SPON SORED BY: ZIN GER HARDWARE & TRE E HOUSE: THE SMART HOME IMPROVEMENT STOR E
PRODUCED BY: TEXAS SOLAR EN ERGY SO CI ETY & AUSTIN ENERGY GREEN BUILDING
COOL HOUSE TOUR
2013 S u n d a y, J u n e 2 , 1 0 a m - 6 p m
Guidebook: $20. This book is your ticket.
Va l i d f o r o n e p e r s o n .
DEAR COOL HOUSE TOUR FRIENDS, WELCOME TO THE 17TH ANNUAL AUSTIN COOL HOU S E TO U R , Sunday June 2, 2013. It’s the time of year when we think about shaved ice, Barton Springs, and four months of Texas’s unrelenting heat. We can’t give you the first two, but we can provide a pleasant education on how to reduce your energy bills this summer. Spend the day touring 10 projects that tackle the challenge of the Central Texas climate with smart design choices, solid building techniques and the right technology. There is a diverse range of styles on this tour, from modest, small and owner built, to luxury living on an acre and a half of land. Water quality, and conservation will always be highlighted on the tour. This year there are large rainwater catchment systems and for the first time, a whole development that implements rain gardens for storm water control—both communally and in individual yards. There is a strong movement toward multiple generations living together and we feature a modern style single-family residence and an innovative two-story duplex, both of which address the needs of a broad range of ages. Austin continues to support solar and six of the tour projects boast arrays that collect that infinite source of energy. These homes are not just energy-efficient, not just green built—they are sustainable. The professionals and homeowners involved are in the game for the long term, with lifestyle approaches to conservation and healthy living. They understand the need for buildings that don’t wear out, are built with safe materials, that have minimal maintenance needs, and that conserve resources over time. Thank you for helping us to celebrate these projects on June 2. The Texas Solar Energy Society benefits from the proceeds of this tour and we are grateful to you for supporting us in our effort to educate Texans on the value of solar and renewable energy, and the wise use of all resources. Warm regards,
Lucy Stolzenburg
Executive Director, Texas Solar Energy Society
GUIDELINES »» Each visitor must have a guidebook to enter a home. Children 12 and under may attend for free. »» The map is meant to be a general overview. Read specific directions carefully for the sites you choose and please note if there are special parking instructions. »» Please be careful to avoid blocking neighbors’ driveways. »» Be ready to take off your shoes or wear booties that we will provide at the homes.
»» Please be respectful and refrain from taking photos. »» Bring a water bottle. It’s Texas; it’s June; you know it will be hot. »» Please respect the privacy of our generous homeowners and visit only during the public tour hours of 10:00 am-6:00 pm on Sunday, June 2. »» Have a good time and let us know what you learn.
Photo Credits: Photography of homes by Kimberly Davis Photography www.kimberlydavisphotography.com
LOCATOR MAP p g . 5 | 6001 Bull Creek Rd. | 78757 p g . 7 | 2004 Canterbury St. | 78702 p g . 9 | 2501 South IH-35 | 78741 p g . 1 1 | 700 W Monroe St. | 78704 p g . 1 3 | 1700 S. 3rd St. | 78704 p g . 1 5 | 1021 W Milton St. | 78704 p g . 1 7 | 3505 Villa Ct #10 | 78704 p g . 1 9 | 318 Ridgewood St. | 78746 p g . 21 | 3604 Pu rple Heron Dr. | 78746 p g . 23 | 13205 Wells Fargo Street | 78737
Plan your own tour! You may visit the homes in any order you wish.
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BARLEY & PFEIFFER ARCHITECTS Alan B arley and Peter P feiffer | www.barleypfeiffer.com | 512- 476 - 8 5 8 0 6001 Bull Creek Road | Austin , TX 78757
T H I S N E W LY CONSTRUCTED TWO-STORY bungalow was designed and built to respect the character of the neighborhood, while providing ample space for a growing family. The side yard screened porch with fireplace extends the living space throughout the year and takes advantage of prevailing breezes. This project draws heavily on passive design for its comfort and energy efficiency, proving that planning is the most important part of any construction project.
