who worked on this tour and helped TXSES raise the funds to keep talking about solar energy across the state: our colleagues at Austin Energy Green Building, our photographer Leonid Furmansky, the good folks at Habitat for Humanity ReStore, the professionals who designed and constructed these projects, the TXSES board of directors, our volunteers before and during tour day, and of course the amazing homeowners who all said ‘YES’ to hundreds and hundreds of curious Austinites walking through their home on Sunday June 9. I’m sure there are more – please know that we thank you all!
Warm regards,
Lucy Stolzenburg Executive Director Texas Solar Energy Society
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LOCATOR MAP Plan your own tour! You may visit the homes in any order you wish.
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5601 McCarty Lane 510 Lockhart Drive 3303 River Road 306 E. 55th Street
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2714 Rich Creek Lane 1408 Justin Lane 5717 Louise Lane 12308 Lime Creek Road
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5601 MCCARTY LANE AUSTIN, TEXAS 78749 JM/Bennett Architects Joe Bennett 512.478.0057 jmbarchitects.com A.R. Lucas Construction Adam R. Lucas 512.801.7221 arlucasconstruction.com
McCarty Lane is narrow and parking is tight. Look for signs, drive safely and be alert when walking to the home.
Sponsors Bowne Electric Bob Bowne 512.454.5325 bowneelectric.com Wilson Plumbing Terry Wilson 512.452.8223 wilsonplumbingaustin.com Positive Energy Miguel Walker 512.462.1000 positiveenergy.pro NATiVE Solar Lloyd Lee 512.970.1401 nativesolar.com Austin Energy Program Participant 5-Star AEGB Rating Solar Photovoltaics (PV) Incentive Share Your Experience #McCartyLane
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Having owned other sustainably built homes, the homeowners chose an architect experienced with green building practices. The home’s narrow lot posed many challenges to building a one-story structure. Impervious cover and setback restrictions along with tree root zone concerns ultimately dictated a two-story house with a detached garage workshop and apartment. Designing for Austin’s climate is evident in the material and system selections. The metal roof’s orientation maximizes solar exposure for the 8.8kW solar array. Deep overhangs combined with fixed window awnings protect the interior from the summer sun while allowing direct sun exposure in the winter. Operable windows bring prevailing breezes in through the first floor and expel warmer air out via the stairwell and second floor windows. Abundant natural lighting is augmented with LED lighting that illuminates rooms in the evening, highlights the owners’ art collection and saves energy. The home’s mechanical systems include a ducted multi-split system with variable refrigerant flow (VRF) air conditioning, a whole-house dehumidifier and a mechanical ventilation system regulated by time, temperature and humidity. Aging-in-place elements and connection to nature are also featured here. Wide hallways allow for easy maneuvering throughout the house, the large downstairs shower is easily accessed and a covered ramp leads from the mud room to the garage. Native and low-water landscaping make the most of western Travis County’s thin soils and Austin’s sporadic rainfall.
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510 LOCKHART DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS 78704 Restructure Studio Carina Coel 512.645.0454 restructurestudio.com IDM Builders David Morgan 512.778.5573 idmbuilders.com
The collaboration of homeowner, architect and contractor played a major role in the success of this new house nestled on a steep hill in an historic urban neighborhood. Together the team combined creativity and standard materials to fit the budget while achieving goals of sustainability, livability and beauty. The result is a resource-wise contemporary home replacing an outdated inefficient structure. Strategic orientation, overhangs, porches and a huge preserved tree in the front yard create shade from the hot Texas summer sun. An efficient thermal envelope and HVAC system with cross-ventilation helps reduce energy use. The southwestfacing front windows have motorized solar screens to reduce heat and glare and increase privacy. Varied window sizing and placement reduce the need for daytime lighting, and 90% of interior lighting is from LED bulbs. The screened porch on the main floor and balcony on the second floor provide ample space for outdoor living. Planning included universal design features that will help the owners age in place. Curbless showers on the first floor, grab bars, lever-style door handles and wide openings ensure that the home will be comfortable long into the future.
