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CELEBRATING INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN AND PERSONAL STYLE

Personal Homes of Architects & Builders Making Sustainable Living Livable Pantone’s Emerald Green

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From the Editors

Sustainability is a science. Everyone’s focus is to design and construct a home without negatively impacting the environment; using low-impact, long-term and best-functioning materials, and being mindful of waste from the initial concept through the life of the house and its family. However, how livable is a sustainable home? In this issue, we feature three architects/builders who, when given the opportunity to design and build their own homes, walked the walk in creating environmentally friendly and beautiful homes to raise their families. The creative minds from Danze Blood Architects, Escobedo Construction and Pioneer Design give us a glimpse into their personal residences and the thought processes behind how they created the homes of their dreams. You’ll also see another commonality throughout this issue. Emerald green is everywhere. It’s Pantone’s® color for 2013, so get used to seeing this vibrant hue in every aspect of design. We all try to be conscientious about our energy use but it isn’t just about turning off the lights when you leave the room. Smart design and strategies for curbing consumption are important. We talked to Peter Pfeiffer of Barley Pfeiffer Architects and Amy Pyle of BuiltSmart Resources, whose firms are at the forefront of efficient home design, and they both agree that it’s cheaper to conserve than produce. So before you install solar panels or take another bold step towards going green, hear what they have to say — and learn how to determine what may or may not be right for your particular home. And on that same note, we all know the toll the summer heat takes on our landscapes, energy bills and even furniture inside our homes. Texas Sun & Shade and Austintatious Blinds and Shutters offer window treatment options that will protect our furnishings from fading and damage, promote energy efficiency and help us a get a more productive night’s sleep, all while enhancing the design of our homes. Spring is here and it’s the perfect time to explore the many interesting and historic small towns in Central Texas. If you haven’t been to Castroville, known as The Little Alsace of Texas, we encourage you to make the drive out to this charming community. Dating back to the land grant days of Texas, Castroville is rich in local history, architecture and good things to eat. And speaking of eating — check out the hottest places to eat in SA – The Monterey, and Austin – Barley Swine, both with chefs who have already made names for themselves by sourcing local and keeping it fresh and cutting edge. Please share this issue with a friend and be encouraged to recycle.

Trisha Doucette & Leslie Woods, editors

P.S. Find us on Facebook at: facebook.com/urbanhomemags If you have wonderful finds that our readers would enjoy, let us know on Facebook. On The Cover: At over 20 years in the making, the personal residence of the principals at Danze Blood Architects is the result of combined creativity and the thoughtful, careful choices made to connect the inside to the out and all places in between. Page 22.

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2013 | VOL. 8 | NO. 2 Publisher Louis Doucette Editors Trisha Doucette and Leslie Woods Contributing Editors Cathy Coneway – ABOR Catrina Kendrick – Catrina’s Ranch Interiors John Martin – Austin NARI Justin Bravo – NARI San Antonio Contributing Writers Claudia Alarcon, Sharla Bell, Jackie Benton, Suzanne Dowling Mauri Elbel, Sue-Ella Mueller, Dana W. Todd Strategic Media Placement Diane Purcell Advertising Sales Sandy Weatherford Gerry Lair Photography John Blood, Allison Cartwright/Twist Tours, Casey Dunn, Casey Fry, Greg Hursley Design and Production Tim Shaw – The Shaw Creative Printing and Direct Mail SmithPrint Phone 512.385.4663, Austin - 210.410.0014, San Antonio Fax 830.981.8887 Business Office 4714 Cambridge / Sugar Land, Texas 77479 Sales Office 10036 Saxet Drive / Boerne, Texas 78006 Email louisd@urbanhomemagazine.com

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Website www.urbanhomemagazine.com Urban Home Magazine Austin-San Antonio is published by Big City Magazines of Austin, LLC. Advertising rates available upon request. All rights reserved by copyright. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent from publisher. Every effort is made to assure accuracy of the information contained herein. However, the publisher cannot guarantee such accuracy. Advertising is subject to errors, omissions and or other changes without notice. Mention of any product or service does not constitute endorsement from Urban Home Magazine. The information contained in this publication is deemed reliable from third party sources, but not guaranteed. Urban Home Magazine does not act as an agent for any of the advertisers in this publication. It is recommended that you choose a qualified remodeling, home furnishings or home improvement firm based on your own selection criteria. Urban Home Magazine, does not act as an agent for any of the realtors or builders in this publication. It is recommended that you choose a qualified realtor to assist you in your new home purchase. Urban Home Magazine will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that is a violation of the Fair Housing Act. All real estate advertising in Urban Home Magazine, is subject to the Fair Housing Act that states “We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.”

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April / May 2013

Contents

cover 22 Green As The Valleys Beyond Photography by Greg Hursley and John Blood

featured homes 30 Deep In The Heart Of Texas Photography by Casey Dunn 38 Serene Sight Photography by Casey Fry

trends 60 Design Sweet Salvage Love 70 Outdoor Poolside Prominence 76 Food Seasonality, Sustainability

highlights

48 Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s More Cost Effective To Conserve Than Produce 50 The Emerald Eye 56 Why This Space Works, Designer Spotlight: Laura Britt 64 The Blind Side 68 Tierra Vista: Hilltop Jewel with Legendary Lineage

departments fabulous finds 78 Destination: Castroville essentials 54 New Products: Shades Of Green

contributing editors 46 John Martin, Austin NARI & Justin Bravo, NARI San Antonio 62 Catrina Kendrick, Catrinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ranch Interiors 81 Cathy Coneway, ABOR 82 Advertiser Index

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Valleys Beyond

Green as the

By Mauri Elbel Photography by Greg Hursley and John Blood

Optimists who also happen to be well-respected architects didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let a little thing like a seemingly impossible site stand in the way of an environmentally-conscious, Photo by John Blood

awe-inspiring design.

Photo by Greg Hursley

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Urban Home Austin â&#x20AC;&#x201C; San Antonio

Photo by John Blood

Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

hen Elizabeth Danze, FAIA, and John Blood, AIA, first came across their tiny sloping plot perched on the side of Austin’s Cat Mountain more than two decades ago, they were the only ones capable of visualizing the potential hidden within its limiting dimensions. “It really didn’t look like anything, but we knew we could do something with it if we could just wrap our heads around it,” says Blood, a senior lecturer at the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Architecture and partner of Danze Blood Architects with his wife, an associate professor at the school. While the actual specs of one of the last remaining sites in the planned unit development presented them with an array of challenges –– a 25-foot drop across the length of the site, lack of street frontage, tight 40-foot width, and neighboring houses built literally five feet away –– the couple now considers those obstacles the home’s greatest attribute. Today, gazing out from their home is a visually stunning experience that lets you see what Danze and Blood realized from the very beginning. Myriad vantage points give way to sweeping panoramas of Lake Austin and boundless views of the Hill Country just beyond. “There were ideas that were present from the beginning,” says Blood. “Wherever you are in this house, you have some direct access to the outside, and connection and awareness of the other spaces. We were very careful about designing, both inside and out, to make sure all of the spaces connect horizontally out to the view and also connect vertically to some other part of the house.” The house wraps around a vertical, almost urban scaled space with a pool on the northwest corner of the lot. On the north and west, the lot fronts a protected greenbelt offering an intimate connection to the natural landscape. A solid wall on the south side shields awareness of the neighboring home just five feet away while, on the upper level, a continuous ribbon of windows protected by a custom fabricated metal awning frames the dramatic views. The narrow width of the house, combined with strategic wall and window placement, allows for daylighting throughout interior spaces and creates natural cross-ventilation and air movement throughout the house. Decks, built on each level of the home, maximize the visual and literal connection to the outdoors, each with their own individual character, orientation and context. The lowest deck captures and enhances the close, protected view while the long roof deck offers an expansive one. You could say the Twin Valley House is an architectural masterpiece, one that has evolved over a decade of thought and contemplation. The couple first purchased the lot, located next door to Danze’s parents, before they moved to Austin from New Haven.

Photos by John Blood

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Photo by Greg Hursley

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Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

Photo by Greg Hursley

“We ended up buying the lot in 1991,” says Danze. “We had no money. I had just graduated from Yale. We had a lot of student loans and two young children.” The architect duo spent about 10 years designing and redesigning their home, and in the interim, endured a few out of the ordinary living arrangements with their growing daughters, now 22 and 25. “We had some interesting living arrangements –– from renting several houses and apartments to sharing a house near campus with another family for nearly two years,” recalls Danze. “We had our own living spaces and shared a kitchen with another architect and professor and their daughter, and our three girls became like sisters. It actually worked really well to have four adults and three children in the house because there always seemed to be an adult at home.” Perhaps these shared living experiences and desire to live without excess helped to form the openness and connectedness that flows so freely through their home today. While the home is spacious, 2,880 square feet spread among four levels, it remains intimate throughout. Its continuity is reflected through a collection of spaces that allows one to traverse the entire house without compromising privacy. “Rather than designing rooms that were programmatically specific and limited, we maximized the character of each space and related it to the outside and other spaces in the house,” says Blood. “There is a wide range of characters and spaces in this house. I think each person can find where they want to be at that very given moment.” Case in point: the three-story space is designed to offer a different feeling on each level. The first level has a window and deck open to boundless views, the second features a built-in wooden lounge and the third level provides an aerial view and allows for roof access as well. There is no formally designated dining area either –– the dining table can migrate from the inside to the outside depending on the seasons and lighting, finding a place within spaces that easily accommodate intimate meals of two or groups of two dozen. “We always imagined this house would be very accepting and accommodating of the seasons and times of the year,” says Danze. “We like the idea of all sitting around one table no matter how many people you have –– we had 24 people over for Easter last year,” adds Blood. For the Danze-Blood family, shared spaces are not just a design principle, it’s a lifestyle. While the home has ample space for extra rooms, the couple chose to design a studio-style room for their daughters to share. “It was designed to function as two separate spaces with two closets, one large window on one side and two door-windows that step out onto the deck on the other side,” says Elizabeth, who grew up sharing a room with her sister and wanted her daughters to have a similar experience. “Once, when they were getting a little older, they wanted to have two separate rooms. We told them they could because, really, it was designed for that. So we laid out the tape showing them where the wall would go and after about a week, they never said anything else about it and we removed the tape.” But the most admirable aspect of the Twin Valley House is its sustainability, derived out of the conscious green efforts Blood and

Photo by Greg Hursley

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Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

