Cool House Tour 2011 by Cathy Klein

COOL H

011 2 R U O OUSE T

STO R E PLUS $2

FEE

SUNDAY H JUNE 5T PM 10AM –,6T E X A S AUSTIN

icket T r u o Y T h i s I iDsF O R O N E P E R S O N VA L

PRODUCED BY:

DEAR COOL HOUSE TOUR FRIENDS,

“Environmental spending is deficit

Thank you for joining us for the 15th Cool House Tour. It

spending against future generations

was incredibly hard to choose just 16 homes to feature, which is a testament to how far green building has come in the last four

as long as we have a short-term view, not beyond our own generation, of the

or five years.

value and consequences of such ex-

We know these homes

penditures. What will our children’s

will delight and inspire you. Enjoy the tour, ask as many questions as you want, and have fun.

children say, in one sentence, about our consumption of fossil fuels?”

Cool House Tour day is

— B O B BY K E N N E DY, J R .

one way to see some of the coolest, most innovative and interesting homes in Austin and Round Rock. We hope you find at least one helpful morsel at each site,

GUIDELINES

whether it be a contractor’s business card, a new product or an unusual use for an otherwise landfill-bound item. Austin Energy Green Building, our co-producer for this event, is celebrating 20 years of educating the public, making connections among building professionals and the community they serve, and demonstrating there is money to be made and saved by building and living sustainably. Texas Solar Energy Society is honored to partner with this award-winning program. If you have any suggestions for us for next year’s tour, we want to hear from you. This is your tour, and we want it to keep our city wonderfully weird and very cool. Best regards,

Natalie and the TXSES team solar@txses.org www.txses.org

• Each visitor must have a guidebook or companion ticket to enter a home on the tour. • The map is meant to be a general overview. Read specific directions carefully for each site you choose and look for the Cool House Tour signs at intersections. • Please respect the privacy of our generous homeowners and visit only during the public tour hours: 10:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m. • New on the tour: You will find QR codes, like the one to the right, throughout this guidebook and at the homes. If you have a smart phone, you can download an app (we like BeeTagg) that will let you scan the codes. The codes will help you learn more about green features of the homes. Follow these instructions to get on board: • Download a QR code reader. (For BeeTagg, visit: http://get.beetagg.com) • Start the reader.

Photography of homes by Andrew Pogue Photography

• Point your mobile camera at the QR code and shoot!

Photography of home on page 35 by Adam Glick Photography Printing by Aus-Tex Printing and Mailing

2011 Austin Cool House Tour

A BETTER WORLD FOR HER Clean, Reliable, Abundant Energy A solar array generates more than clean energy. A new solar system is a smart investment in a renewable future!

Austin, Texas

www.TXSPC.com

Round Rock

Locator Map 7 page 9 page 11 page 13 page 15 page 17 page 19 page 20 page 21 page 23 page 25 page 27 page 29 page 31 page 33 page 35 page

1804 Johnson Way, 78681 45

4700 Hilwin Circle, 78756 4509 Avenue A, 78751 3102-B West Avenue, 78705 3408 Werner, 78722 1601 East 11th Street, 78702 2213 Willow Street, 78702 640 Tillery, 78702

Plan Your Own Tour! You may visit the homes in any order you wish.

2604 Stratford Drive, 78746 6911 Villita Avenida, 78741 707 Milton, 78704 1804-B West 6th Street, 78703 402 Vale Street, 78746 2222

8306 Longview Road, 78745

6316 Thomas Springs Road, 78736

p11 p13

11223 Longbranch Drive, 78736

West Lake Hills

p21 & p29

p33

p27

Austin

p25

p15 p17 p20 p19 p23

p35 Sunset Valley

p31 2011 Austin Cool House Tour

The first Austin Energy Green Building rated home in Round Rock

1804 Johnson Way

earned five stars. The owners never lost their vision, nor abandoned

ROUND ROCK 78681

their dream of a perfectly-sized, renewably-powered and energy-efficient home in a sea of brick facades and black roofs. A classroom for the

Austin Energy Green Building Rating

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community, the owners track their energy use and blog about the results.

Scan here to learn more about indoor air quality.