G R E E N F E AT U RES: »» Passive design is exemplified throughout the entire home: a screened porch shades the interior and captures breezes, the roof overhangs prevent heat gain in summer and allows for beneficial heat gain in the winter months. High operable windows on the north side pull breezes through the home. »» The architects’ ventilated radiant barrier roof system is recognized in the building industry as a superior deterrent to the blistering solar heat gain of Central Texas summers. »» High SEER air conditioner with sealed combustible furnace. »» Natural daylighting strategies limit the need for artificial lighting during the day. »» High efficiency water fixtures. »» Engineered wood floors. »» Home is prepped for the installation of rainwater collection and solar PV, thus avoiding costly retrofits.
D I R EC T I O N S : From Mopac and Northland Dr. (FM 2222): East on Northland which turns into Allandale Rd. for .6 mi, (L) on Bull Creek Rd.
S P O N SO R S Mezger Homes Luke Mezger 512-466-1247 MezgerHomes.com
BMC Chris Roundtree 512-977-7441 www.integritywindows.com
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ERIC TANG AND PAULA ROJAS, OWNERS 2004 Canterbury Street | Austin, TX 78702
FA M I LY M E M B ERS, FRIENDS, AND LOCAL construction professionals from this close knit East Austin community all helped build this modest home. The owners were an integral part of the design-build team. They filed permits, found sub-contractors, and shopped for materials. Devoted students of Green By Design, they took their builder to the course and worked closely with Austin Energy Green Building Austin Energy Green Building staff. The budget for this dwelling was under $100,000, resulting in a comfortable home for a family of four with a minimum of flash and a great deal of charm.
G R E E N F E AT U R E S : »» The home design follows standard construction material sizing, thus avoiding waste. »» A simple floor plan, with open space in front and bedrooms in back, allows for straightforward plumbing and mechanical lines that promote energy efficiency. »» East and west wall windows are minimized and placed high for privacy, good daylighting, and reduced heat gain. »» Metal roof decreases heat gain and summer cooling bills. »» Doors and the master bathroom vanity purchased at the Habitat RE-Store. »» Plywood floors are finished with water based finish and paint is low or no VOC. All internal wood was left in its natural state. »» Pier and beam foundation was designed to minimize the impact to existing tree root structures.
D I R EC T I O N S : From Cesar Chavez and IH-35: East on Cesar Chavez .8 mi, (R) on Lynn 2 blocks, (L) on Canterbury.
S P O N SO R S Ortiz Construction Pascual Ortiz 512-789-4252 pascual-ortiz@att.net
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ARBOR TERRACE/FOUNDATION COMMUNITIES Sunshine Mathon | www.foundcom.org | 512- 4 47-2 026 2501 SOUTH IH-35 | Austin , TX 78741
O R I G I N A L LY AN EXTENDED STAY HOTEL, this three-story complex was refurbished and transformed by local nonprofit Foundation Communities into a beautiful and energy efficient affordable housing community for low income adults. It now provides a healthy, safe, and attractive home for some of Austin’s most vulnerable citizens. Resource conservation measures contribute to durability and reduced maintenance costs over the life cycle of this long-term asset. Safe finishes and external venting provide indoor air quality, important to residents with chronic medical conditions and other special needs. Common space and a courtyard outdoor living space give residents a sense of community beyond their 300 square foot units. The Arbor Terrace renovation was the first construction project to adhere to an Austin Workers Defense Project program that ensured fair, safe workplace conditions for over 250 construction workers.
G R E E N F E AT U RES: »» Composite shingles replaced with metal roofing, decreasing heat gain and summer cooling costs. »» Vinyl siding replaced by quality cement-based siding. Flashing around the roof, windows, and doors added where previously there was none. »» High efficiency water fixtures. »» 100% of indoor lighting comprised of high efficiency Energy Star® compliant lamps. »» Efficient heat pump air conditioners with occupancy sensors are controlled in each unit, but centrally regulated with minimum/maximum comfort range. »» Locally sourced ceramic flooring replaced old carpet. »» A highly visible 76 kW solar PV array acts as a “billboard” for solar energy. It is expected to produce an estimated 104,366 kWh of electricity annually. »» 95% of building waste diverted from landfill through recycling or conversion to mulch. »» Parking spaces were converted to miniature landscapes planted with trees, and an outdoor courtyard space populated with native and drought-tolerant plants.
