2015 Cool House Tour Guidebook

COOL HOUSE TOUR 2015 Sunday, June 7 10 am – 6 pm This book is your ticket.

Valid for one person.

Produced by Texas Solar Energy Society & Austin Energy Green Building Retail Sponsors Treehouse & Zinger Hardware

AUSTIN ENERGY® GREEN BUILDING Green by Design Workshop: 2015

BUILD, BUY OR REMODEL A GREEN HOME

Learn how to improve energy and water efficiency, increase comfort and reduce maintenance.

AUGUST 04 7:00 – 9:00 PM

AUGUST 11 7:00 – 9:00 PM

AUGUST 18 7:00 – 9:00 PM

Green Planning and Design

Green Materials and Products

Green Home Systems

ATTEND 1 SESSION OR ALL FOR ONLY $25 Norris Conference Center 2525 W. Anderson Lane Austin, TX 78757 Register: greenbuilding.austinenergy.com Phone: 512.482.5300 Email: greenbuilding@austinenergy.com

Dear Cool House Tour Friends, Welcome to the 19th Annual Cool House Tour, a collaboration of Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) and the Texas Solar Energy Society (TXSES).

By tour day we are moving into the teeth of summer. This year’s Cool House Tour lineup was perfectly pleasant as we reviewed our selection during a surprisingly frosty spell in February, when the thermometer was setting a record for continuous days of cold weather. Fortunately, AEGB rated homes are comfortable all year long.

TOUR GUIDELINES »» Each visitor must have a guidebook to enter a home.

Children 12 and younger attend for free »» The map is meant to be a general overview. Read the directions carefully and please note if there are special parking instructions »» Avoid blocking neighbors’ driveways »» Be ready to take off your shoes or wear booties provided at the homes »» Please refrain from taking photos in the homes »» Please respect the privacy of our generous homeowners and visit only during the public tour hours of 10 am – 6 pm on Sunday, June 7. »» Share your experience on social media using #coolhousetour

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In past years we’ve heard it’s hard to see all the tour homes. Planning the tour is complicated by the sheer number of square miles Austin now covers and we want to include projects in city neighborhoods beyond Central Austin. This year, we present six homes, one affordable community and an Austin Energy open house showcasing their energy saving programs that fits nicely into the tour timeframe.

The projects cover a wealth of styles and sizes. Barrier-free living is essential to a growing demographic as presented in the Lakeway home.

The Steiner Ranch home shows that passive solar design is the first step in building out our expanding suburbs.

Two projects are dramatic remodels, one a DIY project in Central East Austin and a 1980s Lost Creek home revamped to last another 50 years.

While remodeling is a solution for some homes, in the case of an older home on Woodview, early planning team meetings revealed that new construction was the best option.

A small home perched on a hillside made the most of a challenging site by creating space for a large rainwater catchment system intended for future household use. Capital studios,

downtown Austin’s first affordable living community in 40 years, improves social equity and provides a sustainable solution for residents in a variety of life situations.

Austin Energy’s Customer Energy Solutions opens the doors at 721 Barton Springs Road to present programs designed to reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability. The parking garage is available and it’s a short walk to the hillside project at 801 Post Oak. Thank you to the owners who open their doors to us and to the architects, designers, builders and contractors who brought the projects to fruition.

Bryan Bomer of Austin Energy Green Building kept the whole process on track while cracking me up even before the first cup of coffee. The veteran selection committee of Mary McLeod, Tom Fitzpatrick, Gary Citron, Nathan Doxsey, Mimi Wong, Lee Doar, and our esteemed Yvonne Hansen (never missed a CHT year!) braved that February weather with good humor to bring you a worthy tour.

Enjoy your day and thank you for caring about energy use, its personal and social costs and the importance of sustainable development.

Warm regards,

Lucy Stolzenburg Executive Director Texas Solar Energy Society

LOCATOR MAP

P / 12 1603 E. 13th Street P / 14 309 E. 11th Street P / 16 801 Post Oak Street P / 18 721 Barton Springs Road

P / 04 3801 Peak Lookout Drive P / 06 13017 Zen Gardens Way P / 08 6303 Indian Canyon Drive P / 10 5008 Woodview Avenue

Plan your own tour!

You may visit the homes in any order you wish.

