DALLAS
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WORTH
THE COMPLETE RESOURCE MAGAZINE FOR YOUR HOME
A U G U S T
2 0 1 0
Stylishly Sustainable SHOWCASING THE PRACTICALITIES OF ECO-CONSCIOUS DESIGN IN PARKER COUNTY
ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOWS AND DOORS
20th Annual Fort Worth Home & Garden Market Guide | Aug 28-29th
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BEFORE
AFTER
contents
D A L L A S/F O R T W O R T H
A u g u s t 2 0 1 0 | Vo l . 9 I s s u e 8 PUBLISHED BY
features
20 On A Mission
Sustainable home on a budget.
27
Efficiency With Style
Windows, doors and more that add to your home’s appeal and subtract from your energy bill.
departments
06 11 34
In This Issue
A preview of our August 2010 edition. 20th Annual Fort Worth Home & Garden Market Guide Gardening: Water Conservation
20 on the cover Modern and striking, the small custom-built home of first-time homeowner Heather Ferrier is a testament to the aesthetics and affordability of energy and environmental design.
Photography by Terri Glanger.
MBH PUBLISHING, LLC
PUBLISHER . . . . . . .Mike Harrison, Ph.D. ART DIRECTOR . . . . . . . . . .Robert Coplin EDITORIAL INTERN . . . . .Anastasia Jakse CONTRIBUTING WRITERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pamela Crawford, Amanda Flatten, . . . .Shawn Gustafson, Steve Huddleston, . . . . . . . . .Jeffrey Jacoby, Joetta Moulden ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tammi Greene OFFICE MANAGER . . . . . . . Cheryl Collier PRINTING . . . . . . . . . DROR International MBH Inc., dba Dallas/For t Wor th House & Home ("DFWH&H"), is a news magazine with emphasis on interior design and remodeling. House & Home does not knowingly accept false or misleading adver tising or editorial content, nor does H&H or its staff assume responsibility should such adver tising or editorial content appear in any publication. House & Home has not independently tested any services or products advertised herein and has not verified claims made by its advertisers regarding those services or products. House & Home makes no warranties or representations and assumes no liability for any claims regarding those services or products or claims made by adver tisers. Readers are advised to consult with the advertiser and/or other home repair and renovation professionals regarding the suitability of an advertiser's products. No reproduction is permitted without the written consent of the Publisher. Copyright 2010, all rights reserved. Subscriptions available for home delivery at a cost of $25 per year.
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in this issue: In the construction industry, sustainability is the term for maintaining the planer’s resources with energy conservation, recycling and a greater reliance on renewable resources, and is something none of us can afford to ignore anymore. With buildings expending fully 48 percent of all the harmful greenhouse emissions that stem from the burning of fossil fuels, the U.S. Energy Information Administration says the building sector is a major force driving global warming. And since, residential dwellings consume more than their commercial counterparts, it’s a case where change absolutely MUST start at home. Fortunately, advocates say sustainability is not expensive, and results are extensive. Generally, green building may cost 5-10 percent more up front, but the payback in savings is usually realized within the first five years. And those of us not in the position to install pricey geotherman HVAC systems or solar technologies can still make other important efforts-and easily too. Switching from incandescent light bulbs to compact flourescents. Installing insulation in the attic. Selecting low-flush toilets and water-conservation showerheads. Applying mulch around trees to prevent run-off and planting trees to shade hardscapes. Using low-VOC paints. The list is long and a little goes a long way. For inspiration, turn to page 20 to see how good energy and environmental design can look. An affordable, green built home in Parker County, the residence belongs to Heather Ferrier, a young Fort Worth woman who learned about eco-conscious construction from her dad, Don Ferrier, a builder whose been employing sustainability strategies in the metroplex since 1984. We owe it to ourselves to get educated about energy and environmental issues, and there are plenty of websites that put the information at our fingertips. For starters, check out energysavers.gov, drivesmarter challenge.org and powertochoose.org. Enjoy the issue!
House & Home
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“Going Green Showcase” Does your company provide a Green product or service to consumers? Green Built Texas has partnered with International Exhibitions Inc; producer of the Dallas Home and Garden Market. We have added the Going Green Showcase to the popular consumer event that will be held this fall, September 11 and 12. A section of the show will be devoted to vendors dedicated to helping consumers find green building products, energy efficient upgrades, and living solutions. The program will also be coordinating a stage featuring seminars from local industry experts discussing relevant green and energy efficiency topics. If your company is interested in participating in the Going Green Showcase, please contact Chris Miles at 214-718-8424 or Phil Crone at 214624-3178 for more information or you can go online at www.greenbuilttexas.com and click on the “Going Green Showcase” tab. Please note: In order to preserve the sustainable focus of this event, all vendors will be subject to approval by Green Built Texas. Visit the Going Green Showcase web page on GreenBuiltTexas.com to provide necessary information. The fall Dallas Home and Garden Market will be highlighting this feature with TV; radio; and newspaper and promises to be the centerpiece of the show’s marketing efforts making participation in the Showcase all the more valuable. Booth space is limited to only 39 booths so reserve your space now!
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A u g . 2 8 - 2 9, 2 0 1 0 at t h e F O RT W O RT H C O N V E N T I O N C E N T E R
Where will they take you? Changing the World you live in with every step you take.
972.394.9009 BEFORE
Replacing your wood balusters with metal. 2425 Parker Rd. Bldg. 4 Carrollton, TX 75010 ( 9 7 2 ) 3 9 4 - 9 0 0 9 w w w. A r r o w h e a d S t a i r s . c o m
FORT WORTH’S HOME & GARDEN MARKET YOUR LOCAL HOME IMPROVEMENT RESOURCE AUGUST 28TH — 29TH AT THE FORT WORTH CONVENTION CENTER
HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?
A FORT WORTH TRADITION… Your home is a direct reflection of your personality and your ever-changing lifestyle. Whether you are look-
Texas Nursery & Landscape Association- Featuring over 6000 sq. ft. of spectacular concept gardens! Stroll through lavish landscaping displays in a shapes, sizes and designs by the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association – showcasing the talents of over 10 top area landscapers and designers. Learn how to grow your perfect Fall garden on a budget!