Photo by John Blood

Danze poured into each detail and built into every corner. From its Planned Unit Development site that minimizes land usage to the way the home is oriented to take full advantage of the seasons, solar gains, shading and cross-ventilation, the home is as green as the valleys that surround. “We were looking for efficiency,” says Danze. “Not excess, but rather a maximum appreciation of what the site had to offer. We were trying to be respectful by looking at the site and letting it tell us what could exist.” While the 25-foot drop across a very narrow site would be seen as a disadvantage to most, Danze and Blood saw it as opportunity to get high enough to have a great view and snuggle down low enough to be close to the raw landscape. From a practical standpoint, they considered site orientation, cross-ventilation, light and shading –– all those elements that often get overlooked in the design process but come natural to sustainably-minded educators and architects. “We were exploring how we could design the house passively,” says Danze. “We were really honing in on that as best we could, and the other things just followed.” The Twin Valley House serves as a top-to-bottom lesson in green design — from the sisal and jute natural fiber rugs sitting atop renewable bamboo flooring all the way to the light-colored standing seam metal roof chosen for its solar reflectivity and durability. With the exception of the kitchen, all floors are bamboo, a grass harvested from controlled forests. Bamboo also makes up the cabinet fronts, custom fabricated stairs and handrails, and all of the bamboo scrap material was recycled and reused in laminated end-grain countertops in the bathrooms and kitchen. Cork, a product harvested every 10 years from Cork Oak trees that live an average of 500 years, makes up the kitchen floor and serves as a rich, warm counterpoint to the bamboo cabinetry above. But if you ask Blood about his favorite find, you will hear about the several hundred half-inch thick chrome and aluminum plates he scoured from a local metal scrap yard along with much of the metal used in handrails and stairs. He did some of the home’s construction himself, and he assembled these plates to create a cantilevered hearth in the main living area as well as a mantel and fireplace wall in the master bedroom. The Twin Valley Home serves as a testament of Blood and Danze’s combined design philosophies — a perfect marriage of how the couple aspired to live and how they actually do live. Fast forward in time from when they bought their lot almost a quarter century ago, and they will tell you there is not much they would change about the design. Even today, when they are home, Danze says it feels like they are on vacation. The home has become a part of their family and who they are, and there is no place they would rather be. “It is my favorite place in the world,” says Blood. v architect Danze Blood Architects 512.773.5207 | www.danzeblood.com

Photo by John Blood

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The prairie sky is wide and high (clap, clap, clap, clap)

Deep in the Heart

of Texas

By Sharla Bell | Photography by Casey Dunn

You know you are a true Texan if lyrics to “Deep in the Heart of Texas” spontaneously burst forth at the sight of a breathtaking photo of said Texas sky. To live under this wide canopy of beauty, to live in that white speck in the distance, so that each morning the majesty of this place greeted you and “the stars at night, big and bright” put you to sleep, what a true treasure that would be. So was the desire of David Escobedo, owner of Escobedo Construction — to have open spaces — both in the general sense of the wide open Hill Country in which he situated his home and also in the specific manner in which he built it, simple and open, so as to better enjoy the splendor around him. urbanhomemagazine.com

Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

hen asked about his goals for the home, Escobedo explained that he envisioned a “simplicity of construction and materials, minimal maintenance, and a building situated to optimize solar and wind orientation.” Since all of these goals are in sync with a “green” building philosophy, the resulting home is a wonder of environmentally progressive design. From the outset, the desire was “to minimize our building footprint. This is why the building is tall and not very large. Fewer resources are required with a smaller house.” Using a steel super structure for the home “makes the building more durable and longer lasting. The steel structure and light gauge framing expand the life of the building while using fire resistant materials.” And a huge bonus? The steel used for this project is 90% recycled material. For the home’s facing, Escobedo chose zinc cladding, a remarkable material that has been used in Europe for centuries. Escobedo explained its amazing properties: “Zinc is a long lasting, low maintenance and highly recyclable material. It will naturally patina over time with the combination of rainwater and carbon dioxide. This patina will add a layer to the zinc, which will prevent it from rusting or corroding. The patina also gives it an incredible longevity of 80-100 years. Zinc is also a fungistat — it won’t grow mold or mildew. Zinc is highly recyclable, so after its initial use here it will not end up in landfills. Finally, zinc is also fire resistant. Using zinc has allowed us to have a long lasting and sustainable material for our house.” The roof Escobedo chose, a Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roofing system, provides “exceptional resistance to ultraviolet, ozone and chemical exposure.” A single-ply roofing membrane, it is heat-reflective and energy efficient. And it too, is a long lasting material. Indoors, the green, sustainable building choices continue. Polished concrete floors are a durable, beautiful choice throughout the home. The countertops are also made of concrete and steel, again making them longer lasting than many other options. The gorgeous ceilings and stair treads are reclaimed long leaf pine, reusing this precious natural resource. The windows are insulated glass, and both levels of the house have radiant heated flooring for energy efficiency. The Miele, Waterworks and Kohler® fixtures are water efficient, as well as the plumbing and appliances.

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Sourcing locally whenever possible was very important to Escobedo for several reasons. “We always want to support local businesses and quarries, and by doing so it also allows us to reduce transportation costs and emissions.” To that end, Texas limestone and natural Lueders Limestone were used throughout the project, including in the custom limestone sinks and tubs fabricated by Escobedo Stoneworks. Quartz from the ranch site was used to build the ten exterior light fixtures, also made by Escobedo Stoneworks, and rock from the site was used to build retaining walls. Rugs made by a local artisan, Kyle Bunting, grace the floors in the living room and bedroom. The walnut bed in the master bedroom, the white oak cabinets throughout the home, and the reclaimed long leaf pine dining room table were locally and custom made by Escobedo Cabinetry & Millwork. Throughout the property, Escobedo made environmentally sound and economically smart choices. Choosing to surround the house with only a small perimeter of Zoysia grass and other drought tolerant, deer-resistant landscaping, Escobedo will prudently conserve the water available in this area of Texas often plagued by drought. And to carefully retain any of the valuable rainwater that falls over the ranch, Escobedo installed a twentytwo thousand gallon rainwater collection system as well as a windmill well two hundred yards away with an electric pump to water the landscape. Escobedo also incorporated many natural plants into the landscape, and minimized irrigation with the assistance of low emitting sprinklers. A very unique feature of the property, the ranch is part of the State of Texas Wildlife Management System. They have six tanks and each year they do tank improvements so that the wildlife on the ranch has water. They also installed owl boxes, which were provided by Plateau Land and Wildlife Management to protect the owls flourishing on the Mason Ranch. Wildlife Management also does prickly pear treatments on the property to keep this fast-growing cactus manageable. And while living out where “the coyotes wail along the trail” and “the rabbits rush around the brush,” appeals to many Texans’ romantic sensibilities, the reality of building “Deep in the Heart of Texas” was quite a trial. “Being out in Mason was a challenge as far as labor and materials were concerned. Our employees lived on site for most of the project to minimize our travel. We also tried to plan our deliveries as efficiently as possible to Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

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Urban Home Austin â&#x20AC;&#x201C; San Antonio

minimize our travel times. This project was fast paced so the project management was very important to maintain efficiencies and the schedule.” But for all the efficient, sustainable choices made and written about here, the house is also lovely and lovingly designed. Each room is furnished simply but comfortably, with an organic feel, so that the house, like the ranch it is situated on, feels like a modern Texas homestead. Features like the screened in sunroom off the kitchen beckon you to enjoy a cup of coffee while watching the Texas sunrise — and what a cool space! Using a NanaWall System, an “Opening Glass Wall that Performs When Closed,” the family is able to enjoy direct access to the sunroom or close off the space and experience an open air room. And of course, even the NanaWall has sustainable features like being Energy Star® certified and made with recyclable aluminum frames and 25% recycled content. Additionally, utilizing the outside as part of their living space aided Escobedo in building smaller and smarter. 36

Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

Another incredibly cool space is the master bedroom upstairs. Surrounded by huge Low E View Glass Windows, one feels as if he can see the world from the perch of his bed. The point of the room faces East/West, so as the sun rises in the East and sets in the West, incredible views abound. And if one wants to sleep in, no worries! The automatic solar shades drop down from the cove ceiling to keep the sun out. At night, LED lights that change color, also hidden in the cove ceiling, make for a spectacular ambiance. Complete with custom cream limestone night stands made by Escobedo Stoneworks, this room is a haven for lovers of design. Deep in the heart of the Texas Hill Country lies a home that it as good to the earth under its footprint as it is for the folks who live inside it. Might we all strive to build the same. v DESIGN/BUILD TEAM Escobedo Construction 512.312.2673 | Escobedoconstruction.com urbanhomemagazine.com

Serene Sight By Dana W. Todd | Photography by Casey Fry

Far west of Austin in Hays County, where the Hill Country provides dramatic terrain complete with pastureland dotting the hillsides, the Browns chose to build their custom home on 10 acres.

rchitect Tim Brown and his wife, Kim, grew up in rural sections of the northeastern corner of the U.S., so it’s no wonder they returned to their rural roots when it was time to build a house in Texas for their family of three, which includes 11-year-old son Cole. Tim Brown says the 30-minute commute into Austin to his architectural firm, Pioneer Designs, isn’t sustainable, but the ecologically friendly house he built for his family makes up for the carbon overuse. “My main goal was to achieve a five-star energy rating from the Austin Energy Green Building Program, while making the house as small as possible and including everything we needed,” he says. “I was very focused on making the house sustainable and even sacrificed some aesthetics to achieve this goal. “I let natural factors drive the design,” he says, which included situating the linear house to take advantage of prevailing hillside breezes and including a long wooden deck on the front where fans are unnecessary. A large shed roof faces north, so it receives no direct sun during Austin’s harsh summers. The addition of large windows and doors on the north-facing side of the house also contributes to indoor climate control. “We can open the house four months of the year to breezes,” Brown says. Brown used a software modeling program to measure energy usage of his blueprints at different times of the day, adjusting the roof overhang on paper to design the most efficient home. While achieving the five-star standard, Brown stuck to his roots by designing a classic farmhouse with simplified architectural lines in an idyllic setting. Board and batten siding, bare wooden porch railings, and metal siding contribute to the agrarian feel. “I love driving up the mile to it,” he says. “It looks like a barn tucked into the hillside.” Though the house is attractive, comfortable and functional for a family, it is above all else a testament to the benefits of carefully planning a home so that it wastes few precious natural resources during its lifetime. One of the most sustainable aspects of the home is its rainwater collection system. Brown designed it to use runoff from the house’s roof to satisfy 100 percent of the home’s water usage. Three filters — sediment, charcoal and ultraviolet – ensure the water is purified for drinking and is fed by gravity into two

Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

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Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

Urban Home Austin â&#x20AC;&#x201C; San Antonio

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Urban Home Austin â&#x20AC;&#x201C; San Antonio

“Some sustainable features are beautiful. These traditional elements bring back what we seem to have lost - an intrinsic sense of how to eliminate discomfort.”