Sponsors Silver’s Electric Silvestre Serna 512.460.9167 Lights Fantastic Bob Contos 512.452.9511 sales@lightsfantastic.com Renaissance Windows & Doors Chris Allen 512.527.3225 buildrenaissance.com Austin Energy Program Participant 5-Star AEGB Rating Power Partner Thermostat Share Your Experience #LockhartDrive
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3303 RIVER ROAD AUSTIN, TEXAS 78703 Barley|Pfeiffer Architecture Alan K. Barley, AIA and Peter L. Pfeiffer, FAIA 512.476.8580 barleypfeiffer.com Ray Tonjes Builder Ray Tonjes 512.632.3450 raytonjesbuilder.com
A typical 1960s ranch home was brought into the 21st century in both form and function while still fitting in with the surrounding old Austin neighborhood. Before and after photos of this remodeled home reveal how one dramatic exterior gesture can transform a formerly straightforward façade. Without expanding the home’s footprint, a cluster of dark and gloomy rooms with no connection to the outdoors was redesigned to create a modern and open living space complemented by comfortably sized bed, bath and work rooms. In the living room, preserved front yard trees along with a raised roof, deep overhangs and enlarged north-facing windows provide deep or dappled shade depending on the season as well as an abundance of glare-free natural daylighting. The extension of white oak from the ceiling and interior wall to the north-facing porch brings the outdoors inside. The architect and builder team also improved upon the comfort and energy efficiency of this typically built mid-century home. Their investigations revealed that the attic was colder above than in the home below, aluminum windows and doors were leaking both air and water, kitchen cabinets were open to the attic and deteriorating exterior walls had no insulation. The newly improved thermal envelope with an energy-efficient heat pump and mini-split results in a more comfortable and healthier home. The completed remodel inspired the owners to purchase an electric vehicle. With a rebate from Austin Energy, they installed a charging station in the downstairs garage.
Sponsors Steinman Luevano Structures Richard Luevano, PE 512.891.6766 x302 slstructures.com Brazos Forest Products Shane Robinson 800.777.7712 brazosfp.com Air Rite By Design Gilbert Rosipal 512.264.9990 bert@airritebydesign.com Austin Energy Program Participant 4-Star AEGB Rating Electric vehicle charging station rebate Share Your Experience #RiverRoad
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306 E. 55TH STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78751 Newcastle Homes 512.454.4600 austinnewcastlehomes.com
The owner/builder wanted to replicate the modern urban sensibilities found in the space-saving homes of European city centers. A corner city lot was portioned by a condominium agreement which allowed for a larger house on the front and this compact street-facing home on the back. An abundance of natural light and ventilation from ample windows and the creation of three outdoor living areas produce the effect of a much larger space than this home’s 1,000 sq. ft. interior. Built-in and transformable furniture with storage along with floor-to-ceiling kitchen cabinets promote clutter-free living. A central AV closet keeps equipment cool and out of the way. Overhangs, low UV glass and operable shading both inside and out protect the interior from the sun’s heat and glare. An energy efficient ducted mini-split system is the appropriate size for this small structure. Outside, a 500-gallon rainwater catchment tank designed to fit in a narrow space provides irrigation for the raised bed landscaping. Off-street parking is provided by a sliding gate in the alleyway fence, allowing an electric vehicle to slip under a deep overhang for charging. A 5.4 kW rooftop array partially offsets the home’s energy use. Voice-controlled/fully programmable/remote controlled security, audio, video, lighting and window treatments add tech-savvy sophistication to this efficient home.
Sponsors Lighthouse Solar Stan Pipkin 512.476-5555 lighthousesolartx.com Made in the Shade – Austin Lake Area Matt and Kelli Houston 512.426.0761 mitsaustin.com Texas Metal Tanks 512.565.0875 texasmetaltanks.com Pro Lawn Cut & Landscaping Mynor Alvarado 512.298.0783 prolawncut.com Austin Energy Program Participant 5-Star AEGB Rating Solar Photovoltaics (PV) Incentive Share Your Experience #55thStreet
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2714 RICHCREEK LANE AUSTIN, TEXAS 78757 Meeta Morrison Designs Meeta Morrison 512.217.3563 meetamorrisondesigns.com Timeless Construction Services John M. Davis Sr. 512.563.2969 timelessconstruction@gmail.com
The owners purchased a classic 1962 ranch style house from the original family and not a single feature had been updated in 54 years. Veteran Cool House Tour attendees since 2007, the couple had gathered many ideas for their new project. They chose their designer after seeing her remodeled home on the 2016 tour. From the beginning, the goal was to preserve the home’s best features and thereby preserve its character, save resources and reduce the project’s cost. In addition, the builder protected the original landscape with its mature trees without site disruption. Blown-in batts were added to walls; insulation was added to the attic; and the large leaky single-pane windows were replaced with thermally broken windows to provide both comfort and natural daylighting. Only a few walls were removed to provide convenient flow and direct sight lines from entry to living room to dining room and kitchen. The original cramped bathrooms were enlarged and a new laundry in the hallway replaced poorly used space from the old bathrooms and a hall closet. Eighty-five square feet from the garage was repurposed to expand the kitchen. Original doors, light fixtures and other interior pieces were reused, but new local cabinetry replaced the original kitchen cabinets. The most challenging aspect of the remodel was the removal of asbestos floors in the kitchen and den. Dealing with the dangerous material ate into the budget and necessitated an invasion of professionals in hazmat suits. The owners nevertheless kept their commitment to a green remodel and are rewarded with an efficient streamlined home equipped for modern living.