HUNDREDS OF EXPERTS UNDER ONE ROOF! Check out FREE hourly seminars and demonstrations at the Home and Garden Theater!
ing for the perfect piece of furniture for your foyer, researching all your “green” energy options or finding the perfect landscaper to create your outdoor oasis, Fort Worth’s Home & Garden Market is your local resource to make your home and garden the place you have always dreamed it to be.
DON ENGEBRETSON, the Renegade Gardener, is rapidly becoming one of America’s bestknown gardening authorities. Ongoing television appearances as gardening and landscape design expert on HGTV’s “TIPical MaryEllen” and PBS-TV’s “HOMETIME” plus speaking appearances at home, garden, and flower shows across America have placed Don in front of national audiences.
We have brought in leading guest speakers and experts to provide you with the most current trends, information and know-how, you can instantly transform your house into your ideal home and garden. Home-owner-friendly attractions inlcude: • Small, affordable concept gardens that will make your lot a curb-appeal standout, courtesy of TNLA • “Texas Home Improvement Workshops” brought to you by Jim Dutton and a variety of home improvement gurus! • A total range of new products and services from proven local contractors – “from windows and doors to ceilings to floors... and much much more!”
His humorous, opinionated work as a garden writer for national publications such as Better Homes and Gardens, Midwest Living, Landscape Solutions, Garden, Deck & Landscape, The Seattle Times and others has also garnered national attention; Don recently won his sixth national writing award from the Garden Writers Association of America.
What is Renegade Gardening? It’s a smile from doing things right com-
ABOUT THE HOME & GARDEN MARKET WHEN: August 28-29, 2010 Saturday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m./Sunday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. WHERE: Fort Worth Convention Center 1201 Houston Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102 TICKETS: Adults - $9.00, children under 14 -free. Friday only - $7 for senior citizens. (Discounts cannot be combined.) $1.00 off discount coupons available in your circular and the Texas Home & Garden website. MORE INFO: Call 1-800-654-1480 or visit www.thehomeandgardenmarket.com
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bined with a stern, suspicious glance at a gardening industry that tries to sell unsuspecting homeowners the line that gardening is quick and easy, that plants are foolproof, that plastic rocks make for attractive edging, and that design need not be learned, it can be purchased from a catalogue. As Don says, “Design is design, gardening is gardening, dumb is dumb, and truth conquers all!” Don preaches that the joy of gardening comes from experimentation, and that a passion for gardening comes only from failing, laughing, succeeding, and learning. Truth is, gardening isn’t always easy, says Don, but mind your back, and the process is guaranteed to be a hoot. Appearances are on Saturday, August 28th only. Times are at 12:oo, 2:oo & 4:00. Don’t miss one of these seminars or plan to see them all!
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Crafting Cool & Creative Containers – Contain your enthusiasm during this hands-on presentation that teaches homeowners everything you need to know to create your own dazzling container arrangements!
Top 10 Gardening Blunders – and How to Avoid Them! – Probably the most hilarious 45 minutes you will ever experience! Check out this presentation that fast-forwards you through 15 years of the rookie mistakes every homeowner makes as you attempt to grow into a good gardener. Check out the “Home Improvement Workshops” by Jim Dutton and learn how-to! For over five years Jim Dutton has been bringing his 32 years of construction experience to the Texas airwaves with helpful advice on how to protect the number one investment we all have: "Our Homes." Most people only consider the cost of the home on the date of purchase with absolutely no idea about the cost to maintain it. Jim truly believes that if we properly maintain our homes, most of the problems homeowners face today would not exist. It's been our mission since this show began to only work with the best. Jim doesn't just do a radio show — he actually conducts hands on seminars called THI University throughout the state of Texas. To this day thousands of people have benefited from the hands on illustrations and demonstrations that Jim brings to Texas. Check out these seminars all weekend long at the show!
FROM WINDOWS AND DOORS….TO CEILINGS AND FLOORS… Find it all and more at the Home & Garden Market! Pools & Spas, Home Building & Remodeling, Outdoor Living, Kitchens & Baths! Talk to the experts – all under one roof!
SHOW ATTRACTIONS A/C & HEATING Air Serv of Fort Worth - 447 Airrite - H.E.R.S. Raters of Texas – 1303 Premier Maintenance Service - 929 Stark Heating & Air Conditioning - 229 Tradesman of Texas A/C & Insulation - 713 BEDS City Mattress Factory - 629 Mattress Firm - 317 Select Comfort 609 BUILDER/ CONTRACTOR/ PAINTER/ REMODELER Atlas Building Systems - 206 Econtractorbids.com - 927 Fort Worth Lumber - 1403 Home Depot at Home Services - 1435 Longhorn Construction - 1321 Owner Builder Network - 2407 Sears Home Improvement Products - 609 Statewide Remodeling - 729 The Rockaway Company - 2424 Ubuildit - 402 Woodland Fence & Construction - 1309 Your Construction Source - 232 CABLE & TV / HOME ELECTRONICS Indigo Home Technologies - 131 Verizon Wireless - 335 Children’s Activity Center - 1545 CLEANING PRODUCTS & SERVICES K & M Wholesale - 647
HELP TO FIGHT NORTH TEXANS IN NEED – HUNGER IS HERE. YOU CAN HELP. Tarrant Area Food Bank works to eliminate hunger in Fort Worth, Texas and 13 surrounding counties by providing food, education, and other resources to a network of hunger-relief charities and their communities. Bring your canned food items and lend a hand in the fight against hunger.