Green Features: • Ask the owners about their $2–$3 energy bills • Home fits into existing suburban neighborhood, but boasts non-suburban energy efficiency • Protection from summer heat gain through passive solar design, wide eaves, and south-facing porch • Cross-breezes and day-lighting through careful window placement and use of solar tubes • Metal roof and spray foam insulation keeps heat and moisture out • 26.0 EER geothermal heat pump provides heating, cooling, and a substantial portion of the home’s hot water needs • 722 sq. ft. of living space per ton of cooling • 5 kW grid-tied solar electric system, purchased with the help of local rebates • Energy-efficient appliances, lighting, fans, convection oven and magnetic-induction cook top • Air quality through no-VOC paints and finishes, exhaust fans, and fresh-air intake on the heating/ cooling system • Extra effort to save mature trees, thanks to a variance from the City of Round Rock • Water conservation through high-efficiency fixtures and appliances, careful plumbing runs, and a 500-gallon rainwater collection system tied to dedicated hose bibs to irrigate the garden • Gutters and rain chains channel front runoff to rain gardens; no turf grass and native plants reduce the need for watering and fertilizing • Follow their blog at http://solunabuilders.com/category/zero-energy-home/

Owners: Karen and Dan Cripe Designer: Select Home Design Builder: Solluna Builders, LLC Mechanical: Stan’s Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. Solar PV: Solar Community Insulation: BioTex Foam Insulation Cabinets: The Cabinet Shop DIRECTIONS: From I-35 and RR 620 in Round Rock (exit 252B northbound), west on RR 620 1.3 mi, (R) on Oaklands Dr, 1st (R) to Spring Hollow Path, 1st (R) to Springwater and stay right, first (R) is Johnson Way 2011 Austin Cool House Tour

Typical of most houses built in the era, the original 1952 home took no

4700 Hilwin Circle

advantage of its spectacular site on Shoal Creek. This well scaled five-

ALLENDALE 78756

star remodel changed that dramatically. Interior walls were removed, ceilings vaulted, the kitchen relocated, and high efficiency glazing add-

Austin Energy Green Building Rating

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ed to take advantage of creek views. The home provides ample daylight through a cupola that doubles as a thermal chimney.

Owners: Michael and Tina Barrett Architect: Studio Momentum Architects, PC Builder: Maci Homes Mechanical: Stan’s Heating and Air Conditioning Structural Engineer: Green Earth Engineering, Inc. DIRECTIONS: From Shoal Creek Blvd and 45th, go north on Shoal Creek .2 mi, when Shoal Creek bends left, Hilwin Cir on (L)

A Shoal Creek location means careful consideration for the watershed— scan here for more.

Green Features: • Renovation of an existing home, using existing infrastructure, in an established neighborhood with proximity to public transit and parks • Deep roof overhangs protect against solar heat gain • Cupola with operable windows provides daylighting and exhaust ventilation • 22.2 EER ground source heat pump for heating, cooling, dehumidification and supplemental hot water • 621 sq. ft. of living space per ton of cooling • Fluorescent or LED lighting • Whole house switch controls phantom electric loads • Screened porch provides extension of the interior living room • Rainwater collection system for irrigation shared with next door neighbor 2011 Austin Cool House Tour

Do you know?

How many gallons a standard toilet uses per flush? a. half a gallon b. one gallon c. two gallons d. three gallons

Your home may be eligible for up to 3 free high-efficiency toilets!

Hurry... rogram p t e il o t e e r f st 31! ends Augu Check out our other water-saving incentives: • Rebates for rainwater harvesting equipment • Rebates for high-efficiency washers • Rebates for replacing turf areas with native and adapted plants • Free irrigation evaluations

Become waterwise!

Learn more about water conservation at WaterWiseAustin.org or call 974-2199.

Answer c: Two gallons

4509 Avenue A HYDE PARK 78751 Austin Energy Green Building Rating

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This centrally located bungalow-style home with a garage apartment earned 86 points out of 100 on www.walkscore.com! Quality is emphasized over quantity and simplicity over complexity in this five-star home. The Bui-Doxsey home reflects years of learning, planning and collaboration with Austin’s rich and vibrant green building community. Transportation alternatives abound at this house. Learn more about transit here.