Sponsors All Year Heating and Cooling Michael Scher 512.467.2665 allyearaustin.com Stephanie Bohn Philpott Stylist and Home Staging Stephanie Bohn Philpott 214.394.4417 stephaniebohncreative.com Austin Energy Program Participant 2-Star AEGB Rating Share Your Experience #RichCreekLn
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1408 JUSTIN LANE AUSTIN, TEXAS 78757 Studio Momentum Design Build Travis G. Young, AIA 512.452.7961 studiomomentum.com
A modest 1,200 sq. ft. older home with one bathroom gets more space and a second bathroom for a family of four in a separate backyard addition. Steel piers and a reclaimed shipping container providing extra storage create the foundation for this 550 sq. ft. one-bedroom apartment/office. Both work space and comfortable place for guests, this modern abode may provide income for the family if rented and is a welcome solution to the single bathroom early morning traffic jam in the main house. The new treehouse-like dwelling is filled with natural light protected by deep overhangs and interior shades, good natural ventilation and a small mini-split HVAC system. The roof is solar ready, and a rainwater catchment system is in place for the family garden. Below the apartment, the owners charge their electric vehicle in the flexible carport/outdoor entertaining area. The owners love how this solution helped them stay in a neighborhood with its easy access to schools and shopping via a dedicated bike lane on their street.
Sponsors Floyd Crawford Steel Fabrication & Welding Floyd Crawford 512.773.7836 floydwelds@gmail.com DYC Windows and Doors Walt Williamson 210.241.7791 dycwindows.com BMC - Building Materials Ron Hickman 512.977.7434 ron.hickman@buildwithbmc.com Made in the Shade – Austin Lake Area Matt and Kelli Houston 512.426.0761 mitsaustin.com Austin Energy Program Participant 4-Star AEGB Rating Power Partner Thermostat Share Your Experience #JustinLane
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5717 LOUISE LANE AUSTIN, TEXAS 78757 Studio Steinbomer Amy Bramwell 512.479.0022 steinbomer.com
The remodeling plans for this home began in 2013 when the architect was expecting twins, the 1950s house next door went up for sale, and her parents made the decision to move from Houston to Austin. Her parents bought the house and over four years came up from Houston on the weekends to plan and ultimately rebuild the original structure into a contemporary spacious and energy-efficient home, allowing them to age with family close by. The new house was designed to be complementary in size, scale and style to the neighborhood of mostly 1950s ranch houses. The roof was raised, and a modest addition and large porch were added to the back of the home. A metal roof with ample overhangs protects the interior, and tall northeast-facing high efficiency windows allow for natural daylighting. A ground sourced geothermal system heats and cools the home, a solar thermal system heats the water, and a solar PV system offsets energy use for the home and a pool. The rainwater collection system consists of tanks storing 6,700 gallons under the outdoor porch deck, providing water for toilets, pool topoff and future vegetable garden irrigation. The gray water irrigation system is one of the first to be permitted in the city. The owner has been recognized as a Net-Zero Hero by the City of Austin’s Office of Sustainability. His perseverance while navigating the gray water system permitting process and his dedication to including sustainable systems in their home is exemplary. He is also eager to share the knowledge gained from his green building experience.