CLOSETS Shelf Genie - 127 COOKWARE Cutco Cutlery - 746 Royal Prestige - 844 United Specialty Products - 529 Vita-Mix - 921 ELECTRICAL PROVIDERS Gexa Energy - 819 Green Mountain Energy - 937 ENERGY EFFICIENT PRODUCTS/ SERVICES Heatblockers - 519 Solartek Energy of Dallas - 303 Statewide Remodeling - 831
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SHOW ATTRACTIONS
Texas Energy Concepts - 235 Texas Home Energy Rating Org. - 1313 US Window Films - 513
FENCE & DECK / PATIOS Atlas Building Systems - 206 Diamond B Fence & Concrete - 745 Sundance Fence & Iron - 810 Woodland Fence & Construction - 1309 FINANCIAL Strategies 4 Retirement - 1409 Wells Fargo Advisors - 118 FLOORING Choice Stone And Tile - 429 Classic Tile & Plaster, Inc. - 934 Elegant Flooring - 428 Metroplex Flooring - 1111 FOOD Costco Wholesale - 1020 Homemade Gourmet - 1448 Jimmy O's Texas Marinades - 2428 MyCoffeeSupply.com - 702 Texas Toffee - 1249 FOUNDATION Concrete Raising Corporation - 919 Du-West Foundation Repair - 1516 Geo - Tech Foundation Repair - 715 Perma Pier Foundation Repair - 741 GARDEN/LANDSCAPING/LIGHTING/PLANTS/TREES Arlington Men's Garden Club - 1634 Blooming Concepts - 1446 Fort Worth Cactus & Succulent Society - 1525 Ideal Landscape Services - 1103 Nature’s Reflections - 1003 Texas Nursery & Landscape Assoc. - Gardens Texas Agrilife Extension - 1545 HEALTH & BEAUTY Chiro Plus Clinic, South - 446 Gateway Chiropractic - 640 Nume Style - 1349 Path To Wellness Chiropractic - 725
HOME DÉCOR Heritage Enterprises - 1042 Scentsy - 347 Waterbeads/ Great Gifts - 721
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SHOW ATTRACTIONS INSURANCE AAA Texas - 719 Insphere IS - 842 INTERIOR DECORATORS Decorating Den Interiors - 602 HOME SECURITY & SAFES Broadview Security - 824 Guardian Protection Services - 1434 KITCHEN & BATH Bath Fitter - 916 Choice Stone And Tile - 429 Dream Maker Bath & Kitchen - 2404 Duramar Kitchen & Baths - 541 Granite Transformations - 634 Innovative Surfaces of Texas - 1040 Kitchen Solver's - 936 Republic Cabinets Direct - 628 Shelf Genie - 127 Statewide Remodeling - 735 The Kitchen Source - 1320 The Rockaway Company - 2424 NON- PROFIT Careity Foundation - 926 Humane Society Of North Texas - 1645 Paws Across Texas - 1635 OUTDOOR LIVING Atlas Building Systems - 206 Outdoor Living Pool & Patio - 125 POOLS & SPAS Klapprodt's Pools & Spas - 1443 Outdoor Living Pool & Patio - 125 PUBLICATIONS DFW House & Home Magazine - 1544 TheHomeMag - 817 RADIO STATIONS KLTY FM - 1443 KSKY AM - 931 WBAP - Texas Home Improvement - 1518 ROOF & GUTTER Billy Ellis Inc. - 1119
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Classic Superoof - 1347 Guttermaxx - 941 Leafguard - 1317 Newman Roofing - 430 SAUNAS Saunas Today - 635 US Saunas - 413 SIDING & WINDOWS & DOORS 3 Day Blinds - 820 Amazing Siding & Windows - 803 Andersen Windows & Doors - 1246 Champion Windows - 1203 Clear Choice Windows - 512 Longs Windows & Blinds - 535 Phantom Screens - 1016 Statewide Remodeling - 729 Texas Energy Concepts - 235 US Window Films - 513 SKYLIGHTS/ ATTICS Daylight Rangers - 423 Efficient Attic Systems - 930 Texas Attic Lifts - 1413 TOOLS & EQUIPMENT Tomboy Tools - 711 TEXAS NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOC. - GARDENS VACATION/ TRAVEL Grapevine CVB - 740 Silverleaf Resorts - 843 Wyndham Vacation Resorts - 630 WATER CONDITIONING Culligan - 1410 Nations Pure Water Systems - 917 MISC. Bill's Birdhouses And Collectibles - 1641 Costco Wholesale - 1020 Fort Worth Water Department - 1426 Greenwood-Mount Olivet - 1341 Marketing Results - 329 Press A Print - 1421 Touch Of Purple - 441
ADVERTORIAL
EXHIBITORS 3 Day Blinds 820 AAA Texas 719 Air Serv of Fort Worth 447 Airrite - H.E.R.S. Raters of Texas 1303 Amazing Siding & Windows 803 Andersen Windows & Doors 1246 Arlington Men's Garden Club 1634 Atlas Building Systems 206 Bath Fitter 916 Bill's Birdhouses and Collectibles 1641 Billy Ellis Inc. 1119 Blooming Concepts 1446 Broadview Security 824 Careity Foundation 926 Champion Windows 1203 Chiro Plus Clinic 446 Choice Stone and Tile 429 City Mattress Factory 629 Classic Superoof 1347 Classic Tile & Plaster 934 Clear Choice Windows 512 Concrete Raising Corporation 919 Costco Wholesale 1020 Culligan 1410 Cutco Cutlery 746 Dallas / Fort Worth House & Home Magazine 1544 Daylight Rangers 423 Decorating Den Interiors 602 Diamond B Fence & Concrete 745 Dream Maker Bath & Kitchen 2404 Du-West Foundation Repair 1516 Duramar Kitchen & Baths 541 EContractorbids.com 927 Efficient Attic Systems 930 Elegant Flooring 428 Fort Worth Cactus & Succulent Society 1525 Fort Worth Lumber 1403 Fort Worth Water Department 1426 Gateway Chiropractic 640 Geo - Tech Foundation Repair 715 Gexa Energy 819 Granite Transformations 634 Grapevine CVB 740 Green Mountain Energy 937 Greenwood-Mount Olivet 1341 Guardian Protection Services 1434 Guttermaxx 941 Heatblockers, Inc. 519 Heritage Enterprises 1042 Home Depot At Home Services1435 Homemade Gourmet 1448 Humane Society of North Texas 1645 Ideal Landscape Services 1103 Indigo Home Technologies 131 Innovative Surfaces of Texas 1040 Insphere Is 842 Jimmy O's Texas Marinades 2428 K & M Wholesale 647 Kitchen Solver's 936 Klapprodt's Pools & Spas 909 KLTY Fm 1443 KSKY Am 931 Leafguard 1317
Longhorn Construction 1321 Longs Windows & Blinds 535 Marketing Results 329 Mattress Firm 317 Metroplex Flooring 1111 MyCoffeeSupply.com 702 Nations Pure Water Systems 917 Nature's Reflections 1003 Newman Roofing 430 Nume Style 1349 Outdoor Living Pool & Patio 125 Owner Builder Network 2407 Path To Wellness Chiropractic 725 Paws Across Texas 1635 Perma Pier Foundation Repair 741 Phantom Screens 1016 Premier Maintenance Service 929 Press A Print 1421 Republic Cabinets Direct 628 The Rockaway Company 2424 Royal Prestige 844 Saunas Today 635 Scentsy 347 Sears Home Improvement Products 112 Select Comfort 609 Shelf Genie 127 Silverleaf Resorts 843 Solartek Energy 303 Star Telegram 429, 643 Stark Heating & Air Conditioning229 Statewide Remodeling 831,729,735 Strategies 4 Retirement 1409 Sundance Fence & Iron 810 Texas Agrilife Extension 1545 Texas Attic Lifts 1413 Texas Energy Concepts 235 Texas Home Energy Rating Organization 1313 Texas Nursery & Landscape Association The Center Gardens Texas Toffee 1249 The Kitchen Source 1320 Thehomemag 817 Tomboy Tools 711 Touch of Purple 441 Tradesman Of Texas Air Conditioning & Insulation 713 Ubuildit 402 United Specialty Products 529 US Saunas 413 US Window Films 513 Verizon Wireless / Cellular Sales 335 Vita-Mix 921 Waterbeads/ Great Gifts 721 WBAP - Texas Home Improvement 1518 Wells Fargo Advisors 118 Woodland Fence & Construction 1309 Wyndham Vacation Resorts 630 Your Construction Source 232
