THE PERSONAL HOME OF BARLEY | PFEIFFER Architecture partner, Peter Pfeiffer, was completed in 2002 for a family of seven. Solar passive design, the most basic principle of green building, laid the groundwork for this house. The result is proper site orientation, window layout, natural lighting, proper overhangs and natural ventilation. Over the years, the systems of the house have proven to be an ongoing laboratory for evolving technologies and lessons learned. Twelve years after earning a 5-star Austin Energy Green Building rating, this home is an example of thoughtful planning, comfortable spaces for a large family and tasteful styling.
G R E E N F E AT U RES: »» Design orients the long axis north-south, keeping east and west walls small; a screened porch catches prevailing breezes, while high north windows pull air up and draw breezes through the home »» The roofing system uses lath to raise the metal off the decking, promoting air circulation and reducing roof heat gain by as much as 50% compared to nailed asphalt shingle roofs »» Home was a test case for proper use of open and closed cell foam insulation and how best to integrate the foam with more standard insulating practices »» Reflective surfaces, a central stair shaft, light-colored paints and mildew-resistant metal soffits enhance natural lighting »» Pool provides a heat sink for the A/C system and was a proving ground to develop an efficient and reliable system that uses residential pools to work in tandem with the home’s heating and cooling »» 3,200 gallon rainwater collection system feeds pool and landscape »» Landscape has evolved over the years to include more native and xeric plants. »» 2.5 kW solar array, installed in 2004, was one of the first in Austin; early PV adopters paved the way for today’s systems, priced at one-quarter of the 2004 price tag
DIRECTIONS: From Mopac and Windsor Rd: West on Windsor .9 mi, (R) on Pecos .5 mi, (L) on River Rd
S P O N SO R S Oliver Custom Homes LLC Matt and Paul Oliver 512-250-5889 www.olivercustomhomes.com
Botanical Concerns LLC Annie Gillespie 512-276-0526 www.botanicalconcerns.com
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