Owners: Nathan Doxsey & Tina Bui Designers: Owners with West 6 Design and Devine Austin Builder: Sustainable Endeavors Mechanical: McCullough Heating & Cooling Solar PV: Meridian Solar Solar Thermal: Celestial Power Rainwater: Innovative Water Solutions & Dick Peterson DIRECTIONS: From Guadalupe and W45th, go east on W 45th one block, (L) at Ave A

Green Features: • Existing home relocated; new home includes garage apartment, furthering urban infill and reducing need for new infrastructure • Large screened porch creates outdoor living space • Exterior walls and foundation clad with autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) board, creating thermal break from framing material and slab-edge while providing durable substrate for stucco finish • Total-fill (no void) wall insulation-agriculturally based-spray foam insulation and dense packed cellulose insulation • Standing seam metal roof allows use of clamps to fasten solar PV and thermal systems, eliminating roof penetrations • Cabinets, framing material and decking all third party Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified • 3.15 kW solar PV • 50-gallon solar thermal system with tankless water heater back up • Extremely efficient multi-split HVAC system. Energy recovery ventilator (ERV) provides fresh air with minimal energy loss • 2500-gallon capacity rainwater collection system used for gardens • Pervious paving material installed in large portion of driveway, reducing impervious cover • Extensive construction waste management plan and attention to resource conservation

2011 Austin Cool House Tour

3102–B West Ave. WEST CAMPUS 78705 Austin Energy Green Building Rating

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Efficiency of site, function, and performance characterize this five-star-rated garage apartment/alley flat. Two dwellings on one lot promote urban density. Perched atop a carport and utility room, this project utilizes natural light, a vaulted ceiling, and an open floor plan incorporating a screened porch to maximize space and functionality. Designed to passively cool up to 50% of the time, operable windows and venting skylights pair with a tight thermal envelope. Green Features: • Alley flat is secondary residence, promoting urban density • Excellent daylighting and passive cooling; operable low-E windows and skylights oriented toward prevailing winds as well as deep overhangs and a fully screened sleeping porch • Large ceiling fans prevent air stratification and reduce the demand of the HVAC system • ENERGY STAR® appliances, 1/2 ton minisplit HVAC sized for small space and tankless gas hot water heater • Improved indoor air quality by using no VOC interior paint, low VOC coatings, and an integrated allergen filter on HVAC • Sustainable cabinetry made of FSC-certified plywood • Borate nontoxic insect treatment on slab and framing • Interior doors and custom furniture were made from materials salvaged from a structure demoed on site; Countertops are made of 1/4” steel plate • 50% of construction waste diverted from the landfill

Owner: Brenda Bell Designer: Forsite Studio Builder: Forsite Studio

Mechanical: Leander Heating and Cooling Electrical: Illumne Electric Lighting: Lights Fantastic

DIRECTIONS: Please enter through alley between Grandview and West. From N Lamar and 31st, go east on 31st 2 ½ blocks, alley on left

2011 Austin Cool House Tour

One Environment. One Simple Way To Care For It.®

EarthShare of Texas represents leading

environmental and conservation organizations in payroll contribution plans across the state.

1-800-GREENTX • www.earthshare-texas.org • ESTX@earthshare-texas.org

3408 Werner Ave. FRENCH PLACE 78722 Austin Energy Green Building Rating

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This residence, originally a 1920s church in Hyde Park, was moved in 1940 and repurposed as a home. The current owners dreamed of a contemporary home designed for art display, yoga practice and an expanding family. They designed their new 4-star rated version for energy and water efficiency, health and light. Contracting the renovation themselves, they salvaged parts of the original for re-use in this structure and recycled what they couldn’t use.