Texas Flooring & Interiors Texas Flooring & Interiors now offers Dallas area home builders, remodelers, homeowners and light-commercial property owners high-quality hardwood, engineered wood, stone, tile, and carpet flooring; granite countertops, backsplashes, cabinets and more. John Rudolph, sole proprietor of Texas Flooring & Interiors, is not new to the flooring industry. His experience in flooring began at the Sherwin Williams Company but includes sales and management of several flooring stores and a move to Las Vegas, Nevada where he was president of a multimillion dollar flooring corporation. Also, as a columnist for high-end home magazines, he has helped many homeowners through the process of making the best floor-buying decision for their lifestyle and environment. Texas Flooring & Interiors combines John’s expertise with that of local hardwood flooring specialist Kevin Landreth and granite countertop specialist Lance Irick. As an additional advantage to its clients, crews working for Texas Flooring & Interiors have an average of ten years experience. For more information or a free in-home estimate from Texas Flooring & Interiors, call 972-939-1852 or e-mail your request to info@flooringtexas.net.
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OnA Mission 20
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It’s an impressive accomplishment for a young, single woman and first-time Don says, “that average homeowners can enjoy the benefits of this.” homeowner. Not surprisingly, the project has generated media attention from local To design the attractive but modest, 2,038-square-foot home, Don and newspapers and trade magazines–and might just help bring the rest of us into the Heather brought in architect Gary Olp of GGO Architects in Dallas, a specialist 21st century and closer to the American Institute of Architects’ initiative to drawho took many of the green concepts implemented in his own two-story Dallas matically reduce and eventually negate the fossil fuel consumption and the envihome and scaled them down to fit Heather’s budget and more moderate needs. ronmental impact of greenhouse gas emissions by the U.S. building sector over the “Don and Gary have worked together a lot over the years,” Heather says, “so I next 25 years. (A group called Architecture 2030 has taken on global warming benefited from their expertise.” with an ambitious goal of reducing fossil fuel consumption of buildings by 50 perWith a stucco exterior, metal roof and modern styling, the trend-setting cent during the next four years, then by10 percent every five years after that.) starter home touts a two-story floor plan with three bedrooms and two and a half Despite reports that sustainable building is a national trend that’s booming in baths. It sits on a full acre in a rural Parker County neighborhood populated by other parts of the country, the concept has been slow to take root in north Texas. homeowners who are willing to drive a little farther for more property and better Heather admits that other 26-year-olds setting out on parallel homebuilding paths views than they typically find in more urban developments. Interestingly enough, might view what she did as a pie-inHeather notes that finding the land the-sky idea, but it made perfect proved a bigger challenge than planBY ELAINE ROGERS • PHOTOGRAPHY BY TERRI GLANGER sense to her. As both daughter and ning and building the home because employee of Don Ferrier of Ferrier many areas and homeowners’ associiven a personal interest in green buildBuilders, Inc., a Fort Worth compaations had size limitations that preing and an inside track in the conny that specializes in eco-conscious cluded her plan to build small. struction business, Heather Ferrier of designs, she took a seat on the green With a design in hand by building bandwagon early on. November 2005, Heather dealt with Fort Worth found a practice-what-you“I’ve been interested in this on a two-month delay due to an preach opportunity when she bought a personal level for a long time,” unavailability of certain building property in April 2005 and began planning her own Heather says, noting her longstandproducts, but the home was still ing allergies and vegetarian diet. “I constructed in four months (faster custom home. Today, her small, newly constructed resguess I’ve been more aware of some than it might have been with tradiidence in Parker County has qualified as one of only of the issues than others, but, it just tional methods and materials), just 100 prototypes nationwide of the United States Green makes so much sense to think you in time for inclusion on the Greater can build with less impacts on the Fort Worth Builder’s 2006 Spring Building Council (USGBC) and stands as a testament to environment, and if you can do Tour of New Homes in April. Some the goal of bringing energy and environmental design that and also dramatically lower 200,000 strangers found plenty to to smaller scale housing. your energy costs, it’s like driving a talk about too as they tromped up hybrid car. Why wouldn’t you?” Heather’s bamboo stairs and across
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CREATING A LOCAL SHOWCASE OF SUSTAINABLE BUILDING ON A BUDGET The U.S. Department of her stained concrete floors. Some visEnergy promotes the merits of eneritors were keen on hearing how the O P P O S I T E P A G E : gy-efficient and environmental solar-heated tankless water heater ABOVE : Situated on a one-acre lot near Lake Weatherford in Parker County, this unusual designs through its Building and Structural Insulated Panels home is one of 100 prototypes for the U.S. Green Building Council. It touts a stucco exteriAmerica program, yet, local con(SIPs) create a more energy efficient or, metal roof and was built with structurally insulated panels (SIPs), a product that employs sumers frequently fend for themstructure. Others were more recycled wood and nontoxic Styrofoam to create a tighter building “envelope,” reducing heating and cooling costs. The home was designed by Dallas architect Gary Olp of GGO selves when it comes to researching intrigued by the notion of using Architects and built by Ferrier Builders, Inc., a Fort Worth company specializing in eco-congreener construction options. And paints and stains with low VOC scious designs. then there’s the challenge of track(volatile organic compounds) in ing down contractors who are order to improve indoor air quality, familiar with such systems and or found inspiration in Olp’s simpleBELOW : The airy style and two-story height of the living room adds a sense of spaciousproducts, know how to install them but-bright idea of using multiple ness that belies the green built home’s size of just 2,038 square feet. Floors are stained and scored concrete; the stairs are bamboo (a member of the grass family and a renewor, for that matter, have even heard glass block windows in the living able resource). of them. On the flip side of the room to provide natural daylighting coin, the few builders and architects that lowers electric bills while adding in the area with this specialty often architectural interest to the space. combat the perception that what “None of this is new,” they do is a little too complicated, “out there” or just plain “Californian” to catch Heather says. “It’s just not something people in this area know much about. on here. …People will look at this and say they never knew about any of the green build“People aren’t demanding it and a lot of builders and trade contractors are just ing concepts they see here, but it’s how we’re all going to have to think about used to doing things the way they’ve always done them,” Heather says.“ Change is building our homes in just a few years–especially with energy prices the way they slow.” are.” Fortunately, Heather’s dad, Don, served as builder on the project, and the With green building, Heather explains that issues focus both on minimizing father-daughter team took their shared passion for healthier and more energy effiyour impact on the environment by using recycled and renewable resources, and cient choices one step further, consulting with DOE officials about the criteria on having a healthier environment by opting for products free of the usual abunrequired to be a USGBC prototype. “What we wanted to do was show that green dance of chemicals. The energy efficiency issue intersects with these goals with its building is a concept that can be applied to a smaller and more affordable level,” aim at minimizing our dependence on fossil fuels and other natural resources. 21