Tim Brown, Pioneer Designs

10,000-gallon tanks for storage until needed for showering, cooking and other indoor activities. Because of the rocky soil, which has a high mineral content, this method is actually preferable to well-sourced water to provide fresh, tasteless water. To enhance the sustainability of the collection system, Brown installed low-flow faucets, dual flush toilets, and an efficient electric water heater that only loses one degree in temperature per day when it is shut off. A recirculation system at each shower and tub ensures no water is wasted waiting for higher temperatures. “I flip a switch near the shower, brush my teeth, and the water is warm and ready for use,” says Brown. No water is needed outside. Although the landscape is not officially xeriscaped, the grasses and plants are native and do not rely on water from an irrigation system. The Browns don’t need and don’t own a lawn mower, mitigating the use of fossil fuels to power it. Inside, sustainability features continue with the use of clerestory windows on the south side of the house under the shed roof, moving stale air out and pulling fresh air inside. The process of air movement enables the Browns to use less artificially cooled air from the HVAC system, which is the biggest energy hog in most houses. Where most homeowners’ HVAC units cover 300500 square feet per ton of air conditioning, Brown’s efficient system covers 700 square feet per ton. He says the system makes the rooms more comfortable by removing humidity without lowering the room’s temperature, allowing the family to set the thermostat higher and save money. As a zoned system, the HVAC computer incorporates three thermostats for different areas of the house, allowing the family to heat or cool only the portions of the house currently in use. Sustainable features such as transoms above bedroom doors are a throwback to yesteryear, when interiors were designed for specific purposes and air conditioning was nonexistent. “Some sustainable features are beautiful,” Brown says, referencing the clerestory windows and transoms. “These traditional elements bring back what we seem to have lost — an intrinsic sense of how to eliminate discomfort.” Stained concrete floors on the first level cost about one-third the price of wood flooring and are even used on the kitchen countertops in this house. 44

Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

“I love the handmade look of stained concrete, with its hairline cracks, imperfections, and countertop corners that aren’t completely square,” Brown says. To warm up the kitchen, Brown splurged on warm, reddish brown merbau wood for the island, where his family gathers to play games, eat and talk. Though the wood is shipped from Southeast Asia, which removes some of its sustainability benefits, it is reclaimed from Asian railroad systems dating back to World War II. Brown continues the warm ambiance by using the same wood on the stair treads to the second floor, where nail holes from a previous use as railroad ties remain. Upstairs, 1’x 2’ cork flooring tiles are do-it-yourself friendly because individual tiles can be removed and replaced if they become worn. Cork is one of the most sustainable flooring choices. The bark is harvested every nine years, and the tree is left unharmed. Besides having sound-deadening qualities and a cushioned step, cork floors are naturally resistant to bacterial and mold growth. In addition to sustainability, Brown wanted to build a house as small as possible, while including everything his family needed. At only 2,075-square-feet, the home lives large. The connected kitchen and living rooms open onto a screened porch through double doors, extending the visual and living spaces of the house. A wood stove on the porch creates its own little entertainment area for roasting hotdogs and melting s’mores. In the spirit of living smart in a small space, Brown designed a third bedroom without a closet to convert to a guest bedroom or office as need dictates. Similarly, the master bedroom has a wall of built-in closets lining one wall, which saves the square footage typically used as closet space. An absence of hallways that “waste” space is a sustainable attribute of designing a home in a linear fashion. “The movement to huge houses is not sustainable,” says Brown. “I have taken this house back to the essentials and let efficiency drive design. It is an expression of who we are.” v Pioneer Design, LLC 512.484.9378 | Pioneer-designs.com Schmidt Custom Homes 512.858.0301 | Schmidtcustomhomestx.com urbanhomemagazine.com

Elegant Ranch Designs at Affordable Prices

Catrina’s

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When Imagination Matters . . .

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REMODELER’S ADVICE

Style With Ease Universal design makes your home comfortable for all

We’ve got great glass

s the baby boomer population ages, accessible design is quickly becoming a must in home remodels. Aging seniors need their homes to be comfortable and spacious, and the right design elements might actually extend the time people can remain independent instead of moving to an assisted living center. Universal design strives to make living spaces work for everyone, regardless of age, size and ability, ensuring that homes can grow old with their owners.

john martin, President, Austin NARI

Accessibility – Getting around is sometimes one of the most challenging aspects of dayto-day living for seniors and people with disabilities. Make sure the main entrance of your home and at least one other exterior door is step-free and thresholds are no more Justin Bravo, than ½-inch high. Install lever handles President, instead of knobs on all doors. Doors should NARI San Antonio be 32 to 36 inches wide and hallways 36 to 42 inches wide. These expanded widths will allow a wheelchair to get by and make moving furniture much easier for the family. Comfort – Universal design features make sense no matter who is living in a home. Include a kitchen, living area, bedroom and bath on the first floor in case someone in the home ever needs one-floor living because of an injury or illness. Install grab bars in showers and tubs for safety, and ensure that flooring surfaces are slip-free. Wide showers, at least 3 feet square, provide enough space for wheelchairs or a spot for a bench. Add a hand-held shower spray for more effortless bathing. Kind Kitchens – Kitchens are the go-to spot in the home. Keep it that way by incorporating accessible elements, such as open floor plans, which make cooking and cleaning a breeze. Build counter tops at varying heights for different tasks; this works well for kids and seated adults. Plan for deeper toe kicks and knee spaces under counters, and install D-shaped handles on cabinet doors and drawers. Under-the-counter refrigerator drawers and drawer dishwashers also are smart choices. Clever Commodes – Comfort-height toilets are good choices in the bath, although they can be too tall for young children. Check out new models that incorporate self-closing and heated seats, water-conscious, dual-flush models and some that include personal hygiene options. v To find a professional remodeler in Austin or San Antonio, visit Austinnari.org or Remodelsanantonio.org.

www.VentanaMan.com 512-388-9400 1609 Chisholm Trail #100, Round Rock

Dawn F. Hearn, ASID, NARI, CAPS Texas Registered Interior Designer #9501

New Construction Remodeling Space Planning Consultation Furnishings Accessories

www.dawnhearn.com 512.930.0250

IT”S MORE COST EFFECTIVE

TO CONSERVE THAN PRODUCE: SIMPLE SOLUTIONS FOR A MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME By Sue-Ella Mueller

You recycle all of your aluminum, paper and glass. When you leave the house, you set the air conditioner to 88 degrees in the summer and 55 in the winter. You close the closet doors, you use compact fluorescent light bulbs and you never let the water run when you’re brushing your teeth.You and your family are doing your part to conserve energy. Really?

hen’s the last time you had a professional home energy audit? Never? Well, neighbor, that’s too long. Aside from doing the right thing for the environment, the smaller picture or rather the bigger picture for your personal finances relates to how much money you can save on electricity bills each month. But before you rush out to install those solar panels, there are other things you should consider first. “In my experience, I’ve found that it is five to ten times more effective to come up with strategies to save energy rather than come up with new ways to create energy,” says Peter Pfeiffer, FAIA, architect and principal of Barley & Pfeiffer Architects, an award-winning, contemporary Austin-based architecture firm that has been specializing in green building, passive solar houses and sustainable architecture since long before “green building” was hip. And Pfeiffer’s experience goes back 25 years when he first began designing energy efficient homes. In fact, Barley & Pfeiffer are among the pioneers of green building. “I found my nitch in high school in the 1970s. I wanted to conserve energy, so I wore a sweater,” he says. All kidding aside, Pfeiffer knows how to build an energy efficient home; but he also knows how to help homeowners in older houses save energy, too. “Simple things like installing awnings or shades on windows in the southern climes can save more energy than home solar 48

Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

panels can create. So you’re spending around $2,500 versus $25,000 and your house is more comfortable, you won’t have to close the blinds because of glare, and your windows stay cleaner,” he says. Amy Pyle, vice president of BuiltSmart Resources, a San Antonio-based home builder and remodeling corporation as well as the builders of San Antonio’s first Zero-Energy home, agrees. “Many of our clients are interested in solar panels. As solar installers, we are strong advocates of the sustainable energy solar panels supply, but we are honest with our clients. We evaluate their home’s energy first and discuss the payback period of energy saving measures first such as the use of spray foam insulation, LED lights, high efficiency water heaters and also speak to them about behavioral changes in the home that can be made to reduce the load first,” says Pyle. “It’s always cheaper to conserve than produce.” Conservation is a common theme among the green builders and architects. Their ideas of conservation aren’t rocket science, but somehow the majority of the American public fails to take into account the simplest of solutions. “You can put in a very expensive, tankless water heater. But are you prepared to acid flush the heat exchanger every year or every other year? It’s a dirty little secret that the manufacturers don’t tell you about. Living in Texas, there is a fair amount of sediment in the water and it’s going to build up in the heat exchangers. Once that happens, the systems don’t exchange heat very well,” says Pfeiffer. “If the budget allows for it, when designing a new home, we put in a very efficient hydronic heating system that uses a high-performance tank-type water heater to heat the home as well as the water; making one thoughtfully-placed machine do the work of two water heaters and two or three furnaces.” According to Pfeiffer, hydronic systems are more comfortable than heat pumps, providing a much warmer and “toastier” heat. It also won’t fry the air like traditional gas furnaces do, which creates a less ashy or dusty environment. The hydronic system works much like a car’s heater, running the hot water across coils and then blowing the hot air into the car or in this case, the home. “It’s about a four-year pay back as compared to a 20-50 year payback of buying three or four tankless water heaters for a larger home,” he says. urbanhomemagazine.com

We evaluate a home’s energy first and discuss the payback period of energy saving measures such as the use of spray foam insulation, LED lights and high efficiency water heaters, and also speak to them about behavioral changes in the home that can be made to reduce the load first. – Amy Pyle, BuiltSmart Resources

For those not looking for an expensive hot water tank Water conservation also comes into play when trying to replacement, both Pfeiffer and Pyle suggest using a digital, conserve natural resources as well as lower monthly bills. programmable timer on a super-insulated, electric, water heater. Again, simplicity takes center stage. “Install low flow fixtures A timer can be set to operate only during peak hours of use, for and dual flush toilets. Use native plants for landscaping. example in the mornings and the evenings when people are home. Make sure your pool pump is not being overused. Front load For Texans, of course, one of the biggest areas of energy washers and high energy efficient dishwashers also use less consumption can be found in central air conditioning. While water,” advises Pyle. programmable thermostats are one solution to the problem, If you are willing to go a little further, rain water collection is there are other factors here to consider. “What we are looking also a good way to conserve precious H2O. “It is possible that for is an air tight home. One of the first things we look for is an effective rain water collection system can meet the demand leaky ducts, especially up in the attic,” says Pyle. of a house. And it’s not necessary to have a large amount of Pfeiffer adds, “If you’ve seen a change in your energy bills, don’t property for a huge collection tank,” Pyle says. “We’ve put tanks automatically assume it’s time to replace the air conditioner. I’ve underneath crawl spaces and decks.” seen clients with a duct that Your roof may also is completely disconnected offer a way to cut energy In my experience, I’ve found that it is five to ten in the attic; it’s just blowing consumption. “A light cold air all across the attic colored, metal roof installed but it’s not reaching the over your existing roof goes times more effective to come up with strategies interior of the home. That’s a long way in creating a a simple $300 fix as opposed shade umbrella for your to save energy rather than come up to a $15,000 solution.” whole house,” says Pfeiffer. Other air leaks in the “If installed in a certain home also contribute to way, it creates an air space with new ways to create energy. wasting energy. Pfeiffer says between the old and new to go through a checklist. roof. It’s equivalent to Is the fireplace chimney putting a big oak tree over – Peter Pfeiffer, flu closed in the summer? your house.” Is a kitchen or bathroom Are these the only tips for exhaust fan damper jammed turning an older home into Barley & Pfeiffer Architects in the open position when an energy saving one? No. not in use? Are windows Certainly there are other, and doors sealed properly? To that end, both experts suggest equally efficient ways to if not take a home off the energy grid, having a blower door test as well as a duct blaster test conducted at least lessen a family’s carbon footprint and bring down bills on your home. “Choose a third party energy auditor for these at the same time. But a few of those options can be quite costly tests; someone without a vested interest in driving up your and defeat the goal in the long run. Pfeiffer offers perhaps the costs,” cautions Pyle. best advice on the subject, “Grab the low hanging food first.” And, like insurance spokesperson Aaron Rodgers says, a Looking to learn a little more on the subject of “green” double-check is a good thing. “I renovated an older home a renovating? BuiltSmart Resource Center offers free monthly few years ago. We do two checks, when things are first installed seminars and is open to the public 7 days a week 10-6 to educate and then when everything is finished. On our second check of homeowners on home efficiency and sustainably. v this particular home, all of a sudden there was lots of leakage. Barley & Pfeiffer Architects We figured out that when the cable guy was up in the attic, 512.476.8667 | Barleypfeiffer.com he tripped over a duct and tore it loose from its connection to the ceiling register. There are some builders and contractors who BuiltSmart Resources don’t go back and check, but this wouldn’t have showed up if we 210.764.4411 | Builtsmartresources.com hadn’t done the second check,” Pfeiffer says. urbanhomemagazine.com

Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

The Emerald Eye By Suzanne Dowling Photography by Allison Cartwright/Twist Tours, Courtesy of Panache Interiors

If in September 2012 when Pantone® announced its spring 2013 color, Monaco Blue, you were excited because you adored its cool, classic, yet bold statement, then you will love Pantone’s® recent announcement of its 2013 Color of the Year: Emerald Green. An analogous color to blue, it’s just a touch further around the color wheel. Emerald is a tone of green that is particularly light and bright with a faint blue cast — another classically cool and elegant color.

he Color of the Year selection is a very thoughtful process and always takes into account the current zeitgeist. This year’s selection is quite a departure from last year’s Tangerine Tango which Pantone® called the spirited, reddish orange that served to boost our energy and propel us into the future. Pantone® cites emerald as enhancing our sense of well-being while promoting balance and harmony. It is also the color of growth, renewal and prosperity, symbolizing regeneration — certainly attributes that we look forward to this year. Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute® says, “The most abundant hue in nature, the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum.” Blue and green are the most common colors in nature and perhaps the most calming of all color combinations. Pantone® states that while emerald reigns supreme in 2013, its radiant power inspires exploration of the green color family as shown by the varied hues on their mood boards. They range from sophisticated pairings with grays and neutrals, to energetic liveliness with jazzy blue and lemon greens, to a classic, heritage

Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

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Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

Water Carafe and Classic Style Mixing Bowl #6 Bauerpottery.com

The “Coral” Pendant by David Trubridge Lightsfantastic.com

American Gem Traders Association Penaloza.com approach with blues, grays and even a touch of red. New York color consultant Debra Kling comments that, “In contrast to any other color family, the human eye perceives that no two greens clash. This is because we are accustomed to seeing every variant of green coexisting harmoniously in nature.” So if these departures are too adventurous for you, it’s comforting to know that emerald consistently will pair well with other greens making it a wonderfully versatile color in decorating. Sharon Radovich, principal designer at Panache Interiors, notes the evolution of vivid colors, particularly in Austin. “Modern interiors have moved mainstream as people want to simplify their lives — some embracing the clutter-free, minimalist environment that technology is allowing us, and others trying to find a peaceful escape at the end of the day. Whatever the reason, this neutral, modern palette needed energy that reflects our vibrant city’s energy. Popular bright greens of the last few years have matured into this powerful emerald green, reinforcing the fact that Austin is evolving as a power house of design.” While we might think of blue and green as traditionally masculine colors, Radovich suggests pairing these colors with the purity of white to balance the yin and yang of masculinity and femininity. She further encourages us to think of emerald as a conduit for providing life, the outdoor environment and energy into our living spaces, explaining, “Green and blue are the colors of the earth. In essence, they are already a part of your room as they are just outside your window. Bring those colors in to connect with the environment.” Radovich’s suggestions for incorporating this rejuvenating and spiritual color? “Start small with pillows, plants and art. If you have a bold personality, you can inject larger doses of emerald with an accent wall, area rug or draperies. If you love the idea of an emerald sofa, soften it with ivory walls and pops of saffron around the room.” Always incorporating fresh concepts 52

Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

Pantone 17-5641

Serpentine Rug Poshliving.com

Mini Melon Knob Anthropologie.com

in order to keep design an art form and not simply a service, and unafraid to use uplifting color and whimsy, she continues, “Emerald green is full of life! I’d love to design a room with glossy emerald green paneling, a classic black and white marble floor, and white linen furnishings with antique mirrored tables.” Such a room is sophistication and simplification at its finest. Radovich first used emerald in the 2007 Symphony Showhouse. She was inspired by her emerald bracelet lying on a walnut dining table. “I softened the rich tones with the silvery greys and sensual lavenders of my succulent garden. I commissioned local artists Kim Bernson, Rebecca Bennett and Hank Waddell, whose paintings and sculpture added ‘emerald jewels’ to the space.” We have nicknamed lush, verdant places after this luxurious jewel tone: Ireland, the “Emerald Isle,” Seattle, the “Emerald City,” and lest we forget the Emerald City in “The Wizard of Oz,” aptly named to promote its life-giving ruler the Wizard. For centuries green has represented healing and unity. Because of its intense vitality, it’s not surprising that the term “green” is used to promote healthy, sustainable practices. To enhance your sense of well-being at home, keep an eye out for emerald pieces — they are already in stores! Whether you start small or go bold, adding emerald will conjure up a room that speaks of rejuvenation and a connection to the environment. v Pantone Color Institute Pantone.com

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ARTISAN STONEWORKS Artisan Stoneworks has more than 20 years experience installing and creating custom stonework

in Central Texas. Owner Matt Symmes has worked with the best builders in Central Texas and is the top of his field. Artisan Stoneworks specializes in custom architectural and slab work and can install slab on any surface. Visit our website for examples of CaesarStone, Marble, Granite, Custom stone, Limestone, Antique Stained, Limestone,Vetrazzo and more. Artisan Stoneworks is insured and bonded.

Panache Interiors 512.452.7773 | Panacheinteriors.com

512.276.0465

Debra Kling Colour Consultant Debraklingcolourconsultant.com

ARTISANSTONEAUSTIN.COM urbanhomemagazine.com

essentials

new products

shades of green 1

1. The Regal bathtub is an historic piece with a personality all its own. Devon & Devon’s collection features an enameled cast iron interior with an aluminum lined outside available in 210 matte finish color options. Devon & Devon. Devon-devon.com. 2. Agate Geode Bookends in emerald are a great desk accessory that help keep order while adding a touch of style. Clayton Gray Home. Claytongrayhome.com.

3. This hook pillow showcases a bulldog ready to sing, and adds whimsy and a pop of color to any décor. Posh Living. Poshliving.com.

4. A one-of-a-kind creation by designer Katy Briscoe features 18k yellow gold Tsavorite Beads with a carved Emerald and Tsavorite Clasp. What a perfect way to show off the color of the year! Katy Briscoe. Katybriscoe.com. 5. The Link desk lamp at Copenhagen is a stylish addition to any office. Copenhagen. San Antonio:210.545.4366, Austin: 512.451.1233, Copenhagenliving.com.

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6. The Treesje emerald snake clutch by Joelle Hawkens is the perfect accessory for spring and summer. Treesje. Amazon.com. 7. Pearson’s 107 Poof, upholstered in Pearson’s exclusive fabric and accented with emerald green velvet bands on the skirt, provides the finishing touch to any room. Pearson Furniture. Pearsonco.com

Austin’s hottest call-in talk show, He Said – She Said Radio ‘Gettin’ It Done @ Home’ is now primetime Saturday night! Join us from 6 to 8pm every Saturday night on TALK Radio 96.3 FM & 1370 AM

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8. The Club Velvet Sofa in Cannes Moss is a hardwearing textural mix of cotton and eco cotton fabric, but beneath this extraordinary exterior lies an even more extraordinary interior brimming with environmentally friendly materials such as sustainable timber and recycled steel for a collection that appeals to your sense of style as well as your sense of social responsibility. Available in over ten custom colors. Arhaus Furniture in The Domain. 512.973.3384, Arhaus.com.

WEEK IN REVIEW – Current events were never this much fun in school! Hear He Said’s colorful commentary on Sports and Around the World. Take a look into the She Said mind for Entertainment, Lifestyle and the always Austin popular, Keepin’ It Weird! BISTROS & BARS – Have a favorite neighborhood restaurant you love? Submit your favorite restaurant, trailer, hole in the wall or bar happy hour, and if we have them on the show, you get a $25 gift certificate. Post your favorites on our Facebook page and tell us (1) what you love about them, and (2) why you think we should pick them to be on the show OR call the show and tell us live! “Which One Was No. 1” - Tune in each week and play along with our in-studio guests as we guess which song was the No. 1 song from the 1950’s to today - every year has it’s big hit. Test your music memory with us!

Call in numbers are

512.390.1370

or TOLL FREE

855.390.1370 54

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MARS vs. VENUS GAME SHOW – Alex Tribec move over! We’re gettin’ our game on with the fun, multiple choice game show where YOU call in and play with the host. If your side wins, you get a $25 gift certificate to the featured ‘Bistros & Bars’ restaurant. GETTIN’ IT DONE @ HOME – Have a product you want to know more about? A project that’s got you puzzled? Looking to create a Man Cave or She Den? Each week we invite guests who are knowledgeable in home-related subjects and anything else you tell us you want to hear about.

This emerald-hued master suite Laura Britt designed for an Austin showhouse is every bit as green as its vibrant palette. From carefully-selected sustainable materials down to the rapidly-renewable cork flooring, the Austin-based designer shares some of the eco-friendly elements in this space as well as some of her thoughts on green design.

works WHY THIS

A look at this recreated space is inspiring in itself. What were the design goals of this master suite project? Laura Britt: The goal of this showhouse, located in Villa Montana near Lake Travis and close to the Oasis, was to provide a modern, eco-friendly space filled with local artisans.

SPACE

Urban Home Austin â&#x20AC;&#x201C; San Antonio

How did you create such cohesion, without repetition, transitioning from the bathroom to the bedroom? Laura Britt: The bold color did the trick. The safer route would be painting one wall, but the vibrant color used throughout with the high contrasting white elements is what I think brings both spaces together seamlessly.

Designer Spotlight: Laura Britt, RID, ASID By Mauri Elbel | Photography by Casey Dunn

urbanhomemagazine.com

Urban Home Austin â&#x20AC;&#x201C; San Antonio

are so many different aspects of sustainability, so I’ll just hit on a few here. These principles apply to sustainable interiors as well as to sustainable furnishings, like our VERVANO line of furnishings. Our furnishings line was born out of a need for quality, U.S.-made, healthy alternatives. The underlying goals were to create heirloom-quality furniture that is easy on the natural environment as well as on our indoor-built environment. We are working with U.S. builders and many Austin-based folks to make this dream a reality. And the principle here is twofold: we want to keep the transportation footprint to a minimum and we want to keep our resources here in the U.S. We also focus on materials that are “rapidly renewable” which means that the woods and plants we use can regenerate themselves and be self-sustaining. The last principle I’ll focus on here is about indoor air quality. We use finishes and adhesives that are healthy in our homes and offices, meaning they are not toxic. We also want our furnishings to be durable as well as beautiful and last through the generations — we call that “heirloom quality.” This keeps the pieces in use and out of a landfill where temporary furnishings usually end up.