DIRECTIONS: Arbor Terrace is on the east frontage road of IH-35 between Woodward and E. Oltorf Streets. Coming from the south, exit at 232 A. From the north, exit 231 to Woodward, (L) under IH-35, and then (L) onto the frontage road. The building is recognizable by the huge rooftop solar array.
S P O N SO R S Bailey Elliott Construction, Inc. Keith Pool 512-327-3951 www.baileyelliott.com
Efficient Air Conditioning, Inc./RM Mechanical George Drazic 512-928-2470 www.efficientairconditioningtx.com
Meridian Solar Inc. Brad Powell 512-448-0055 www.meridiansolar.com
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FINN DESIGN BUILD, LLC Alex Finnell | www.finndesignbuild.com | 512-2 0 0 -3 4 6 6 700 West Monroe Street | Austin, TX 7870 4
THIS HOME ADDRESSES THE NEEDS OF AN expanding demographic in our society- an aging population who wish to continue living in their own home. The design and construction of this project comfortably accommodates multiple generations under one roof with semi-private housing for live-in assistance. That did not deter from the beauty of this home, which is filled with natural light with a view to gardens that blend naturally with the home’s interior. An exterior wall buffers the home from the street, but allows for the prevailing breezes to cross a garden pond, creating a comfortable private patio.
G R E E N F E AT U RES: »» Urban infill lot, with house set back from the street to blend in with the diverse styles of homes in the neighborhood. »» 725 square feet of living space per ton of cooling achieved through advanced framing techniques, slab insulation, and well shaded high performance glass. »» 95% of lighting is LED and sensor controlled. »» Special attention given to finishes on all surfaces- low or no VOC on cabinets, floors and walls. Exterior finishes are low maintenance. »» 10 kW solar PV system equipped with micro-inverters. Unlike a singe inverter for the whole system converting direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), micro-inverters convert DC to AC on one or two panels at a time, which allows for small amounts of shading on the panel without stopping power production from the entire array. »» 2,500 gallon rainwater catchment cistern feeds a programmable irrigation system with soil moisture sensor, including drip irrigation for gardens. »» Edible gardens with high raised beds for easy access. »» An electric vehicle with a home charging station has replaced a second car for daily use. »» Home has a LEED Platinum designation. »» Owners participate in the Pecan Street Program, which analyzes energy data to better understand energy systems that rely on efficiency and the local generation of power.
DIRECTIONS: From Barton Springs Rd and South 1st: South on South 1st .7 mi, (R) on Monroe.
S P O N SO R S Lighthouse Solar Stan Pipkin 512-476-5555 www.lighthousesolar.com
Rhino Austin Aaron Kuntschik 512-374-1008 www.rhinoaustin.com
New Stone Concepts D.J. Anderson 512-804-1878 www.newstoneconcepts.com
Innovative Water Solutions, LLC. Chris Maxwell-Gaines 512-490-0932 www.watercache.com
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BEN OBREGON, ARCHITECT www.sustainabledesigncenter.com | 512-263 - 01 7 7 1700 South 3rd Street | Austin, TX 7870 4
T H I S P R O P E RTY IS A NET-ZERO OASIS IN the middle of South Austin. The owners accumulated a credit of 872 kWh in one year with their conservation-minded lifestyle, energy-efficient home, and 7 kW solar PV system. The 10,000th home to be rated by Austin Energy Green Building, its design and construction are a blueprint for those contemplating remodeling an existing wood bungalow. Do not miss the extensive kitchen gardens!
G R E E N F E AT U RES: »» Existing 1920s home in an established neighborhood was stabilized and remodeled to the scale, size, and integrity of 5-star standards. »» Straw bale construction studio serves as a home office. »» The home is heated and cooled by an inverter driven, multi-split system which has multiple, independent indoor zones connected to a single outdoor unit. The studio uses a simpler 1-to 1-mini-split system. »» 7 kW solar PV system on the house and studio has resulted in a net-zero property that accrued a credit of 872 kWh over one year. »» Metal roof decreases heat gain and summer cooling bills. »» High efficiency water fixtures. »» Locally sourced materials include: straw for the studio, peeled cedar posts, wood from a demolished neighborhood property, and flooring. »» Extensive urban vegetable garden constructed from reclaimed materials produces an abundance of food for the owners and their friends. »» Learn more about the creation of this home at www.zeronethouse.com.