Two years ago, the Metroplex got a flashy introduction to these concepts when North Texas’ first Zero Energy Home made a huge splash during the Greater Dallas Home Builder Association’s 2004 Parade of Homes in Frisco. Built by AndersonSargent Custom Builder LP of Waxahachie, the impressive project won popularity contests such as “Best Overall House” and “Best Interior Design” during the tour. Don heralds the zero energy home’s achievements, yet says it may have perpetuated a general and ongoing perception that green building is too pricey a proposition for ordinary folk. “They put all the bells and whistles on that project, and it was beautifully done,” Don explains. “But the expense of some of the features also left people thinking that green building isn’t practical or affordable for the rest of us.” In that regard, Heather’s house became a testing ground and a showcase for the dad and daughter team to disprove the notion that sustainable building is only attainable by the wealthy who can afford to do it on a large scale. “I had a very specific budget, and sometimes, that means you only do what you can instead of what you want ,” Heather explains. “Some things cost too much upfront to justify because the payoff will take too long. But, the things we did implement, and could afford to, really counted.” Although Heather made the investment of installing photovoltaic panels on the metal roof to heat her tankless water heater, she says it would have cost an additional $30,000 to make the whole house solar-powered. And, instead of a geothermal HVAC system that uses water to heat and cool a home, she had to go with a more traditional but high-efficiency air conditioning unit. She did, however, install a rainwater collection system and, with the insulation qualities of products like the SIPs, she wound up with a two-story home with a startlingly low average electric bill of just $75 per month. Obviously, Heather’s house puts forth a strong message about the future of the building industry, but it does so in a soft, stylish setting with a modern, minimalist décor well-suited to young, adult roommates or even small families. “Lots of the
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young couples and families that came through on the home tour made a point of telling me they could see themselves living in a house like this,” Heather recalls. One of the most striking elements of the home is the two-story living room wall with 33 glass block windows that seem to burst with light during daylight hours. Heather reports being very surprised after move-in that this and other daylighting components mean she almost never has to turn on lights until after sunset. “It’s always bright in here,” she muses. “It’s wonderful.” Against the gleaming appeal of the concrete floors, contemporary furnishings and trendy wall hangings and window coverings from retailers like IKEA and World Market establish the fun, comfortable mood, while added color in the living room comes from modular carpet pieces from InterFlor, reportedly made from cork husks. In the kitchen and on bathroom countertops, Formica is the budget-friendly choice, and Heather notes it is green-guard certified too, meaning less chemicals
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P A G E : In the living room, architectural interest abounds with 33 glass block windows on a north facing wall providing a unique aesthetic and natural daylighting while the curved tracings of the scored concrete are matched to the curve of the home’s radius roof. A frisky kitten named Bella loves to romp on the stairs–and everywhere else.
O P P O S I T E ABOVE :
BELOW : An island topped with “grenadine” Formica is a stylish standout in the kitchen with its two tiers and built-in wine storage. Cabinetry in the cook zone is regionally produced ash, treated with a low VOC stain.
P A G E : In keeping with the modern architecture, the homeowner favors clean-lined furnishings and simple window coverings from sources like IKEA and World Market, plus InterFlor adhesive modular carpet components–a product made from corn husks.
T H I S
BELOW :
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:
T H I S
P A G E
ABOVE :
In the master bath,
vessel sinks adorn a Formica countertop in “jute gauze� and copper-colored mosaic tile from Daltile complements the California slate of the floor and frameless shower. More glass block elements and a solar tube in the master closet help illuminate the private zone. LEFT :
Homeowner Heather
Ferrier bought property near Weatherford and pursued a plan to build a small custom home with energy and environmental design in mind. Photo courtesy Ferrier Custom Homes.
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were used in the adhesives. A bright red hue called “grenadine” makes a fashion statement on the kitchen island, while cabinetry is made from a regionally produced ash–one of the fastest growing hardwoods, and it touts a very light stain, with a low VOC content, of course. Now that the dust has settled and Heather has steered her attentions to landscaping projects like choosing appropriate plantings to screen the large rainwater collection barrel in the sloped yard, Don remains especially proud of the home’s role in helping to spread the word about more responsible building practices and design decisions. “I think awareness is building,” he says, pointing to the Greater Dallas Home Builder Association’s recent addition of a green building subcommittee and to the media attention his daughter’s project has earned. “The community seems to be waking up to it. It’s been a long time coming though.” It helps, he adds, that government entities are giving tax rebates and underwriting expenses for water conservation products like tankless hot water heaters and solar heating products. Additionally, thoughts of energy conservation and the environmental impacts of “old school” construction techniques may be seeping into the public consciousness because of higher energy costs and their painful effects on our wallets.