Green Features: • Original shiplap church walls remilled for east exterior wall and overhanging soffits • All removed materials—windows, masonry, and metal roof—recycled, or used by neighbors • New standing seam metal roof and siding manufactured in Seguin, TX with 50% recycled material • Large energy efficient windows and doors were placed for natural lighting • High efficiency windows with thermally broken anodized aluminum frames • HVAC system has five independent zones, variable-speed air handler for humidity control and efficiency and two-stage compressor • Instant gas hot water heater • Vanities constructed in Austin with green plywood • Appliances are ENERGY STAR,® all recessed lights are CFL dimmable • Locally produced stucco has integral natural dye • Interior paint and exterior tung oil wood treatment zero or low VOC • Rain water collection for hot tub and efficient xeriscape layout

Owners/Builder: James W Reed and Heather W Reed Architect: Caroline Porter Structural Engineer: Bradley C Patterson PE Foundation: Bruecher Foundation Metal Roof and Siding: Cortez Contracting Stucco: Waterloo Plastering DIRECTIONS: From I-35 and E 38th 1/2, go east on E 38th ½ .2 mi, (R) at Werner

2011 Austin Cool House Tour

Deep Energy Retrofit

ACTION

1. To take an old house and make it fabulously energy efficient, durable, and healthy

Visit our project on the Cool House Tour at 1601 E. 11th St., Austin, TX 78702 to see what they look like afterwards. www.SunergyTexas.com

512-351-4352

remodeling homes for a sustainable future. Texas Registered Builder #45969 | Electrical Contractor #26564 | Air Conditioning and Heating Contractor #TACLB00014670E | Plumbing Contractor #9999

Most people would have considered this once-dilapidated bungalow a tear down. This owner saw its potential and gave it a total rehabilitation. The home owner almost abandoned his remodel when his first general contractor left the home leaning perilously close to collapse and his bank account

1601 East 11th St. BLACKSHEAR 78702 Austin Energy Green Building Rating

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close to zero. The builder saved the home and the homeowner, and built a five-star project in the process. Even the basement garage was rescued by digging down to make it code-height and accessible. A covered porch to the south was the only addition to the footprint. An open floor plan and raised ceilings created a feeling of spaciousness.

Owner: Arlyn Stotts Architect: Peter Dick Designer: Adam Stepan Builder: Sunergy Builders Mechanical: Sunergy, LLC DIRECTIONS: From I-35 and E 11th, go east on E 11th .5 mi to corner of E 11th and Comal

Green Features: • Entire building frame was kept in place, and new life given to a broken-down retaining wall • Efficient use of space to optimize the existing footprint, covered deck added to shade southern exposure and protect garage access • High efficiency windows in original placements • Fresh air ventilation system • Total-fill blown-in-batts insulation in walls, spray foam in the attic rafters, and an insulated crawl space • High-efficiency variable-speed HVAC system with sheet metal ductwork enclosed in the thermal envelope; humidity-sensing bathroom exhaust fans • 788 sq. ft. of living space per ton of cooling • Tankless gas water heater • Metal Roof • Salvaged antique interior doors and locally milled hickory flooring A tight envelope = high efficiency and high comfort. Check out this video to learn more. 2011 Austin Cool House Tour

2213 Willow St. HOLLY 78702 Austin Energy Green Building Rating

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The owners of this new five-star residence needed a home to meet a modern family’s needs: a fulltime home office, space for vegetable gardening and a chicken coop. They designed a compact twostory home on a narrow Green Features:

lot with a small footprint. Careful proportioning prevents it from over-

• Small footprint house built on site of previously burned structure

whelming the small, older homes around it. Employing no- and low-cost

• Roof designed to shade most windows • Minimal windows on hot west side; high windows on east for privacy and daylighting; planned cross-ventilation throughout. All bedrooms have two walls with operable windows • Roof planned with hip-style at southfacing back for solar water heating • All upstairs rooms, including the master bedroom, share one bathroom • Front and back porches for connection to neighbors, shade and outdoor living • Variable-speed, multi-zone HVAC system located within thermal envelope • 909 sq. ft. of living space per ton of cooling • Dual-ﬂush toilets; very low-ﬂow shower heads: 1.5 gallons/minute • High-efficacy lighting and ENERGY STAR® appliances • Reclaimed interior doors, front fencing and exterior lights • Permaculture landscaping with vegetable garden, fruit trees, chickens and composting

green-design basics—orientation, window sizing and placement, porches and overhangs. They achieved a green home on a modest budget. Owners: Matt Hollon and Teri Sperry Designer/Builder: W. T. Moore Construction Mechanical: All Year Heating and Cooling Solar Thermal: Techsun Solar Water Heating Systems Rainwater Collection: Rainman Waterworks Recycling: Construction Waste Recyclers of Texas DIRECTIONS: From I-35 and E Cesar Chavez, go east on Cesar Chavez 1 mi, (R) on Robert Martinez, first (L) is Willow