D I R EC T I O N S : From Barton Springs Rd and South 1st : Head south on South 1st .7 mi, (R) on Monroe .2 mi, (L) on South 3rd.
S P O N SO R S Blue Heron Builders, LP Kristof Irwin 512-462-1000 www.blueheronbuilders.com
The Great Outdoors Garden Center 2730 South Congress Ave, 78704 512-448-2992 www.gonursery.com
Lighthouse Solar Stan Pipkin 512-476-5555 www.lighthousesolar.com
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FORSITE STUDIO AJ Smith and Justin S abatini | www.forsitestudio.com | 512- 659 - 69 0 8 1021 West Milton Street | Austin, TX 7870 4
THE
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buildings on this urban infill lot provides housing for three generations. The duplex was built for the parents, while the owner and her young son will live behind the duplex in an Airstream trailer. The building is two stories, one unit per story, with a simple layout design that reduces any excess space and walls while minimizing energy use. Both units feel larger because of abundant natural light and generous screened porches.
G R E E N F E AT U RES: »» Two story structure blends into an established neighborhood on a narrow lot. »» Passive design works to minimize heat gain with well placed operable windows, deep overhangs, and light colored metal roofing with an air gap between the roof and decking for ventilation. »» Air gap ventilation under metal roof is also employed on the west wall to reduce heat gain. »» Wood screens filter southwest light. »» Screened porches expand the living space without the need for conditioned air. »» High efficiency water fixtures. »» No trees removed in construction, maintaining the natural landscape of the lot while creating privacy in an urban envrionment.
D I R EC T I O N S : From Barton Springs Rd and South 1st : South on South 1st .7 mi, (R) on Monroe .3mi, (L) on South 5th one block, (R) on Milton.
SPONSORS Cool Insulation Company Jake Sloan 512-619-6536 www.coolinsulationaustin.com
Deville Custom Homes Dean Deville 512-492-5255 www.devillehomes.com
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PSW Real Estate S arah Thomas | www.pswrealestate.com | 512-78 6 - 51 65 3505 Villa Court #10 | Austin, TX 7870 4
TUCKED IN A DEVELOPMENT OF 13 HOUSES built to 5-star standards, this home is a fine example of comfortable family living in a modestly sized residence. The circle layout of the neighborhood was designed to give a sense of greater space with the inclusion of a centrally located rain garden. Solar arrays are installed on seven of the neighborhood homes, and because the desire for solar was so popular, the builder has now made solar PV a standard feature on all their houses built in the city.
G R E E N F E AT U RES: »» Windows placed high on walls maximize natural light and privacy without increasing the potential for heat gain through glazing. » » While not visible to tour attendees, an important component of the home is an extremely tight duct system that tested at 5% leakage (the 2009 building code allows for a maximum of 10%). This, along with 880 square feet of conditioned living space per ton of HVAC equipment, reflects the quality of design and construction. »» Finished flooring on the ground level is the structural floor, which results in material efficiency. »» 5kW solar PV array. »» Carport, instead of a garage, prevents exhaust fumes from entering the home. »» As an alternative to a traditionally engineered sand filter for storm water management, the developer installed community and individual rain gardens which also enhance landscape aesthetics.
D I R EC T I O N S : From Oltorf and South 1st : South on South 1st .8 mi, (R) on Cardinal Ln, first (L) is South 2nd, first (R) is Audrey, next (R) is Villa Court. Tour parking is on the street outside of the development.
S P O N SO R S Lighthouse Solar Stan Pipkin 512-476-5555 www.lighthousesolar.com
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RAY TONJES BUILDER, INC. Ray Tonjes | www.raytonjesbuilder.com | 512- 632-3 45 0 318 Ridgewood Road | Austin , TX 7874 6
T H E OW N E R S WANTED THEIR HOME TO sit lightly on this Rollingwood lot. It avoids a massive presence in spite of the generous size of the property and the neighborhood tendency to build large. Solar studies directed the orientation of the house, considered to be the single most important element of home design. The preservation of existing trees, and the choice of native plants further this home’s ability to blend into the Hill Country landscape.