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3801 PEAK LOOKOUT DRIVE LAKEWAY, TX 78738 Adrienne Trigg Barrier Free Construction, LLC 512.585.0724 trigg.bfc@gmail.com

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The homeowner’s personal experience as a caregiver to a differently-abled child inspired her to create a home demonstrating to building industry professionals that homes can be accessible for all abilities, including aging populations. Sustainability reaches beyond durability by creating spaces that need little renovation over the years as residents’ lifestyles change. Placement of appliances, cabinetry, plumbing fixtures, showers, electrical/mechanical switches and plugs can be compatible for all abilities. For the disabled community, medical expenses are often overwhelming and barrier-free design and construction need not be an added expense.

Sponsors Hobbs’ Ink, LLC – Custom Home Design Janet L. Hobbs, AIBD 512.261.9226 hobbsink.com Self Reliant Solar Travis Jennings 512.914.1706 selfreliantsolar.com Green Features Directions »» Passive solar design strategically orients the long side of house facing northwest/southeast »» Low VOC paints and finishes »» Metal roof is recyclable, durable and provides solar reflectance »» 903 square feet per ton of cooling »» Solar tubes add natural daylight to home’s central spaces »» 80-gallon air source heat pump water heater »» ENERGY STAR® appliances, motion sensing water fixtures »» 1,000-gallon rainwater catchment system »» LED lighting »» 7.42 kW solar array »» 79% of waste recycled or salvaged

From Austin Energy at 721 Barton Springs Rd., head west toward TX-1 Loop (Mopac). Continue onto Frontage Rd. and turn right onto FM2244/RM2244/Bee Caves Rd. Right onto Bee Cave Pkwy. Right onto RM 620. Left onto Flintrock Trace.

Right and continue on Flintrock Trace.

Left onto Wild Cherry Dr. Left onto Peak Lookout Dr. Destination will be on the left.

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13017 ZEN GARDENS WAY AUSTIN, TX 78732 Barley|Pfeiffer Architecture Alan Barley and Peter Pfeiffer barleypfeiffer.com 512.476.8580

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Magnificent views captivate and lead the eye to sweeping Hill Country vistas that drew the owner/ builder to select this site on a ravine. Unlike the majority of homes in this high-end suburban neighborhood, the architects drew up plans implementing the essential elements of solar passive design for efficiency, sustainability and comfort. The resulting collaboration of the design and construction team worked from the perfected methods of orientation, deep overhangs, building thermal envelope insulation and raised metal roofing to make this modern home energy efficient, comfortable and beautiful.

Sponsors Kelly Wunsch Homes Kelly Wunsch 512.897.3719 kellywunschhomes.com RiverCity Cabinets, Inc. Randy Hardin 512.442.9990 rivercitycabinets.com Lighthouse Solar Stan Pipkin 512.476.5555 lighthousesolar.com Directions Green Features »» South facing orientation with 3’ overhangs allow for a cool home in summer without compromising views »» Metal roofing elevated as a shading umbrella directs radiant heat away from roof system (recently endorsed by Oakridge National Labs as a significant advancement in residential construction) »» Exterior insulated sheathing mitigates thermal bridging through wall assembly, complimenting interior spray foam insulation »» Pool integrated into HVAC system as a heat sink; an alternative to traditional HVAC systems providing receptacle for heat pulled from the house in summer.

Heats the pool and provides return hot water for the home »» High efficiency water fixtures »» LED lighting in recessed cans, light coves and under cabinet lighting »» 12.72 kW solar array »» Detached garage minimizes infusion of hydrocarbons and unhealthy gases into the house

From Austin Energy at 721 Barton Springs Rd., head west toward Lamar Blvd. Right onto S Lamar Blvd. Right toward Sandra Muraida Way. Right onto W Cesar Chavez St. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for TX-1 Loop N and merge onto TX-1 Loop N. Take the RM 2222/Northland Dr. exit. Left onto RM 2222 W/Northland Dr. Left onto RM 620. Left onto N Quinlan Park Rd. Right onto Zen Gardens Way. Right to stay on Zen Gardens Way. Destination will be on the left.

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6303 INDIAN CANYON DRIVE AUSTIN, TX 78746 Legacy DCS Cass and Carrie Brewer legacydcs.com 512.726.0500

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The bones of a 1980s house were the template for this extensive renovation in an older Austin subdivision. The complicated floor plan of the original home, the unshaded outside deck spilling hot air into the living areas, the lack of insulation and old mechanical equipment made this an ideal project for the owner/builder to remodel. Their vision brought this home forward 35 years with an up-to-date modern design meant to last another 50 years.