• All organic construction waste shredded and used on site

2011 Austin Cool House Tour

640 Tillery St.

In the owner’s words: “I did this myself and it should be an example to

GOVALLE 78702

anyone who would like to build something for the first time.” A metal building kit, found on the Internet, was rescued from a Houston dock and transformed into a home and workspace. Demonstrating local sourcing at its best, she got everything from reclaimed lumber, to mulch from neighborhood limb removal, and transformed this industrial building into a comfortable, energy-efficient home for entertaining and working. Owner/Designer: Patty Cater Builder: Patty Cater and David Reggler Mechanical: Air Serv of Austin Structural Engineer: Terry Ortiz Landscaping: Earth Company DIRECTIONS: From I-35 and Cesar Chavez, go east on Cesar Chavez 1.8 mi, (L) at Tillery

Green Features: • Live/work space built on urban infill vacant lot; buffer between a tiny bungalow and a commercial warehouse • Planned around existing trees for maximum shade • Window placement and size allows for cross ventilation, natural light and privacy • Use of ceiling fans before air conditioning as a daily practice • Dual ﬂush toilets and tankless gas water heater • Metal building exterior is zero-maintenance with eco-friendly, 100-year coating; inside paint and floor sealant low VOC • Materials used in full sheets or pieces to reduce wasted material and labor • All materials locally sourced • Repurposed ranch supplies for sinks and tubs along with reclaimed timber for counters, stairs and trim • Durable metal roof for future rainwater collection and rooftop solar • One 6’x12’ trailer of sheetrock debris hauled off site, all other materials used as part of house

Salvaged building materials give new life to old stuff. Learn more here.

2011 Austin Cool House Tour

2604 Stratford Dr.

The owners of this contemporary home,

STRATFORD MT. 78746

with separate office/living space and spectacular views of downtown Austin,

Austin Energy Green Building Rating

began their long design process with the

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intention of achieving a five-star rating. They incorporated many reclaimed materials, notably pine from Gilley’s nightclub in Houston and salvaged cypress sinker logs. Landscaping their steep site was a challenge: they used stone from the site, local cedar for fencing, a water feature to attract wildlife, and installed a 12,000gallon rainwater system for irrigation.

DIRECTIONS: From Barton Springs Rd and Rollingwood Dr, north on Rollingwood .4 mi, (R) on Riley .4 mi, (L) on Stratford .1 mi. Stratford Dr is narrow! For safety, please park on the even numbered side of street and be cautious walking and driving. Some parking at lot to north of house.

Owners: Heather Keating and Griﬃn Davis Architect: Don Eckols Builder: Mangum Custom Homes Mechanical: Airtron Heating and Air Conditioning Solar Thermal: Texas Solar Power Company Solar PV: Meridan Solar Reclaimed Wood: Vintage Materials Landscape Architect: Growing Design

Green Features : • Site plan developed to minimize impact, keep existing trees, and position house for active and passive solar heating and cooling • Substantial use of steel with high recycled content • ADA-compliant entrances and bathrooms on main ﬂoor • 6 kW solar PV system and solar thermal hot water system supplemented with tankless water heaters • Reclaimed, reused, recycled materials throughout—reclaimed long leaf pine flooring, salvaged cypress sinker logs used for stair treads, reclaimed yellow pine from Gilley’s nightclub for some ceilings, and EnviroGlass backsplashes • Urea-formaldehyde free wood products (MDF), and domestically sourced and sustainable cherry wood cabinets • Approximately 80% of stone from excavation reused for landscaping • Permeable driveway pavers reduce rainwater runoff • 12,000-gallon rainwater collection system for garden, landscape and pool • Dark Sky compliant exterior lighting • Water feature with native fish provides habitat, cover and food for wildlife 2011 Austin Cool House Tour

This five-star home dispels the myth that green building is available only for the well-to-do. The combination of passive design, aerated concrete block construction, metal roof and solar PV give the owners both comfort and low energy bills. The Casa Verde Builders Program at American