G R E E N F E AT U RES: »» Placement of windows and depth of overhangs minimize summer heat gain and allows heat gain when the sun is low in winter. »» Roofing installed over diagonal cleats ventilates the roof’s underside. »» Thermal envelope is comprised of structural insulated sheathing (SIS panels). »» Light colored soffits and metal roofing reflect light into home. »» Natural daylighting is supplemented by high efficacy lighting selections. »» Texas Lueders Stone is locally sourced material. »» Rainwater is collected in a “pillow” under the screened porch, which is more adaptable than a cistern in tight spaces. »» Construction waste was recycled or shredded for mulch. »» Trees protected during construction by controlling access, minimizing foot and vehicle traffic, allowing the final landscape design of native vegetation to thrive.
D I R EC T I O N S : From Mopac and Bee Cave Rd (FM 2244): West on Bee Cave 1.2 mi, (R) on Rollingwood .4 mi, (L) on Ridgewood .6 mi. Pay attention to the speed limit, the Rollingwood police are serious.
S P O N SO R S Air Rite By Design Inc. Gilbert Rosipal 512-264-9990 bert@airritebydesign.com
Botanical Concerns LLC Annie Gillespie 512-371-9774 www.botanicalconcerns.com
Barley & Pfeiffer Architects Peter L. Pfeiffer 512-476-8580 www.barleypfeiffer.com
Hobbs’ Ink Janet L. Hobbs, AIBD 512-261-6226 www.hobbsink.com
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HEIMSATH ARCHITECTS Eric MacInerney | www.heimsath.com | 512-79 1 -3 1 62 3604 Purple Heron Drive | Austin, TX 7874 6
T H E OW N E R S FELT AT HOME IN THEIR neighborhood of 12 years, but were rapidly outgrowing their small, one-story ranch-style house. They chose to demolish that property and rebuild using the old footprint. As a result of careful planning, design and construction details, they now have a spacious two-story home that is 84% larger than the old house while using only 42% more electricity based on total usage. A 5.8 kW solar PV array cuts the electricity purchased from the grid to 2% less than used in the original home. Because the home’s south-facing roof is mostly shaded, a special rack on the north slope supports about half of the 5.8 kW system.
G R E E N F E AT U RES: »» Deconstruction of the original house was the work of family and friends who ensured that all usable materials were distributed for construction projects in the neighborhood and community. »» The house is designed to capture the prevailing breezes, with double-hung windows, appropriately sized overhangs, and large porches, especially the south-side second story. »» A screened porch extends the living area. »» Creative screened spaces on either side of the front door work with clerestory windows to create stack effect cooling. »» The house features an integrated dehumidification system with separate controls. »» 90% of the lighting is LED. »» Because the south-facing roof is shaded by trees, a portion of the 5.8 kW solar system was installed on a special counter-slope rack on the north-facing dormer. »» A kitchen garden is a feature of the front yard.
DIRECTIONS: From Mopac and Bee Cave Rd. (FM 2244): West on Bee Cave Road 1.4 mi, (L) on Walsh Tarlton .5 mi, (R) on Pinnacle Rd .4 m, (L) on Peregrine Falcon, first (L) is Purple Heron.
S P O N SO R S Air Rite By Design Inc. Gilbert Rosipal 512-264-9990 bert@airritebydesign.com
Circular Energy Lionel Johnnes 866-274-5578 www.circularenergy.com
BMC Tom Braswell 512-977-7441 www.integritywindows.com
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NATIVE Lloyd Lee | www.buildnative.com | 512- 970 -1 41 0 13205 Wells Fargo Street | Austin, TX 78737
THIS HOME OFF FITZHUGH ROAD IS well worth the drive west of Oak Hill. The careful consideration of orientation and the placement of large covered porches extends interior spaces comfortably outside. The owners invested many months into the design and planning of this project, getting a sense for the look and feel of a home appropriate for the Texas Hill Country. The result is a showplace that fits into the landscape, is energy efficient because of serious design and building choices, and is comfortable as well as beautiful.