: Large windows and French doors on the south side of the home contribute to passive solar heat and lead out from the kitchen and dining areas to a slender porch overlooking a side yard. Photo courtesy Ferrier Custom Homes.
T H I S
P A G E
ABOVE RIGHT :
BELOW : The master bedroom, located downstairs, just off the kitchen, provides a serene spot for a cat nap. Here and elsewhere, the décor is simple, and windows and natural daylighting are plentiful.
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In a downstairs powder bath, a low-flush toilet accommodates water conservation while a decorative niche in the wall proves the perfect spot for fresh roses cut from the yard.
Modern styling and a black & white color scheme prevail upstairs where two small bedrooms share a bath. Softness underfoot comes with a surprise, courtesy of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) carpet, a product commonly known as Pop Bottle Carpet since its yarn is created from the reclaimed polyester resins of two-liter soda bottles and ketchup containers. Made by Beaulieu, the product is reportedly thicker and more luxurious than nylon carpet, with superior stain resistance.
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Figures show that sustainability is not as expensive as its results are extensive. Green building may cost 5-10 percent more upfront, for instance, but the payback in savings is usually realized within the first five years. On average, sustainable features can pay for themselves10 times over the life of the building. In upcoming months, as Texas enters a troubling time of debate regarding energy consumption and future energy sources, this Parker County prototype of green building may prove to be a more solid reference point than imagined. On the heels of news that the American Lung Association has given the DFW Metroplex an F rating (think “flunked�) for air quality control, the Texas legislature is considering a plan proposed by TXU and other utility companies to build16 coal-burning power plants statewide, and to do so before new emissions control restrictions aimed at protecting air quality can take effect. In this environment, Heather’s house is a welcome and well-timed breath of fresh air, providing a tangible reality check for both homeowners and builders considering future construction projects and their own conservation efforts.
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BELOW :
Pella Windows & Doors’ 250/450 Series wood sliding patio doors provide an energy-efficient yet beautiful transition from the inside to the great outdoors. Pella also creates transom windows in a variety of quality materials and grille patterns.
EFFICIENCY WITH STYLE ATTRACTIVE WINDOWS, DOORS, SCREENS AND SHUTTERS ADD TO YOUR HOME’S APPEAL AND SUBTRACT FROM YOUR ENERGY BILL BY HARVEY MARKS
Thinking green by installing energy-efficient doors and windows is something any homeowner can feel good about, but not just because of the benefits to the environment. Saving energy also can be very good for your pocketbook. Research shows that homeowners who replace single-pane glass windows can save $125 to $340 on their annual cooling and heating costs, and there are comparable, or in some cases, even greater savings for doors.
ABOVE : Custom window fashions leader, Hunter Douglas, introduces its Duette Architella Collection, which includes honeycomb shades with additional air pockets to keep heat in and cold out. The full line of Hunter Douglas products is available at Ross Howard Designs and SmartLooks Window & Wall Decor.
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ABOVE : Stay cool in your sunroom surrounded by Simonton Windows’ Low-E glass in vinyl frames. LEFT :
With Jeld-Wen’s custom wood exterior doors, you can request your own design in a wide variety of wood species for a personalized creation, complete with energyefficient components such as Low-E glass. The Energy Shop Inc. is a local distributor of Jeld-Wen products. FEDERAL INCENTIVES
But if that’s not enough of an inducement, the federal government wants to make the proposition even more attractive by offering tax credits of up to $500 when you choose energy-efficient building products for your home-improvement projects. Here’s how it works: When you upgrade your exterior windows in the twoyear period between Jan. 1, 2006 and Dec. 31, 2007, you get to deduct 10 percent of the product cost up to $200. For exterior doors, the deduction also is 10 percent, but the maximum amount rises to $500. Your accountant can supply full details, but keep in mind that a tax credit is actually more valuable than a tax deduction. A tax deduction reduces the amount of your income that is subject to taxes. This $500 tax credit gets deducted from the amount you actually pay. WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Choosing energy-efficient replacement windows and doors can be a bit tricky if you don’t know the nomenclature. But fortunately, you only need to learn a few essential terms. For starters, pay attention to U-factor ratings. These ratings are found on standardized labels and measure the amount of heat that flows through a product. The lower the U-factor number, the more energy efficient the product is. You also should look for products that carry the Energy Star seal of approval. Energy Star is a voluntary labeling program sponsored by the U.S.
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Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. Qualified products are guaranteed to exceed minimum federal standards for energy consumption or have other important energy-saving features. Consider low-emissivity (Low-E) glass for your windows and doors. Low-E refers to a transparent metallic coating applied to one surface of insulating glass. In the summer, Low-E treated glass decreases the amount of heat that can enter your home and helps with cooling costs. In the winter, it reflects interior heat back into the home to help reduce heating bills. WHAT TO BUY
Replacement windows and doors are available in numerous styles with a wide range of attractive options. Jeld-Wen, the world’s leading manufacturer of reliable windows and doors, offers several product lines to help maximize energy savings and meet the criteria for a tax credit. Simonton Windows manufactures high-quality vinyl windows and patio doors that are guaranteed to resist pitting or peeling to keep their beautiful appearance for years to come. There’s also Pella Windows & Doors, America’s No. 1 window and door replacement brand. The company provides consumers with a wide range of attractive energy-efficient windows and doors in styles ranging from classic to contemporary to basic. And while you’re at it, why not think about ways you can dress up your new windows while providing extra insulation? Hunter Douglas, the leading manufacturer and marketer of cus-
RIGHT :
ThermaStar by Pella 25 Series vinyl bay windows let you bring the outdoors in year-round providing excellent energy efficiency with minimal maintenance. BELOW :
Andersen Windows & Doors’ doublehung windows give you extra insulation while adding an attractive architectural element to any room. Find Andersen products at The Home Depot.