It seems you were ahead of the times when you embarked on this project, as Pantone has selected emerald green as 2013’s color of the year. What made you select this lush and vivid shade, and what does this color do for the mood of this space? Laura Britt: Collaboration amongst the designers generated “green” as our theme as well as our unifying color. I don’t think anyone expected us to be this bold. But it was a showhouse 58

Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

to raise funds for children so we wanted to generate buzz and support the cause. Knowing your work, green is more than a shade of paint. What is your philosophy when it comes to green design? Laura Britt: Sustainability is an important principle to me in my personal life as well as my professional one. There urbanhomemagazine.com

What eco-friendly choices did you integrate into the space? Laura Britt: The materials and choices we made to make this space more eco-friendly all fall in line with what I call “gradients of green.” Anything you can do to contribute to the healthy green movement counts. Not everyone is going to build a rammed-earth home and cover it in solar panels, but choosing a low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paint or using organic cotton for your bedding are small steps we all can take. Here, several natural materials are used where possible: beach wood fiber bed linens, a natural wool and silk rug, and reuse of existing chairs that were reupholstered for this project. The bathroom boasts light materials which reflect off of the surfaces and reduce the need for electric lighting. In the bathroom, we used a quartz material for the countertops, which is a better alternative to granite because it uses smaller particles of stone rather than a large slab and it is naturally antimicrobial, or bacteria resistant, meaning it doesn’t require additional chemical sealants. All the designers in this project collectively decided to use a darkstained cork flooring throughout the entire showhouse because it’s one of those naturally occurring materials that enables you to actually peel the bark off the tree without killing it. The idea is that even these small steps — opting to use a rapidly renewable material or avoiding putting chemicals in your environment — can have a positive impact. urbanhomemagazine.com

What do you consider the most important elements of green design? Laura Britt: There are two things to consider when designing green. One, the outside environment. What’s the bigger impact of your choices? And two, the inside environment. What are you bringing into your home? What key advice can you give to those looking to make their homes greener or design with the environment in mind? Laura Britt: It’s easy to choose a zero- or low-VOC paint. Look for naturally occurring products or those with recycled content. Also, pay attention to long-term durability. It’s better to use a product you love and will stand the test of time than to use one that’s supposedly “greener” but doesn’t stand up to daily use. It’s not only about considering the materials you put into your home, but also what you clean your home with on a daily basis. You can easily buy cleaners without parabens and harsh chemicals. For flooring, you can opt for cork or bamboo if they pass the durability test for your household. And finally, start locally — maybe you can find what you need close at hand. Keep in mind the carbon footprint that results from transportation, production and manufacturing. How did you make such a vibrant space feel so luxurious? Laura Britt: The mix of natural and luxurious materials, such as the wool and silk fiber rug that grounds the space, really helps develop the depth and sense of luxury in this modern setting. The unusual mix of pattern and color also serves to create a more custom look and feel. Again, natural fiber options like wool or silk are rapidly renewable materials and have a pretty negligible impact on our environment. Honestly, we were on a pretty tight budget for our fixtures and fixed finishes. The basic white floor tile was dressed up with the alternating pebble accent tile, and the beautiful chandelier was an Italian splurge on loan to us for the showhouse. What are your favorite features of this imaginative master bed/bath suite? Laura Britt: I really like the drama the huge bed created. The high contrast of the color as well as the sleek leather gave the room a much-needed punch. I think there are three great things that made people gravitate toward this space: the color, the scale and the patterning. Having creative freedom to be bold was really fabulous — it’s a rare client who is willing to be this bold. v Laura Britt Design 512.458.8963 | Laurabrittdesign.com Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

Design n Trends

Sweet

salvage

Love By Jackie Benton

There’s no place like home when it comes to green design, which has a much broader scope than merely choosing the newest furnishings made of the latest in sustainable materials. It also includes using what you already own in new ways to feather your nest: breathing new life into beloved treasures with a reviving treatment, putting a new twist on an old favorite possession, rethinking boundaries, and seeing familiar pieces in a whole new light.

ou’ve heard of the “Three R’s” of sustainability: “Reuse, Reduce, Recycle.” Well-executed green design takes it even further, adding five more: “Repurpose, Rearrange, Refurbish, Remix, Restyle.” While using what you have on hand seems simple enough when freshening up your home’s look, for many it is a much more difficult process than simply grabbing the credit card and heading off to buy all new pieces. Decorating with your current possessions can be a bit of a challenge, requiring that you revamp your way of looking at them. Sometimes, a little help offered by way of another perspective is needed to get the imagination going. “If you’ve had a particular piece of furniture that was sitting in a corner of your home for many years, it’s hard to visualize it in the entry way or in the kitchen area,” explains Barbara BuyerRuiz, lead designer and co-owner of the interior decorating firm Metamorefix with her husband, Tony. “We bring fresh eyes to your home. To us, everything is new and exciting.” “We go in with the notion that people already have a lot of things they love, or pieces they’ve inherited, but don’t know 60

Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

what to do with them. They get overwhelmed with the enormity of the project,” agrees Tony Ruiz. Both Barbara Buyer-Ruiz and Tony Ruiz note that there are two very familiar scenarios that call for their special skill set of working with what their clients have on hand. One is an almost organic process in which the homeowners wake up one day to find themselves living in a home that doesn’t have any plan to it. “People find themselves in a spot where their home decoration grew and evolved, whether they bought something they just liked, or were inherited or gifted with certain pieces, and these things just went where they seemed to fit at the time. So their home has no plan, direction or flow, and it’s suddenly not working,” explains Tony Ruiz. The other scenario reflects how situations in life can change quickly, resulting in a mish-mash collection of different possessions that seem like puzzle pieces to different puzzles. “We do see a lot of people in transition in one way or another,” Tony Ruiz continues. “These are combined households or empty nesters, with family members moving out or moving in. Combining styles and tastes can be challenging when there are several things urbanhomemagazine.com

that one person or another doesn’t want to part with. We show them how their things can work together.” When thinking of how to arrange items together, think of the story you are telling about yourself and your family: who you are and how you came to this moment in time. Remember, the best designs are those that give a glimpse into the personality of the homeowner. How things go together can take a variety of styles and forms, and grouping like objects or collections can make a bold statement. Don’t be afraid to dig around in your family’s past, or even your recent past, to create a spot that draws the eye and creates interest. Did Grandpa create his own fishing lures? A shadowbox can artfully display his carefully crafted beauties. Updated picture frames for old photos of family members set next to the old toys they played with when they were children are sure to get noticed. Honoring experiences such as vacations to the beach with framed photos, along with a small collection of shells and found objects, tell a complete story. Sherry Christofilis, owner and lead designer of Sherry Christofilis, LLC, also encourages her clients to select items that remind them of cherished memories and loved ones. “When decorating with what you already own, look for what has meaning to you,” she says. “I have items everywhere that remind me of my mother, my step mother and my great-grandmother. For example, my husband has an old, black typewriter that belonged to his grandmother nestled among picture frames in our living room.” Purchasing all new furnishings just takes all the fun out of rediscovering why you like what you already have. “People should be able to pull in things that remind them of friends, family and the experiences they have had. That’s what makes a house a home. It’s easy to go out and buy all new stuff, but it doesn’t mean as much,” says Christofilis. Christofilis believes that imperfection may even lend a whimsical charm to your home. “Nothing has to be in perfect shape — and that can lend character. If a chair is falling apart, you’ll have to get rid of it, but there are little things you can do to give other items new life with a little repainting or by changing out the hardware. Put a runner on the table to hide a scratch, update a lamp with a new shade, and add a nice pillow and throw to Grandpa’s chair.” Still don’t know where to begin? Can’t seem to visualize new possibilities for your household goods? Christofilis has a perfect method that works well for her clients that are having trouble rethinking their home. “Put everything on the left side of the room that you really want to use,” she suggests. “Begin by moving a single item to another area, and really look at it. Imagine how something can be repurposed for a different use. I don’t encourage people to get all new furniture and accessories, unless they don’t have anything. You only need to add in accessories as needed to update.” “We keep like items together — visually, it’s simpler,” says Tony Ruiz. “It gets confusing when you are mixing media, arturbanhomemagazine.com

work, pictures, photos, statuary, etc. We do put unexpected things in unexpected places that make you smile and think, ‘Oh that looks neat over there.’ But only do it once — just to clarify.” Some decorators suggest following the “Lean, Layer and Stack” method to update a home’s look: lean random objects in unexpected places, stack books to add color and texture, and use layering to bring dimension and interest to table tops, shelves or mantels. But, cautions Barbara BuyerRuiz and Tony Ruiz, take care — there’s a fine line between looking artful and thoughtful, and making your space look like a scene from the “Hoarders” TV series. As much as it is fun to mix it up, remember to keep your design clean and simple, and when in doubt, go with less, not more. Allow lots of room, so the eye can appreciate what it is seeing. “I like layering, but I don’t want clutter,” admits Barbara BuyerRuiz. “One of the things we talk about with clients is air, the value of air. You need that. The eye needs a place to land and rest. We keep it simple. I like to see a shelf of just books, which can be quite colorful by themselves, and then another shelf can showcase family pictures. That would be layering without clutter. You wouldn’t want to lean, layer and stack every book on every bookshelf. It is also nice to have one shelf with just one large accessory on it, such as a decorative vase. When you have just one large, beautiful item on a shelf with a lot of air around it, it really pops.” A smartly managed professional decorator can speed up the process and save the client some money in the bargain, asserts Christofilis. “Hiring a professional to come in and rework your spaces is more effective than trying to do a little bit on your own at a time,” she says. Even a consultation with an interior designer can help get the creative ball rolling. “Many times we start projects with a onehour consultation and tour of the home,” says Barbara BuyerRuiz. “As we’re walking and talking, we find the homeowners have pieces they like but never knew they could reuse them in different ways. For example, they might not realize they could repurpose their antique dresser in the dining room to keep linens because they think a dresser only belongs in a bedroom. We open their minds to the possibilities.” Remember to take your time when using what you have to invigorate your home, and keep in mind the “Five R’s” of Green Design: “Repurpose, Rearrange, Refurbish, Remix, Restyle.” Play around with color, arrange in new patterns and let your imagination soar. Don’t be afraid to take a few chances. You’ll soon find that not only are you on your way to a whole new look for your home, you rediscover and fall in love again with what you own. v Metamorefix 512.288.1689 | Metamorefix.com Sherry Christofilis, LLC 210.601.6068 | Christofilistx.com Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

DECORATOR’S ADVICE

DON’T LET BUILDING YOUR DREAM Home TURN INTO A NIGHTMARE

Living Green with

Reclaimed Wood

By Catrina Kendrick, Catrina’s Ranch Interiors

F Proud partners in the URBAN

HOME

Dream Home

Using the services of a professional to help assemble your new home team can save you time, money and frustration. Karen and Rob Matuszewski are custom home consultants who have been helping clients build new homes for 10 years. They have earned numerous designations in home construction from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR), and can provide references and credentials. Call us today for your complimentary consultation. Services include: Lifestyle Analysis • Community Selection • Lot Evaluation Builder Interviews • Architect Interviews • Plan Design Assistance Project Financing Options

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or over ten years, I have been making and buying new furniture out of antique or reclaimed woods for my furniture store. I have always loved the fact that you can get that warm look of antiquity without having to rebuild a rickety old piece of furniture that may not be the right scale for your home. Most antique pieces were built on a very small scale for much smaller homes. With our larger and more spacious homes today, especially here in our beloved Texas, larger furniture is required. Those antique dining room tables and chairs look like doll furniture in larger dining areas, especially those with high ceilings. Reclaimed wood is environmentally friendly. Most reclaimed woods come from the deconstruction of old homes, barns and even ships. The wood becomes stronger with time. It has done everything that wood is going to do, such as shrink, crack, dry out and twist. Not only is reclaimed wood not contributing to deforestation, but it doesn’t require as much energy for production, reducing its own carbon footprint. Reclaimed wood improves with age. Over time, aged wood takes on its own personality and character. The fabulous grain and deep, rich colors of reclaimed wood are its main attributes. This fabulous effect is often enhanced by the years of paint, oils and wax in the finishing process. Of course it is always good to be cautious of lead paints, but faded colors of old paint colors showing through a waxed finish is a highly coveted look in furniture today. Reclaimed wood is good for the soul. It is the principal of recycling that makes us feel good about buying a piece of furniture made of reclaimed wood. By buying old wood, you are buying into an ancient principal of recycling. We as humans have always been resourceful at finding new uses for old things, and in doing so we are causing less harm to the planet. At Catrina’s Ranch Interiors in Boerne, we make custom credenzas, coffee tables, sofa tables, beds, desks and anything else you can imagine made out of reclaimed wood, and represent manufacturers who do the same. Besides carrying an unparalleled antique appearance, the newly made furniture is strong, affordable and ready to take on a second life! v

To design your custom piece of furniture, call 830.755.6355 or visit Catrinasranchinteriors.com.