6911 Villita Avenida FRONTIERS AT MONTANA 78741 Austin Energy Green Building Rating

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YouthWorks is a unique combination of youth development and affordable green building. This transformational program demonstrates the natural partnership between job creation, sustainability and affordability. Owners: Stefan Wray & Pam Thompson Architect: Stewardship, Inc. Builder: Casa Verde Builders/ American YouthWorks Mechanical: Centex Mechanical Solar PV: Green Solution Systems Performance Testing: 1 Earth Energy Audits DIRECTIONS: From I-35 and E Riverside, go east on E Riverside 2.9 mi, (L) at Frontier Valley .6 mi, (L) at Montana, first (R) is Villita Avenida

Green Features: • Handicapped accessible • Urban infill neighborhood of affordable homes; Handicap accessible • Aerated concrete block exterior wall, made with fly ash (a waste product generated from burning energy grade coal), provides complete insulation and tight seal • Pre-fabricated clear span roof trusses save lumber and eliminate need for load bearing interior walls • Good passive attic venting; outside air enters at soffit vents, bathes attic decking, exhausts at ridge vent • Roof eaves shade windows in hot months, let light in dur-

ing winter, and protect exterior walls, windows and foundation • Metal roof of recycled aluminum, zinc, and copper does not retain heat and will last 50-70 years • Studs made of 75% recycled metal and finger-jointed lumber • Cellulose insulation of recycled newspaper is non-corrosive to metal studs • 2.4 kW solar PV • Ductwork located within thermal envelope in dropped ceiling areas; short, efficient duct runs • Programmable thermostats adjust at different times of the day, saving money and reducing energy use at peak times of day

• 611 sq. ft. of living space per ton of cooling • Humidistat fan in laundry room automatically senses moisture • Driveway and sidewalk pavers and pervious cover allow rain to absorb into ground 2011 Austin Cool House Tour

707 W. Milton St. BOULDIN 78704 Austin Energy Green Building Rating

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Ask how these homeowners managed construction waste—and find out why it’s important here.

Well-proportioned spaces, soothing color palette, and lines of sight to the outdoors give this five-star home a sense of spaciousness and well-being. The U-shaped design, normally an energy penalty due to the amount of exterior wall, creates a private courtyard without compromising energy efficiency: the third side is a screened room. Over 85% of total construction waste was recycled, much of it onsite. This home replaced a dilapidated eye-sore, prompting neighbors to thank the owners and builder. Architect: Stuart Sampley Architect Builder: Spring Builders, LLC Mechanical: Stan’s Heating & Air Conditioning Interior Design: Carolyn Albert-Kinc, ASID Cabinets: QSI Custom Cabinetry Lighting: Lighting Inc. DIRECTIONS: From Barton Springs Rd and S 1st, go south .7 mi on S 1st, (R) at W Monroe, (L) at S 2nd, (R) at Milton

Green Features: • Urban infill new construction, walking distance to shops, transportation and business options • Timeless design, appropriate for neighborhood and lot, gives architectural sustainability • Outdoor living spaces and screened porch increases feel and usable size of home • High efficiency windows with low-E 366 glass • Metal roof, fabricated from coil onsite to minimize waste • 18 SEER zoned heat pump HVAC system • 681 sq. ft. of living space per ton of cooling • ENERGY STAR® rated appliances, dual flush toilets, low flow plumbing fixtures and tankless water heater • Low-VOC hardwood flooring finish, zero and low-VOC paint • 525-gallon rainwater collection for landscape irrigation • Non-toxic termite prevention with stainless steel mesh at pipe penetrations in slab and borate spray 3 feet up framed walls • Construction waste pulverized and reused onsite with over 85% total waste recycled 2011 Austin Cool House Tour

1804-B W. 6th St. OLD WEST AUSTIN 78703 Austin Energy Green Building Rating

This five-star-rated re-

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modeled duplex balances preservation with energy efficiency. The project was designed and retrofitted to integrate new technologies and materials with old, maintaining the historic 1920’s aesthetic. Thermal comfort, air quality, long term energy costs, and durability have all been improved, creating a truly sustainable solution—perhaps for another 100 years! Owner: VAIREA Properties Architect: Barley & Pfeiﬀer Architects Builder: Oliver Custom Homes Mechanical: Air Rite Mechanical Insulation: DeRuiter Insulation Landscaping: Botanical Concerns DIRECTIONS: From N Lamar & W 6th St, west on W 6th .8 mi, (R) on Patterson, park on Patterson or follow signs to parking behind Barley & Pfeiffer buildings