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RESOURCES ADAME WINDOWS & DOORS 103 W. 9th St., Dallas, TX 214.942.2254 ANDERSEN WINDOWS & DOORS www.andersenwindows.com BMC WEST www.bmcwest.com CURRENT ENERGY 3103 Knox St., Dallas, TX 469.533.7600 Www.currentenergy.com ELITE SHUTTERS ETCETERA 214.878.5056 www.eliteshutters.net THE ENERGY SHOP INC. 11401 Plano Rd., Dallas, TX 214.349.4588 www.energyshopinc.com THE HOME DEPOT www.homedepot.com ROSS HOWARD DESIGNS 972.490.0088 www.rosshoward.com PELLA WINDOWS & DOORS 2001 Coit Road, Ste. 164, Plano, TX 801 Hanover, Ste. 600, Grapevine, TX 800.550.9135, www.pella.com
Pella Impervia single-hung windows are suited for virtually all climates, built to withstand extreme heat, cold and moisture conditions.
tom energy-efficient window fashions in North America, has multiple lines of stylish shadings, sheers, louvers, blinds and shutters. Polywood interior shutters by Sunburst Shutters give you the rich look of wood while insulating more efficiently and providing greater durability. You also might want to consider making your existing windows, doors, skylights and other glass areas more energy efficient with products that offer a noise-reduction bonus like Magnetite insulated windows. Developed at the National Science Foundation Innovation Center at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the 1970s in response to the energy crisis, Magnetite panels are window covers that magnetically attach and seal to your window frames. The result: crystal-clear, unobtrusive protection from unwanted cold or heat. If you’re working with a builder or contractor, you might want to take a look at the wide range of quality windows, doors and other installation products and services available through BMC West Building Materials, available here in Dallas and at locations throughout the western United States. Whatever your choice, virtually any style of energy-efficient window or door is readily available. Best of all, along with beautifying your home, you’ll be helping to protect the environment while putting money back in your pockets through lower energy bills and a big federal tax credit. Energy-efficient windows and doors truly are products everyone can feel good about.
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R&A SPECIALTIES 800.924.2320, www.magnetite.net SIMONTON WINDOWS www.simonton.com SMARTLOOKS WINDOW & WALL DECOR 101 S. Greenville Ave. Richardson, TX 972.699.1151 www.smartlooksdecor.com SUNBURST SHUTTERS 10990 Petal St. #100 Dallas, TX 214.343.2601 www.sunburstshutter.com TEXAS BLIND & SHUTTER 214.802.7143 TEX SUN SHADE & BLIND CO. 972.279.0132 www.tex-sun.com
By ANDREA RIDOUT
ADVERTORIAL
Coops & The City Many of you gentle readers may remember me from my former home improve-
inception, I feel like I have been in a crash course on country living, joining a
ment radio show, Ask Andrea, or a column that I used to write for this magazine
nationwide craze for all things sustainable. One of the most popular topics on the
called Andrea’s Choice. Last fall, I partnered up with Mother Earth News maga-
show has now infiltrated my own home; pet chickens.
zine and launched a new program, Mother Earth News Radio. Since the show’s
Why the recent resurgence in backyard barnyards? According to Troy
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Griepentrog with Mother Earth News, “There are dozens of reasons to keep a few hens in your backyard, including pest control and sheer entertainment. Fresh eggs may be the most popular reason, and eggs from hens allowed to do what comes naturally — roam and peck at grasses, weed seeds and bugs — not only taste better, they’re better for you than eggs from cage-raised hens. Free-range eggs are higher in vitamin E and beta carotene, and lower in cholesterol.” Quite a few north Texas residents agree. At a recent chicken coop tour in East Dallas, close to 1,500 folks flew in to take a peep at the coops, many of whom would have never imagined themselves as chicken owners until recently. A local Chicken Meetup Group has close to 250 member families and their meetings are often standing-room only. If you’re thinking of joining the chicken revolution yourself, check with your local municipality and homeowners’ association to make sure that they are allowed. Hens are completely legal in most cities in the metroplex. Roosters are usually not allowed (because of their crowing) nor are they needed unless you intend to breed more chickens. Hens lay plenty of eggs without the males’ involvement. If your town has an anti-chicken ordinance, try squawking a bit yourself. You might be able to change the laws. Another important point – don’t run afoul of your neighbors. When your hens begin to lay, why not take them a few eggs and let them know that there will be more to come? You might even launch a neighborhood coop club. To get started with chickens, pick up some basic supplies; a coop, feeder, waterer, and chicken feed. You’ll also need some chicks. Many local feed stores such as Roach Feed and Seed in Garland carry them in season and even nurseries like Northhaven Gardens are getting into the chick biz. A variety of books are also available on the topic. Check your local library, bookstore, Half Price Books or chicken supply dealer. Online research will yield rich results as well.
Andrea Ridout is a DFW-based home improvement and lifestyles expert. She is the host of Mother Earth News Radio on 1190-AM each Saturday morning at 9 am. Also watch for her on Fox 4’s Good Day where she often showcases topics such as backyard chickens. She and her son are raising Bantam Orpingtons in east Dallas. Visit www.MotherEarthNewsRadio.com for more info.
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CREATING A D R O U G H TTOLERANT L A N D S CA P E BY STEVE HUDDLESTON
Four-nerve daisy, Tetraneuris scaposa. Photo courtesy G.A. Cooper, USDA-NRCS Plants Database
WAT E R C O N S E R VAT I O N T I P S The hot summer months are the perfect time to practice water conservation in the landscape. During the summer, outdoor watering accounts for 40 percent to 60 percent of all water use, and most of this is through poor watering practices. To reduce water waste and encourage efficient water use, Dallas restricts outdoor watering April 1 through October 31, and Fort Worth restricts outdoor watering June 1 through September 30. During these months, there is to be no landscape watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. with the exception of watering by hand or with soaker hoses.