The Blind

Side

By Sue-Ella Mueller

Window treatments can make a difference in the overall aesthetics of your family’s home, but they’re not just a part of the décor. Dressing your windows correctly can also have an impact on your electricity bills as well as on your sleeping patterns. However, with so many different choices on the market today, how do you know what to shop for?

“T

Photo courtesy of Austintatious Blinds and Shutters

he first thing we do is meet with our clients and talk about their needs. We are problem solvers,” says Lindsay Wiebrand, marketing coordinator for Texas Sun & Shade. “Are they trying to control the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays? Are they worried about privacy? Would they like their media room or bedroom darker? We start there and discuss the best solutions for them.” Before you even hit the showroom, however, you should ask yourself the following: How important is lighting control? How important is child and pet safety? What type of visual impact are you trying to make? What’s your color scheme? Will you be installing them yourself? And, of course, what is your budget? Today’s window treatments can let in as little or as much light as you’d like. The opacity of blinds goes from sheer all the way to blackout according to Tracey Hopkins, president and co-founder of Austintatious Blinds and Shutters. The desired amount of lighting will obviously relate to the room. Shoppers looking to cover the windows in their bedroom, for example, may want to look at the blackout option to cast the room in complete darkness for a better night’s sleep, while those looking to treat their living areas may choose a more sheer shade or blind. “Solar fabrics help control the amount of UV rays that are allowed into a room. UV rays can cause fading in furniture, rugs, carpet, walls and accessories, so controlling that variable is important. We have fabrics that can block out between 9099 percent of UV rays while still maintaining outside visibility,” Wiebrand says. For those with small children or pets, purchasing cordless blinds is highly recommended. And perhaps the most popular cordless treatments on the market right now, say both Wiebrand and Hopkins, are the motorized shades. “It’s excit-

urbanhomemagazine.com

ing. Almost every type of window treatment can now be controlled remotely. There are no cords which means no safety issues for children and pets, and no distractions from the window itself,” says Hopkins. Adds Wiebrand, “Motorized window coverings are not new. They’ve been on the market for decades, but they are just now growing in popularity. Most of us have never opened our garage doors without a remote control. Well, motorized shades are the forward trend in window treatments, offering a cleaner look. Cords will soon be a thing of the past.” The motorized treatments can be connected to home automation systems or can be controlled through smartphones. “It has become an amazing tool for homeowners. Most people aren’t operating their shades in the way they should be. Maybe they don’t open them because they are behind furnishings and they don’t want to grapple over things. Or perhaps they are up high and can’t be reached easily,” says Hopkins. “We can set ‘scenes’ that allow the homeowners to push a button and bring the shades to the desired level. For example, in ‘movie mode’ the shades would come all the way down for a darker room. Or your morning scene may call for the shades to go only half way up to let in just a little light. If you are out of town, you may want to program them to open and close at set times to give the appearance that someone is home. Really, the possibilities are endless.” Your creativity takes center stage when choosing the style and color scheme of your window treatments. There are a multitude of options and materials available, from eco-friendly products, to woven woods, to natural woods and more; deciding which is right for you will depend on the decorative element you wish to portray with your windows. Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

a statement “ Make without saying a word.

“

Let one of our window covering experts inspire you to make your own statement. Our new showroom has a fantastic selection of blinds, solar control window film, automated shades, plantation shutters, custom draperies and much more. As always, we provide professional estimates and installation at no charge.

Photography courtesy of Texas Sun & Shade

Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

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LOCATED IN THE SHOPS AT THE GALLERIA

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE FREE INSTALLATION

FREE ESTIMATE

PHONE 512.608.0302 12918 SHOPS PARKWAY, SUITE 700

BEE CAVES, TEXAS 78738

austintatiousblinds.com

512 608 0302

Hill Country Galleria

HWY 71

2244

Texas Sun & Shade 512.402.0990 | Txsunandshade.com

Visit our new showroom 620

Austintatious Blinds and Shutters 512.608.0302 | Austintatiousblinds.com

“For the most part, I’d recommend going fairly neutral in color with shades. They should pull from the undertones of the house, like the floor or the trim, things that won’t change through the life of the house. Use things that aren’t as expensive to change out such as bedding, rugs or accessories to add drama,” says Hopkins. “Although, where we will get a little more daring is in the kids’ rooms or the game or media rooms where we can tie into the theme of the room.” Finally, your budget will play a role in your search for the perfect window treatments. Window treatments at showrooms such as Texas Sun & Shade and Austintatious Blinds and Shutters can range anywhere from $99 a window up to $1,000 a window with the average home buyer spending approximately $250-$300 a window. But Wiebrand cautions to look beyond the initial cost of the blinds and consider the factors of installation, warranty and the lifetime maintenance of the treatments. “We’re a full service, turnkey operation. We have electricians and consultants on staff to help walk our clients through the entire process from selection to measurements to installation. We also offer a five-year warranty on our products,” she says. Hopkins also believes service comes into play in a big way. “It’s a very different feeling walking into a showroom versus walking into Home Depot®. Here, you get a full understanding of the products; everything is on display and you have an opportunity to maneuver the shades and figure out what the best option is for you,” she says. “We don’t just take orders. We are passionate about windows and finding the right treatments for each client. We learn about your style of home, the shape of your home, your privacy issues. We take it all into account and we customize. It’s truly all about you.” Sounds like Texas Sun & Shade and Austintatious Blinds and Shutters have your blind side covered. v

HWY 71 shops at the galleria

We are located at the intersections of Bee Caves Rd/Hwy 71/Hwy 620 at the Shops at the Galleria (across from the Hill Country Galleria) next door to Barbeques Galore.

Tierra Vista:

Every home site has a view, and our thoughtfully crafted building covenants provide for comfortable, classic homes in a relaxed country atmosphere.

Hilltop Jewel with Legendary Lineage

– Mike Grimm, Silverton Custom Homes

By Dana W. Todd

Blue skies, Hill Country views, Texas sunsets and a little “Luck” make Tierra Vista a great place to call home. The HBA of Greater Austin Parade of Homes TM is the perfect way to show off these blue skies of Texas. – Willie Nelson

Save The Date | February 15 - March 2, 2014

Building a new home in the Parade of Homes provides the advantage of including the upgrades you want in your new home at a price the builder could not match at any other time. – Kathey Comer, Home Builders Association of Greater Austin 68

Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

ou won’t find a more exclusive or special place to build a home than the handful of sites located in the Tierra Vista gated community. Born from a collaboration between the legendary Willie Nelson’s investment group and FS Tierra Vista, LLC, this community offers home sites ranging from one to almost three acres. With views of the Pedernales River and Hill Country, the sites are privately situated on top of one of the seven surrounding hills that comprise Willie Nelson’s private 688-acre Luck Ranch. “Every home site has a view and our thoughtfully crafted building covenants provide for comfortable, classic homes in urbanhomemagazine.com

a relaxed country atmosphere. The gated main entrance is one mile off Highway 71 and a few minutes from shopping, golfing and everything that Lake Travis and the Texas Hill Country have to offer,” says Mike Grimm of Silverton Custom Homes. Located 11 miles west of Lakeway and the Hill Country Galleria, and 45 minutes from downtown Austin, Tierra Vista also is convenient to neighboring country clubs, golf courses such as Willie Nelson’s Cut-N-Putt, wineries, Lake Travis schools and Briarcliff Marina, while retaining its secluded feel. Characterized as a “living paradise,” Tierra Vista’s beauty shines due to its natural surroundings, which include breathtaking water urbanhomemagazine.com

and valley views, and the chance to see wildlife up close. It’s the location for homeowners who want a place to unwind and reconnect with nature after escaping the demands of the day. Tierra Vista will be the location of the 2014 Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin Parade of Homes™. “Once a year, home buyers have the opportunity to experience the latest and greatest features the home building industry has to offer in a new home,” says Kathey Comer of the HBA of Greater Austin. “Building a new home in the Parade of Homes provides the advantage of including the upgrades you want in your new home at a price the builder could not match at any other time.” At press time, only 30 of the home sites are available, ranging in price from $140,000 to $240,000. Request more information or schedule a site visit with real estate consultant Karen Matuszewski at 512.917.2653 or Karen@CustomAustinHomes.com. See photos at Tierravistatexas.com. v Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

outdoor n Trends

Poolside Prominence By Mauri Elbel | Photography by Greg Hursley

When you live in Central Texas, outdoor spaces are often as important as those indoors.

ost people around here live outdoors a lot of the time,” says Stewart Davis AIA, principal architect at CG&S Design-Build. “If you don’t have a carefully thought out place to do that, your house is not reaching its full potential. You are not taking advantage of this climate.” When CG&S Design-Build was called on to transform an underutilized backyard space that had fallen victim to the western sun’s harsh rays, they created an outdoor refuge that captures the surrounding beauty of the Hill Country. Through thoughtful site planning, the blazingly hot concrete patio area evolved into an expansive pool house that now includes an outdoor kitchen, dining and sitting areas, a pool bath with an outdoor shower, a storage area with a loft, and a Rumford fireplace. This wasn’t the first project CG&S Design-Build did for this home. More than a decade ago, the design-build firm added an arbor to the west side of the house to incorporate shade and outdoor seating. After an organically-shaped swimming pool and spa was added a few years ago, the clients recruited the team of design experts once again. “The central core of this building was originally conceived as a garage, but as the project came forward, it became more and more of a finished space,” Davis recalls. “Before, this house was missing outdoor living. They wanted a large grill zone, an outdoor living and dining space, a pool bath –– and they needed garage storage, not for cars, but for lawn and garden equipment and outdoor recreation vehicles.” What was intended as a pure storage concept quickly morphed into a guest suite. The recent addition resonates well within its rural Texan landscape, boasting local materials like cedar and limestone. Structural steel columns and beams, and stained cedar ceilings throughout provide a visual counterbalance to light natural stone walls and floors, while finishing touches such as the bold metal painted roof and rustic lighting further refine the space. Today, the limestone-clad outdoor compound commands over the pool without overwhelming the main home just beyond –– a potential challenge that must be considered when incorporating a large detached structure into an existing design. Davis met the obstacle by seamlessly integrating the pool house onto the property with a combination of careful site planning, Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

compatible materials and low-scale roofs as to not dominate the main home or alienate the neighbors. “This is a big building of about 1,100 square feet,” says Davis. “You don’t want it to conflict with the hierarchy of the house. We wanted it to be as low-scale as possible so we used low-slope roofs to keep it in proportion with everything else. We didn’t want to add a massive roof. Everything has to feel right.” Another challenge presented itself with the fact that the obvious location for the pool house was sitting atop the original septic system drain field which required the homeowners to reluctantly put forward a substantial expense toward its relocation. The new design flawlessly blends in with the existing structures and surrounding lush landscaping, designed by Curt Arnette of Sitio Design Group. The pool house ascends seven steps up from the ground, facing south, and remains open on all three sides. From the outdoor kitchen area’s west location that allows southeastern breezes to blow heat and smoke away from guests to the open ceiling above the bathroom that prevents warm, moist air from being trapped in a masonry space, it’s obvious nature remains at the forefront of this design. 72

Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

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Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

ADJUSTABLE ROOFS

“It is getting as much breeze as possible from all angles –– you want to catch all the cooling breezes you can,” says Davis. “The whole structure was designed to be as ventilating as possible. If you orient things properly, then you’ve won the battle. If you don’t, there is no way to come up with a winning design. That is why you hire an architect.” The slightly-raised pool house ties in seamlessly to the pool deck sitting nearly four feet below with a series of sweeping stairs and garden terraces. Its slight elevation provides a prominent presence over the pool while grabbing stunning Hill Country panoramic views. But its raised level serves a functional purpose as well. “The ground was high out there and we didn’t want to excavate a bunch of earth so we had to make up the difference in elevation by stepping down to the pool,” he says. “Looking from the other end of the pool, it gives the structure a more stately presence.” Looking up to the pool house provides one of Davis’ favorite focal points of the house: the Rumford fireplace that remains dead center. “Your eyes are drawn to it,” he says. “I like that this is a symmetrical building with order to it, but it doesn’t feel sterile or boring. It is a place you want to be.” v

Open or Closed with the Touch of a Button.

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DESIGN/BUILD TEAM CG&S Design-Build 512.444.1580 | Cgsdb.com 74

Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

entry ways outdoor kitchens, patio and spa areas. urbanhomemagazine.com

Closed for Shade or Rain Call for your FREE consultation San Antonio: 210.548.3015 Austin: 512.636.4131 www.equinoxtexas.com

Food n Design

How do you decide what to do with them…is this something you and your staff experiment with in advance or is it more like a last minute inspiration? BG: The Barley Swine kitchen is very much a collaborative force. We all contribute ideas, sometimes components to a dish or a dish in its entirety. When we introduce a new dish to the menu, it gets better with each service. It’s usually at its best right before we have to take it off the menu because ingredients aren’t available any longer. That’s the nature of the beast when you’re buying everything locally. It keeps the creative juices flowing, too.

Seasonality,

sustainability

What are some of your favorite local products/ producers? BG: I love everything that Kris Olsen does at Milagro Farms. I’ve been sourcing from him since Odd Duck. (Olsen is wellknown for heirloom garlic and tomatoes, and other amazing year-round crops.)

By Claudia Alarcon

Quealy Watson

Farm-to-table. Farm-to-market. Locally-sourced. These terms have been in vogue in the restaurant scene for quite a while, and it seems that these days even places like McDonald®’s are using them to describe their menu. While some of the true meaning of these statements is beginning to get lost or watered down by inappropriate overuse (no offense, but nothing that the double arches serves is remotely local or farm-fresh), there are certain establishments that truly embody the concept. In other words, for those chefs who actually walk the walk, not just talk the talk, these are not just trendy terms. They are the way they work.

wo of the best examples are Bryce Gilmour, chef/ owner of Barley Swine in Austin, and San Antonio’s Quealy Watson, executive chef at The Monterey. We asked them to tell us what’s behind their cooking philosophy, which has earned both wide national acclaim, and provides us with a truly amazing dining experience. Bryce Gilmore Bryce grew up in the restaurant industry, thanks to the influence of his father, chef and restaurateur Jack Gilmore of Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill and the popular Jack Allen’s Kitchen. He started bussing tables at 14, and after high school he moved to San Francisco to attend the California Culinary Academy. His career in the kitchen took off with gigs at Wink and Moonshine in Austin, followed by a sous chef position at the amazing Café 909 in Marble Falls before spending time in Colorado at Montagna Restaurant at the famed The Little Nell hotel in Aspen. When he returned to Austin, the food trailer scene was booming and Bryce jumped on the bandwagon, bringing a focus on local purveyors and ingredients. In 2009, he opened Odd Duck Farm to Trailer in South Austin, serving gourmet small plates made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients. He was received with nothing but acclaim, and in 2010 he went brick-and-mortar just down the street with diminutive Barley Swine. He’s been named a Food & Wine Best New Chef, a James Beard nominee for Ris76

Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

ing Star Chef, and Barley Swine was named a Best New Restaurant by GQ magazine. A brick and mortar home for the resurrection of Odd Duck is in the works and should be open soon. How does the seasonality of local ingredients affect your menus? BG: We’re at all the markets getting the freshest ingredients, so the seasonality is the driving force behind the menu. If we wanted to serve a dish with Brussels sprouts in July, it just wouldn’t happen because they’re not available in Texas. Our mission is to take the freshest ingredients available and keep the integrity in each product. urbanhomemagazine.com

The young chef that elevated The Monterey from a simple neighborhood bar into one of San Antonio’s most creative culinary destinations started his career in the humble kitchen of a small Japanese restaurant. From there, his love for interesting cuisine has evolved into a career that includes a Rising Stars award from the prestigious StarChefs.com in 2012. At the center of his acclaimed cuisine is his respect for food from small farmers and producers, which he uses in his out-of-thebox creations. His latest project, Hot Joy, is a sort of popup restaurant venture with partner and Monterey co-owner Chad Carey. The Asian-influenced eatery serves on Sunday and Monday evenings at The Monterey (when the restaurant is normally closed) for the time being, while the duo looks for a separate, permanent location. While he usually shies away from the limelight that others in his position embrace, he just lets his food do most of the talking. How does the seasonality of local ingredients affect your menus? QW: Texas isn’t the easiest to place to farm or ranch, but there are a lot of great farmers who are committed to doing great work. And it’s important to me to showcase what they do, when they do it. We have been open for over two years now, and have a good idea of what’s available to us (and when). We have an idea of when a certain thing is coming available, so we can plan, and then have it ready to go on the menu urbanhomemagazine.com

once it hits the market (and, of course, remove it as the season changes). We change the menu constantly at the restaurant, so we have the ability to offer certain products (strawberries from Poteet, for example) in the narrow window of time that they’re truly at their peak. But even the “standards,” which are virtually always on the menu, are embellished with what’s at peak. For example, a tomato on a grilled cheese sandwich, or pickled okra with our fried chicken. The last thing I’ll say about seasonality is that it isn’t a gimmick, at least for me. It’s about quality, and nothing is as delicious as when it’s at the peak of its seasonality, whether it’s a strawberry or a butternut squash. How do you decide what to do with them…is this something you and your staff experiment with in advance or is it more like a last minute inspiration? QW: In an ideal world, as certain produce comes on the market, or as pigs fatten, I’ll play around with ideas, send a ton of emails to get some thoughts on those ideas, settle on a couple applications, test them out and see what works. But sometimes, if something cool comes along without much notice, I just go ahead with what feels natural, or what’s on my mind at the time. What are some of your favorite local products/ producers? QW: South Texas Heritage Pork has the best pigs in Texas, and Mark and Kelly are both phenomenal people. It’s tough for the restaurant to make money when we use some of the more popular cuts from Mark and Kelly (and they sell out of most of those cuts at the market, anyway, because the quality is superhigh), but we use their less-expensive cuts, like trotters and heads. It’s more interesting to us, and gives us the opportunity to add some measure of value, because those cuts are more challenging to cook. Peeler Farms has been our chicken supplier since the early days, and still is. Marianna has a beautiful farm and cares about the quality of her birds. And the quality is just phenomenal. Again, it’s hard, because her product costs much, much more than what 99% of restaurants use. But if you know anything about factory farming, and the awful things that are done to produce cheap chicken, well…let’s just say it’s worth the extra cost. Bluebonnet Hydroponic Farms has also worked closely with us over the years and has even planted a couple of custom micro greens for us. And Farm to Table is a smart company in the sense that it enables us to have access to lots of small farms that would otherwise be impractical for us to buy from. There are literally dozens of small farms, and most of them tend to specialize in a few things, which I like. v Top left photo: Barley Swine Photo by Knox Photographics Barley Swine 512.394.8150 | Barleyswine.com The Monterey 210.745.2581 | Themontereysa.com Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

Fabulous n Finds

Destination:

Castroville: The Little Alsace of Texas

By Julie Catalano Photography courtesy of Castroville Area Chamber of Commerce

Dziuk’s Meat Market

The John Burger House, 1844

Haby’s Alsatian Bakery

The Landmark Inn

From the signature Alsatian fachwerk on historic homes to the hearty French-German fare served at eateries to the bucolic setting of a 150-year old inn, the town of Castroville (pop. 3,000) is a page right out of the history books, and one that every Texan should read. Next time you’re zooming down Highway 90 about 20 miles west of San Antonio, slow down and stay awhile to enjoy a tiny Texas gem like no other. Many small towns promise a memorable trip back in time. Castroville delivers.

The Castro Homestead

The Landmark Inn Gristmill

Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

Voices from the Past

Castroville represents an adventurous time when an enterprising pioneer could leave his mark, and few left more of a legacy than entrepreneur Henri Castro, who brought settlers Henri Castro from Europe in exchange for land grants. Most of them came from the Alsace and Lorraine provinces of France and nearby Germany, and between 1843 to 1847 roughly 3,000 eager transplants looking for a new life found it in a strange land called the Republic of Texas. It was a “rough start” for the first of those ships, according to historian Connie Balmos, born and raised in Castroville. “They had no idea that once they reached the coast, they still had 200 miles of overland to travel, so they were kind of at a loss.” By 1844, Castro managed to get 27 of them on a rainy September 1. “They crossed the Medina River on September 3, 1844, the founding date of our town.” The settlers faced great hardship and loss, but ultimately prevailed. “It was just a little village, an unpretentious town with a lot of little houses,” says Balmos, whose father Ralph “Blackie” Tschirhart wrote an Alsatian-English dictionary. In a race against time to preserve the language, customs and traditions, the Oral History Project began at the Castroville Library (castrovillelibrary. org) in 1980, says librarian Catherine Prazak. “We have over 70 recordings available,” she says, plus a treasure trove of family histories, all available online. “The Alsatian Language Club is back with regular meetings. We have people Skyping in from Boston and Canada, young people who remember their parents speaking the language and want to learn it. It's really important that we keep our history alive.” For more information, Castro Colonies Heritage Association, Castrocolonies.us.