Grean Features: • Both duplex entrances reoriented to rear alley, creating private and landscaped outdoor living spaces • Existing footprint maintained while reducing overall impervious cover and subsequent storm water run-off • Original window sizes and placements, as well as original screened porches, provide generous cross-ventilation and natural day lighting • Wall strategy to enable continued use of exterior siding: drainage mat, spray foam insulation, and fan-folded polystyrene foam creates a vapor-breathing, air-sealed thermal envelope • 15 EER Heat Pump systems sized for 1 ton/ 650 sq.ft. of conditioned space; blower door and duct blaster testing revealed less than 5% duct leakage • Existing framing and trim material re-milled and used onsite • Original stairs and windows repurposed for other projects • Trees planted to the south and west to provide additional solar screening

2011 Austin Cool House Tour

The renovation of this unique 1950’s concrete home occurred in two stages: a whole house remodel/bath addition on the first floor, followed by a second-floor master suite addition and roof deck. Each phase earned five-stars. The final project is a good example of how an older home- even a

402 Vale St. ROLLINGWOOD 78746 Austin Energy Green Building Rating

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hard to change concrete one- can achieve both innovative design and a high degree of energy efficiency.

Green Features: • Renovation of 56-year-old home in a neighborhood where teardowns and new construction is common • Additions to the original footprint limited to a new bathroom addition and new stair tower • New rigid exterior insulation panels and commercial membrane roof over the existing concrete roof, and damp-blown half pound insulation at the second floor addition • All new low-E windows with generous amounts of controlled daylighting • 5.04 kW rooftop solar array • 16 & 18 SEER rooftop HVAC equipment / exposed spiral metal ductwork • Tankless, gas water heaters Cool roofs help mitigate urban heat island effect. Learn more here.

• Reused original wood flooring on lower level / new bamboo flooring at second floor addition • Local cast-concrete countertops and stair landing • Zero-VOC wall paints and formaldehyde-free cabinetry

Owners: Gabrielle & Gary Grossenbacher Designer/Builder: CG&S Design-Build Mechanical: Ehrlich Mechanical Solar PV: Meridan Solar Insulation: DeRuiter Insulation Landscaping: D-Crain DIRECTIONS: From Barton Springs Rd & Rollingwood Dr, north on Rollingwood Dr .2 mi, (R) on Vale

• Inverted, “butterfly” roof on second floor facilitates potential rainwater collection • Location adjacent to a public greenbelt, nearby shops and mass transit 2011 Austin Cool House Tour

8306 Longview Rd. LAS CASAS VERDES 78745 Owner: The Tucci Living Trust Architect: Martin Associates Architects Builder: D. Martin Homes Mechanical: Stan’s Heating and Air Conditioning Rainwater Collections: Texas Metal Cisterns Solar: Green Solution Systems Cabinets: QSI Cabinets

Austin Energy Green Building Rating

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DIRECTIONS: From William Cannon & Westgate Blvd, south on Westgate 1.3 mi, (R) on Siskin .1 mi to Longview

This home is the first in a subdivision

Green Features:

that intends to include solar PV and

• Infill subdivision on downtown bus route, close to parks, biking, dog park, shopping and entertainment

solar thermal on every house, as well as rainwater collection for both irrigation and toilet-flushing. Rock excavated from the site and a rain garden contribute to effective storm-water management and in the future residents will enjoy a shared vegetable garden with even more rainwater collection for garden irrigation.