Sponsors Wilson Plumbing Terry Wilson 512.452.8223 wilsonplumbingaustin.com Innovative Water Solutions Chris Maxwell-Gaines, P.E. 512.490.0932 watercache.com The Shade Store Emily Richards 512.982.4235 theshadestore.com City of Austin Office of Sustainability Recognition Net Zero Hero Share Your Experience #LouiseLane
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12308 LIME CREEK ROAD AUSTIN, TEXAS 78641 Solluna Builders Wayne Jeansonne 512.804.2050 sollunabuilders.com Select Home Design Debra Blessman, AIBD, CPBD 512.656.8519 selecthomedesign.com Travis Audubon 512.300.2473 info@travisaudubon.org
Sponsors Biotex Foam Insulation Dan Amon 512.657.5438 biotexfoam.com Simply Metal Structures Maggie Nicol 512.718.4218 simplymetalstructures.com Lighthouse Solar Stan Pipkin 512.476.5555 lighthousesolartx.com Innovative Water Solutions Chris Maxwell-Gaines, P.E. 512.490.0932 watercache.com Austin Energy Program Participant 5-Star AEGB Rating Share Your Experience #LimeCreekRoad
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The Travis Audubon Baker Sanctuary is a 715-acre wildlife preserve, part of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve. After residing in an on-site trailer for six years, the steward and his family of four needed a comfortable home that would complement the natural habitat of the sanctuary. Only ashe juniper, persimmon and small shrubs were removed from the site to accommodate the house and maintenance barn. Passive solar orientation plus two-foot overhangs and covered porches protect against solar heat gain. A standing-seam metal roof, spray-foam insulation and low-E windows create an efficient thermal envelope. A 7.97 kW solar array reduces the demand for utility energy and a 31,078-gallon rainwater catchment system is the sole water source. This home has a HERS rating of 2 predicting near-net-zero consumption. In addition to building the steward’s house, structural improvements were made to the Jackie Arnold Pavilion which is used for educational gatherings. A 6,082-gallon rainwater catchment system was installed to provide water for the pavilion’s toilets. The entire Baker Sanctuary was designed and built in a sustainable manner to align with Travis Audubon’s mission of conserving wildlife habitat and the ecological balance of healthy, sustainable and habitable communities. The Baker Sanctuary was founded in the 1960s as the first golden-cheeked warbler preserve in the world, thirty years before the bird was listed as endangered.
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More than a Cool House Tour Visit with the Austin Energy team at 3303 River Road on tour day to learn about residential offerings focused on saving energy and preserving our natural resources . ENERGY EFFICIENCY Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® » Make “whole-home” energy efficiency improvements with the help of rebates and low-interest loans. ENERGY STAR appliances » Install ENERGY STAR appliances to earn rebates and save on energy costs while increasing home comfort. Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure (ECAD) ordinance energy audit » Learn more about the condition of your home, potential for improvements and distinctive advantage of certification. Austin Energy Green Building » Get technical support from the early planning stages of new construction or major remodels. Power$aver™ Volunteer » Receive email and text alerts reminding you to lower your electric usage during peak demand times. Power Partner℠ Thermostats » Earn a rebate for installing qualified internet-connected thermostats that use smart technology to maximize comfort. Heat Pump Water Heaters » Receive a rebate for installing a heat pump water heater in your home. Austin Energy web app » Access our free, interactive web app to monitor your energy use from anywhere and receive energy savings alerts.
RENEWABLE ENERGY GreenChoice® » Choose 100% renewable Texas wind to meet your home energy needs and reduce global climate change. Solar panels » Find clean, quiet and efficient ways of generating electricity at home by harvesting sunlight and enjoying rebates and incentives.
TECH-SAVVY SAVINGS Electric Vehicles » Protect air quality, enjoy rebates and learn about multiple area charging stations.
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savings.austinenergy.com
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UNDERWRITERS
Platinum Level
Gold Level
Texas Green Realty 512.293.3266 texasgreenrealty.com Looking for a real estate company that really knows green building? The team at Texas Green Realty brings decades of hands-on experience. We’ve been consultants for Austin Energy Green Building and in the private sector as well as general contractors of green new construction and remodeling projects. We are experts in green real estate. Let our experience help you buy or sell your next green home.
Photography of homes Leonid Furmansky LeonidFurmansky.com
Production Notes 30% PCW GREEN SEAL CERTIFIED GREEN-E CERTIFIED WINDPOWER
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