G R E E N F E AT U RES: »» Sited to the best advantage on the lot, the house was designed around the existing terrain and trees. »» Proper siting also encourages cross ventilation. »» Metal roofing with appropriately sized overhangs prevents heat gain in summer and allows for heat gain in winter. »» Shaded screened porch on west side of house acts as a thermal block to the interior. »» Geothermal HVAC uses circulating water filled pipes placed in the ground that absorb heat in winter and send it up to the house, while in summer, heat absorbed from the house is sent down to the ground. »» Reclaimed and reused doors installed at entrances and inside. Front door is from Habitat REstore. »» 30,000 gallon rainwater collection system is only water source. »» 4 kW solar PV system.
D I R EC T I O N S : From the intersection of Hwy 290 W and Hwy 71 W in Oak Hill (southwest Austin): West 5 mi on Hwy 290 W to Fitzhugh Rd, (R) Fitzhugh Rd 3.3 mi, (L) on Trail Driver (Big Country Sign), follow Cool House Tour signs to home. Please park on Wells Fargo and walk up the driveway.
S P O N SO R S Cool Insulation Company Jake Sloan 512-619-6536 www.coolinsulationaustin.com
Custom Design Services Cammi Klier 512-330-9309 www.cdshomedesign.com
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UNDERWRITERS
CUSTOM DESIGN SERVICES Cammi Klier C.P.B.D./Ron Van Sickle C.P.B.D. (512) 330-9309 www.cdshomedesign.com
ECOBEE More than just a thermostat – Smart, Green, Easy. 1.877.932.6233 www.ecobee.com
SOLAR AUSTIN www.solaraustin.org
JULIA CLARK & ASSOCIATES, P.C. (512) 684-8410 www.juliaclarkcpa.com
AUSTIN ECONETWORK Publisher of the Austin EcoNews www.AustinEcoNetwork.com
SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Margaret Andersen Graphic & Editorial Design 505-310-3932 www.margaretandersen.com Kimberly Davis Photography 214-335-6544 www.kimberdavisphotography.com
STUART SAMPLEY ARCHITECT 512-771-8856 www.stuartsampleyarchitect.com
TEXAS SOLAR OUTFITTERS Garrett Gordy (713) 802-0223 www.texassolaroutfitters.com
Aus-Tex Printing and Mailing 512-476-7581 www.austex.com
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I T ’ S H A R D TO BE CREATIVE YEAR AFTER YEAR WHEN THANKING THE MAN Y P EO P L E involved in producing the Austin Cool House Tour. Could we please have as many terms for ‘thank you’ as Native Alaskans have for snow? I would like a term for ‘deep thanks’ to everyone who worked so hard to get us to June 2. Many people choose to build a green home but not all of them are willing to have hundreds of tour goers visit on the first Sunday in June. Our hats are off to these folks who share their experiences with you. Their professional guides are the architects, designers, and builders who have navigated the Austin Energy Green Building rating process. They are committed to raising the bar of excellence for green and sustainable design and construction in their professions. The volunteer selection committee keeps coming back and sacrificing the month of February to my ongoing plea, “meet me at 721 Barton Springs Rd. and I’ll drive.” Thank you Joe Bennett, Nathan Doxsey, Mary McLeod, Tom Fitzpatrick, Chris Chandler, Yvonne Hansen (all 17 years) and of course our tour baker, Gary Citron. Jessica Galloway and Bryan Bomer of Austin Energy Green Building kept us pointed toward true north. Austin Energy’s Brenda de la Garza and Jorge Alvarado oversaw the guidebook design, executed by Margaret Andersen. And finally on tour day, there will be over 65 volunteers, coordinated by Chris Chandler, most of whom are veterans of tours past. They will greet you, ask to see this guidebook/ticket, and perhaps ask you to don a pair of blue booties. Of course deep thanks go to you, our audience on June 2, because you care about the design and construction techniques that make sustainable practices a part of daily living. Warm regards,
Lucy Stolzenburg
Executive Director, Texas Solar Energy Society
PRODUCED BY: TEXAS SOLAR ENERGY SOCIETY & AUSTIN ENERGY GREEN BUILDING SPONSORED BY: ZINGER HARDWARE & TREEHOUSE: THE SMART HOME IMPROVEMENT STORE