• East, south and west window Dual-flush toilets awnings control summer sunsave water. Check out this tutorial. light and use winter sun; high efficiency awning windows maximize airflow and allow natural light to penetrate • Functional thermal chimney with motorized windows and passive heat recirculation system reuses pre-heated air in winter and evacuates hot air in the spring/summer • Ventilated metal roof, installed to reduce thermal bridging, minimizes heat gain to interior • 3kW solar PV system and solar thermal system for hot water • Multi-zoned 15 SEER HVAC system with two-speed fan and compressor; ENERGY STAR® appliances, light fixtures, ceiling fans, water-wise toilets and dark sky exterior lights • 772 sq. ft. of living space per ton of cooling • Pre-assembled wall and roof panels to minimize waste and improve thermal barrier • No VOC paints and stains, all doors and cabinetry finished off site • 2,000-gallon rainwater system for flushing toilets and “Grow Green Austin” landscaping; first home approved in the state with dual plumbing—rainwater for toilets and municipal water for other uses • Community vegetable garden, park and pool

2011 Austin Cool House Tour

His desire for high efficiency in a highly modern structure, combined with

6316 Thomas Springs Rd.

her taste for traditional design, resulted in a green-built five-star home

BLUE HILLS ESTATES 78736

that keeps the owners comfortable. Non-traditional (by modern standards) floor, counter top, ceiling, and wall covering materials feed the senses,

Austin Energy Green Building Rating

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and the green sensibilities. After deconstructing the original home, with its enormous energy bills and lack of personal aesthetic, this “do-over” shows that modern and traditional styles marry and incorporate all the lessons learned.

Owners: David and Jennifer Phillips Designers: Consortium Lumina & Michael Garrison Builder: Durrett Interests, LLC Mechanical: Air-Rite Air Conditioning Rainwater: Innovative Water Solutions Solar PV: Gridpoint Green product supplier: EcoWise This house features dimmable CFLs. Scan here for more on lighting efficiency!

DIRECTIONS: From the ‘Y’ at Oak Hill (290W & 71W), go west on 71W 2.7 mi, (L) Thomas Springs Rd

Green Features: • East-west long axis and calculated window overhangs minimize summer solar heat gain • North facing clerestory windows provide bright day lighting without solar heat gain • Accessibility-friendly design for aging in place and fire sprinkler system for safety • ICF walls (R26) and SIP roof (R37) for strength, air tightness, and R-value • 3.6 kW solar PV system in place provides 60% of household electrical needs • Home automation assists with comfort, efficiency, safety, and security • Super efficient heat pump water heater uses waste heat from refrigerator and freezer and cools pantry • 800 sq. ft. of living space per ton of cooling • Dehumidifying fresh air ventilator optimizes summer cooling and keeps indoor air fresh year round • WaterSense rated plumbing fixtures throughout conserve water while remaining user friendly • Triple-rated ENERGY STAR,® LEED and AEGB

2011 Austin Cool House Tour

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

S OLLUNA B UILDERS, S PRING B UILDERS, D. MARTIN H OMES AND M ACI H OMES

TACLA000151E 速

(512) 929-9393 www.stansac.com

11223 Longbranch Dr. LONG BRANCH VALLEY 78736

Owners: Sarah Lindsey and Chris Renner Architect: Studio Momentum with owners Builder: Renner Construction Rainwater Collection: Tank Town DIRECTIONS: From the ‘Y’ at Oak Hill (290W & 71W), west 5.5 mi on 290, (R) on Fitzhugh 2 mi, (R) on Long Branch Dr

The owners, who lived for years on a sailboat, knew the benefits of compact living. Working with a fixed budget, they designed and built this work/live house themselves. Despite wanting a net-zero home, they found that many green technologies were out of their budget. The challenge was to squeeze the most energy efficiency out of their limited resources without sacrificing the details that make the home feel comfortable and spacious. Green Features:

Bigger isn’t always better— find out more about right-sizing by scanning here.

• Living area of live/work space is 950 sq.ft. requiring little energy to heat and cool • Exterior finish materials require no maintenance • Metal roof and radiant barrier reflect heat away from the house • Covered 12’ porch along entire south side extends living space and provides utility room • Two 8’ sliders on porch let in light and prevailing southeasterly breeze with clerestory windows on the north wall to vent warm air • Large windows on north wall, and loft-like open floor plan provide ample daylighting with little heat gain • Most lights are on dimmer switches and rarely turned to full power • 7,500 gallon rainwater collection system is only source for water, including drinking water • Native and low water plantings from Austin Grow Green list • Self-financed and built by the owner, there was very little surplus material, resulting in minimal construction waste 2011 Austin Cool House Tour