and footprints will remain when it needs water. • When you water your lawn, water deeply. This promotes deep roots and healthy grass. An inch of applied water generally will penetrate the soil to a depth of 6 inches. A lawn needs an inch of water a week. • Let your grass grow taller during the summer. Taller grass holds moisture better and slows down evaporation. Taller leaf blades will shade the roots, keeping them cooler. THE 7 PRINCIPLES OF XERISCAPING
To create a water-conserving garden, follow the seven principles of xeriscaping. “Xeriscaping” comes from the Greek word “xeros,” which means dry. Contrary to many people’s perception, an xeriscape does not have to consist of rock and cactus. You can have a full and colorful landscape if you apply the following principles: 1. Start with a good design. Make a sketch of your yard. Show existing trees, shrubs and
To eliminate water waste during rain or freeze conditions, Fort Worth requires rain and freeze sensors on all residential irrigation systems installed on or after June 1, 2007. Existing commercial underground irrigation systems are required to be retrofitted on or before June 1, 2007. All new commercial irrigation systems installed after June 1, 2006, must include sensors. CONSERVATION TIPS
Try the following outdoor watering tips to conserve even more water: • Maintain your sprinkler system. Repair any broken, missing or misdirected sprinkler heads. • Don’t allow your sprinkler system to water driveways, sidewalks and streets. • Never water on windy days. • Water early in the morning to reduce wasteful evaporation. • Wash the car on the lawn to recycle the water. Use a bucket of soapy water and save the hose for rinsing. • Water your lawn only when it needs watering. The grass will turn an off color
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other plants, and locate underground utility lines. Decide on areas you want to plant low, moderate or typical water-use plantings. 2. Improve the soil. Test your soil before planting to determine its nutrient content. Soil test kits are available from the Cooperative Extension Service or local nurseries. Select samples from many locations in your landscape, and then mix these samples for a composite sample. Otherwise, if you have a clay soil, rototill 3 inches of expanded shale into the soil and then rototill 3 inches of aged compost into that mix. If you have sandy soil, just add 3 inches of aged compost and rototill it in. 3. Use mulch. Mulch is any material — organic or inorganic — used as a soil covering to
reduce soil moisture evaporation, inhibit weed growth and moderate soil temperature. Furthermore, mulch creates a finished look to beds. Organic mulches decompose and release nutrients to the soil, thus reducing the need to apply commercial fertilizers. Apply mulch 2 inches to 4 inches deep around shrubs and trees and in flower beds. 4. Limit lawn areas. Grass requires more water than any other plant in the landscape.
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GARY A. MONROE
LARRY ALLAIN
Consider whether grass is necessary or whether a lower water-consuming plant or hard surface such as a patio or deck might substitute for grass. Grasses for full sun, in descending order of drought tolerance, are buffalo grass, common bermuda, zoysia grass and St. Augustine. In dense shade, consider replacing turf with shade-tolerant ground covers. 5. Choose low water-use plants. Select native or adapted low water-use plants. There are
many native trees, shrubs, ground covers and perennials that perform beautifully in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and look good in the landscape. The Fort Worth Botanic Garden features such plants at its north entrance and in the Water Conservation Garden just inside the north entrance. PATRICK J. ALEXANDER
6. Water efficiently. Let the plant’s condition, not the number of days since watering,
determine when you should water. Water less frequently but deeper when you do water. Plants develop deeper root systems and withstand drought better if watered deeply. Strive to supply water as close to the root system as possible, such as through drip irrigation. If you have overhead irrigation, run it early in the morning while the wind is calm and so that foliage will dry off quickly. 7. Practice good maintenance. Fertilize in moderation since excessive fertilization
causes excessive growth, which demands more water. Remove weeds to reduce competition for moisture and nutrients. Raise the height of the lawn mower.
RECOMMENDED DROUGHT- TOLERANT PLANTS
Trees
• Desert willow, Chilopsis linearis • Eve’s necklace, Sophora affinis • Texas persimmon, Diospyros texana • Texas mountain laurel, Sophora secundiflora • Rusty blackhaw viburnum, Viburnum rufidulum • Mexican plum, Prunus mexicana • Chaste tree, Vitex agnuscastus • Lacey oak, Quercus laceyi/Q. glaucoides • Chinquapin oak, Quercus muehlenbergii • Cedar elm, Ulmus crassifolia • Red oak, Quercus shumardii Shrubs
• Glossy abelia, Abelia x grandiflora — several cultivars • Autumn sage, Salvia greggii • Red yucca, Hesperaloe parviflora • Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis • Texas sage, Leucophyllum
frutescens • Agave, several species • Yaupon holly, Ilex vomitoria • Possumhaw holly, Ilex decidua • Agarita, Mahonia trifoliolata
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT :
Possumhaw holly, Ilex decidua; Russian sage, Perovskia atriplicifolia; Agarita, Mahonia trifoliolata. Photos courtesy USDA-NRCS Plants Database
Perennials
• Catmint, Nepeta x faasenii ‘Walker’s Low’ • Russian sage, Perovskia atriplicifolia • Lantana horrida • Pink skullcap, Scutellaria suffrutescens • Sundrops, Calylophus hartwegii • Wormwood, Artemisia arborescens ‘Powis Castle’ • Turk’s cap, Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii • Xexmenia, Widelia hispida • Four-nerve daisy, Tetraneuris scaposa Grass
• Buffalo grass, Buchloe dactyloides (lawn grass) • Lindheimer’s muhly, Muhlenbergia lindheimeri • Mexican feather grass, Nasella tenuissima Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis. Photo courtesy Ann McCormick 35
Great Escapes A Weekend Away is closer than you might think. Start Your Adventure at Grape Creek Ranch.
GRAPE CREEK RANCH
BED BREAKFAST The Grape Creek Ranch is located on the beautiful banks of Grape Creek, just 9 miles from historic Fredericksburg. This serene bed and breakfast features four newly constructed luxury family cabins perfect for a peaceful getaway for family, friends or even corporate retreats. Each morning a fresh breakfast is delivered to your door. Just steps from your cabin enjoy the Grape Creek Trail, tour the historic Lower South Grape School, pick your own peaches in the orchard (seasonal) and enjoy a bonfire under the Hill Country stars.
Nitzan and Etty Mendelbaum 10279 East Hwy 290 Fredericksburg, TX 78624 830-997-7478 • 713-443-2534
www.grapecreekranch.com
Special Summer Rates CABINS FEATURE:
• Separate bedroom with queen bed • A loft with 2 twin mattresses (Additional mattresses available) • Completely furnished kitchen with a stovetop, coffee maker and large refrigerator • Full bath with tub/shower • Central air/heat • 2 TVs • Covered porch with table and chairs • Beautiful landscaping
Weekday Special: $85 per night for 1 to 2 people or $99 per night for up to 4 people* Regularly $155 per night for 4 people
Weekend Special: $150 per night for up to 4 people** Regularly $185 per night *Sunday-Thursday only. Minimum 2 night stay **Friday-Saturday only. Minimum 2 night stay. Offers valid through August 31st.