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They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day — and in Castroville, one of the most sociable — so Sammy’s Restaurant (sammysrestaurant.com) is a good place to start. They’ve been dishing up comfort food since 1948 — eggs with Alsatian sausage, Belgian waffles, biscuits and gravy, and fresh baked bread from Haby’s Bakery (habysbakery. com) across the street, another Castroville institution established in 1974. Homemade breads, tortillas and dinner rolls park alongside cinnamon rolls, doughnuts and more. Hungry patrons start lining up for a 5:30 a.m. opening Monday to Saturday. Also check out Dziuk’s Meat Market (dziuks.com), famous for its jerkies, sausages, and the Alsatian favorite parisa, a spiced meat tartare. Yes, Castrovillians love their food. They also love their history, their heritage and their homes. Here are just a few things to look for on your journey to the past, and a couple of newcomers to remind us that time marches on: A night at the inn. No visit to Castroville is complete without a stop at the historic Landmark Inn (visitlandmarkinn. com). It’s a Texas Historical Commission property built in the 1840s and expanded to five scenic acres in the 1850s along the Medina River, with its preserved gristmill, authentically decorated period guest rooms, and no televisions or telephones to disturb the peace. Alas, the 21st century is starting to encroach. “People keep asking for Wi-Fi,” says site manager Jose Zapata,

The Landmark Inn Courtesy of The Texas Historical Commission

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“so we are working on that. But it won’t be intrusive.” The mini-museum dismantled in 2005 will be restored as part of the renovation work scheduled for the next Courtesy of The Texas two years. “The artifacts are Historical Commission in Austin in storage now,” adds Zapata, “but it’s certainly something we’re bringing back.”

Le Chat Noir

Local flavor. Housed in a mid-19th century building, the newest kid on the fine dining block is Le Chat Noir (lechatnoireatery.com), whose award-winning chef Lynn Oefinger is making a name for herself with specialties like coffee-rubbed quail and grilled filet of beef. Opened in 2011, the keyword for this contemporary American cuisine (with a French twist) is fresh — as in vegetables, cheeses and homegrown herbs. Open Friday through Tuesday with a Sunday brunch, the place has become a favorite for wine dinners, says manager Monte Bippert. “Lynn has impeccable taste in pairing wines with exquisite food. I love watching the faces of people taking their first bite.” Walking through history. Architecture aficionados can spend hours on a self-guided walking tour of the town’s dozens of historic buildings. The distinctive sloping, asymmetrical roofs with thick stucco walls are reminiscent of European country homes. Other notables: The Moye Retreat Center (moyecenter.org) was the original headquarters of the CongreUrban Home Austin – San Antonio

REALTOR’S ADVICE The Moye Providence Academy, circa 1890

Green with

Luxury

By Cathy Coneway, Chairman, Austin Board of REALTORS®

The Moye Center

THE TARDE HAUS

St. Louis Church

THE TARDE HOTEL BUILT IN 1852

The First St. Louis Church BUILT IN 1849

The Steinbach Haus

The Steinbach Haus in Wahlbach, France

gation of Divine Providence (CDP) and is still an active retreat center. St Louis Catholic Parish is essentially as old as Castroville itself (stlouischurchcastroville.org). The first Catholic bishop of Texas, French priest Jean Marie Odin, celebrated Mass on the banks of the Medina River just 11 days after the town’s founding on September 3, 1844 (see sidebar). Finally, check out the fascinating 17th century Steinbach House, disassembled and shipped from Alsace, France in a relocation and restoration project that spanned from 1998-2002. Free and open to the public every day but Tuesday, call 830.538.9638 for hours of operation. Shop ‘til you...feel like sitting a spell. No mall madness here. Moseying is more the speed for poking around quaint establishments like Castroville Pottery (castrovillepottery. com), Chateau Lafayette, La Boheme, or any number of antique, 80

Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

CASTROVILLE EMPORIUM ANTIQUES/ THE CARLE HOUSE & STORE BUILT IN 1865

specialty and gift shops in town. Donald Belcher, owner of the 41-year-old Castroville Emporium Antiques, says that his antique lamps and chandeliers are his shining stars, obtaining most of them from buildings, hotels and private homes torn down during urban renewals all over the U.S. After restoring (and in some cases electrifying the oil and gas fixtures), he ships all over the world. “I don’t have a website,” he muses. “I guess I should, but people find me.”

CIRCA 1940

Chateau Lafayette and City Hall

The great outdoors. Castroville Regional Park is getting better all the time, with 124 wooded acres on the Medina River offering a wealth of activities like hiking, birding, tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, swimming pool, tent camping, covered pavilions for rent, an RV park and much more. Almost any time of year there’s a party going on. August is famous for St. Louis Day, an annual blowout at Koenig Park, this year on August 25. The first Friday of every month from March-June and SeptemberDecember is Fiorella Friday/A Nite in Old Castroville with art and artisans, wine tasting and live entertainment. The second Friday of every month is 50s style Friday Night Fever, featuring cars, trucks, bikes, food and shopping. In the works is the revival of quarterly Market Trail Days, says James Wommack, Castroville Chamber of Commerce president. “The last quarter will be our traditional Old Fashioned Christmas, which last year brought out 260 vendors and about 2,500 people.” It’s that small town charm that first drew Isabel Belliveau-Bowie to Castroville from San Antonio in 1999. “I wanted a different life for my kids,” says the mother of four. The need for more room found them moving in 2009, but they didn’t get too far away. “We’re right on the borderline of Hondo and Castroville. We have fresh eggs from our chickens, and I make jellies from the wild persimmon, mesquite and cactus that grow on our property. I could have never done this in the city.” v For more information, Castroville Chamber of Commerce, Castroville.com, 830.538.3142.

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reen design isn’t just for the economical and environmentally-conscious anymore. Just like how the LEED certification has become a status symbol for commercial buildings and the Energy Star® designation is a badge of honor for home appliances, eco-friendly home design has become the hottest trend among luxury homeowners. Yet while luxury homes usually boast features with little applicability or scalability to the rest of the world, the demand for green building among luxury homeowners has proven that self-sustainable homes are not only possible, but scalable to fit any need or size. As the materials below slowly become the standard in luxury homes, one can expect the average home to begin boasting them as well: Alternative Energy – Pending the homeowner has the acreage and is able to make the investment, solar or wind-power systems are just as effective as conventional energy sources. A 4,000-squarefoot home could require enough solar panels to cover a basketball court and easily land in the six-figure range to install, but it will also permanently absorb almost all of a home’s energy costs. Sustainable Materials – The once-popular trend of building with rare and exotic woods is now frowned upon as it contributes to deforestation. Luxury homeowners are building with hardier, more resilient woods such as bamboo or teak, which last twice as long and have a fraction of the environmental impact as their nonsustainable counterparts. Non-Toxic Materials – Luxury homeowners will tack seven to 10 percent on to the building costs of a home to build with low-VOC paints, chemical-free glues and organic materials, and swap plastics and man-made composites for glass, metal or stone where possible. Smart Water – Not the water itself, but how it’s being used. Geothermal heating and cooling systems are replacing air conditioners and heaters, rain water is being used as a water supply and “grey water” from showers and sink usage is being recycled and treated to irrigate lawns. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), green homebuilding is projected to comprise as much as 38 percent of the U.S. residential market by 2016. As eco-friendly materials become more widely-available and green technology improves, we can expect the “zero home” concept to become an attainable goal for every homeowner. v

A DV E RT I S E R I N D E X ASSOCIATIONS

GRANITE & STONE

KITCHEN & BATH

Austin NARI www.austinnari.org 512.997.NARI

Artisan Stoneworks www.artisanstoneaustin.com 512.276.0465

Countertop Valet www.countertopvalet.com 1.888.50.VALET

HBA of Greater Austin www.hbaaustin.com 512.454.5588

QDI Stone www.qdistone.com 512.832.0500

Morrison Supply Company www.morsco.com 512.928.1110

NARI San Antonio www.remodelsanantonio.org 210.348.6274

Synergy Granite www.synergygranite.com 512.784.3213

CLOSET DESIGN

California Closets of the Texas Hill Country Austin: 512.441.6061 www.californiaclosets.com/austin San Antonio: 210.829.1991 www.californiaclosets.com/san-antonio

CONCRETE REPAIR

Trim-A-Slab www.trim-a-slab.com 512.943.7655

CUSTOM CABINETRY & DESIGN

HOME BUILDERS

Foursquare Builders www.foursquarebuilders.com 512.944.4520

HOME REMODELING

Avenue B Development www.avenuebdev.com 512.638.1514 CG&S Design-Build www.cgsdb.com 512.444.1580

Swanx www.swanxcabinetry.com 512.809.6226

David Wilkes Builders www.davidwilkesbuilders.com 512.328.9888

CUSTOM HOME CONSULTANTS

Dylan Martin Homes & Remodeling www.dylanmartinhomes.com 512.692.9212

By Design Custom Home Consulting www.customaustinhomes.com 512.917.2653

CUSTOM METAL WORK

Christopher Voss – 4th Generation Craftsman, Inc. www.christophervoss.com 210.843.4332

J Angelo Design Build www.jangelodesignbuild.com 210.882.6263

LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Pearson Landscape Services www.pearsonlandscape.com 512.386.5900

LIGHTING

Lights Fantastic www.lightsfantastic.com 512.452.9511

OUTDOOR LIVING

BBQ Outfitters www.bbqoutfitters.com 512.347.1988

Equinox Louvered Roof www.equinoxtexas.com Austin: 512.636.4131 San Antonio: 210.548.3015 HomeField www.homefieldliving.com 830.626.1971

POOLS

Artesian Pools www.artesianpoolstx.com 210.251.3211

REAL ESTATE

N House Design & Build www.nhousedb.com 210.650.3233

Austin Board of Realtors www.austinhomesearch.com

Catrina’s Ranch Interiors www.catrinasranchinteriors.com 830.755.6355 / 210.535.3070

Realty Restoration www.realtyrestoration.com 512.454.1661

The Boardwalk at St. Charles Bay www.stcharlesbay.com 877.264.0957

Copenhagen Contemporary Furniture & Accessories www.copenhagenliving.com San Antonio: 210.545.4366 Austin: 512.451.1233

Bella Villa Design www.bellavillads.com 512.443.3200

INTERIOR DESIGN

Tierra Vista www.tierravista.com 512.267.3777

FURNITURE & DESIGN

Scott + Cooner www.scottcooner.com Austin: 512.480.0436 Dallas: 214.748.9838

GLASS & WINDOWS

Anchor Ventana www.ventanaman.com 512.388.9400

Dawn Hearn Interior Design www.dawnhearn.com 512.930.0250 Panache Interiors www.panacheinteriors.com 512.452.7773

Dylan Martin H O M E S & R E M O DELI NG

At Dylan Martin Homes, quality construction doesn’t just refer to the finished product, but the process getting there. We pride ourselves on open communication and giving you, the homeowner, all the information and tools to bring you the end result you desire.

RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITES

WINDOW COVERINGS & AWNINGS Austintatious Blinds www.austintatiousblinds.com 512.608.0302 Texas Sun & Shade www.txsunandshade.com 512.402.0990

CUSTOM HOME RENOVATIONS AND BUILDING ARCHITECTURAL AND INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES www.dylanmartinhomes.com | dylan@dylanmartinhomes.com

Urban Home Austin – San Antonio

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