Sponsors Hobbs’ Ink, LLC – Custom Home Design Janet L. Hobbs, AIBD 512.261.9226 hobbsink.com Austin Wood Works, Inc. Lecia Ellis 512.259.3373 austinwoodworks.com Elite Granite & Marble Victor Arellano 512.328.5111 egm-austin.com Directions

Green Features »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »»

Metal roof is recyclable, durable and provides solar reflectance Energy efficient windows placed for natural daylighting and cross ventilation New outdoor entertaining area built to shade inside living space Locally sourced cabinetry Low formaldehyde cabinets, low VOC paints and adhesives (carpet, padding and floor adhesives are Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) – Green Label products) High efficiency WaterSense® fixtures LED lighting Landscape redesigned to City’s Grow Green recommendations, including replacement of St. Augustine grass with Bermuda turf Attached garage is thermally broken from home, buffering the conditioned space from solar heat gain and protecting indoor air quality

From Austin Energy at 721 Barton Springs Rd., head west toward TX-1 Loop. Continue onto Frontage Rd. Right onto TX-360 Loop N. Left onto Lost Creek Blvd. Right onto Quaker Ridge Dr. Left onto Whitemarsh Valley Walk. Left onto Indian Canyon Dr. Destination will be on the left.

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5008 WOODVIEW AVENUE AUSTIN, TX 78756 Solluna Builders, LLC Wayne Jeansonne and Mary Simon sollunabuilders.com 512.804.2050

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The homeowners originally planned to remodel and add onto the home they lived in for several years.

The conversation with the design/build team to start the remodeling process began around the kitchen table. It became apparent that serious structural problems would eat up much of the budget.

A run of the numbers hatched a plan to demolish the old home and a new strategy was born. The result is an energy efficient, sustainable and comfortable home with a second floor addition. The homeowners got exactly what they wanted: a new, comfortable, energy efficient, high quality built home in their charming, old, central Austin neighborhood.

Sponsors Select Home Design Debra Blessman 512.656.8519 debra@aselecthomedesign.com Biotex Foam Insulation Dan Amon 512.657.5438 biotexfoam.com Premier Roofing Bob Baker 512.491.9900 premierroofing.com Directions

Green Features »» Advanced framing method includes 24” on center wall framing, engineered lumber (stronger material made of lumber byproducts) and exterior insulated sheathing results in advanced wall assembly mitigating thermal bridging »» Spray foam thermal envelope yields 850 square feet of conditioned floor space per ton of cooling »» Emphasis on material reduction »» Metal roof is recyclable, durable and provides solar reflectance »» Operable windows allow for cross ventilation »» Centrally-located plumbing runs, WaterSense® fixtures and water efficient appliances »» Screened-in porch extends living area »» Mechanical barrier mesh termite control system

From Austin Energy at 721 Barton Springs Rd., head west toward Lamar Blvd. Right onto S Lamar Blvd. Right toward Sandra Muraida Way. Right onto W Cesar Chavez St. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for TX-1 Loop N and merge onto TX-1 Loop N. Take the 45th St exit. Right onto W 45th St. Left onto Bull Creek Rd. Right onto Hancock Dr. Right onto Woodview Ave. Destination will be on the right.

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1603 EAST 13TH STREET AUSTIN, TX 78702 Lisa Miriam Jacobs Owner/General Contractor lisamiriam.com 512.550.5555

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A dilapidated East Austin property with a serious structural tilt is reborn as a charming bungalow with the added benefits of sustainable design and reconstruction. The owner learned about Austin Energy Green Building through the 2013 Cool House Tour. This home proves an ambitious homeowner can manage their own project and provide insight to others who wish to remodel to meet environmental standards. Through this extensive remodel, many small steps translated to less expensive upgrades.

The owner looks forward to inspiring others to renovate their homes sustainably.

Sponsors

Green Features »» »» »» »» »» »» »»

Structure in advanced state of deterioration was deemed salvageable Recycled construction materials donated to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore Size and footprint expanded minimally, matching neighborhood character Metal roof is recyclable, durable and provides solar reflectance Operable windows allow for cross ventilation Highly efficient building envelope results in small and effective HVAC system Spray foam attic insulation prevents recessed lighting fixtures from penetrating thermal envelope »» LED lighting in recessed fixtures, under cabinets and accent lighting »» Original longleaf pine floors restored with additional locally-sourced and reclaimed longleaf pine flooring

Treehouse 4477 S Lamar Blvd. #600 Austin, TX 78745 512.861.0712 treehouse.com Straight Solutions, Inc. Ben and Brian Fuller 512.459.1128 austinmetalroof.com Directions From Austin Energy at 721 Barton Springs Rd., head east on Barton Springs Rd toward S 1st St. Left onto S Congress Ave. Right onto E 1st St/E Cesar Chavez St. Left onto N IH-35 Frontage Rd. Right onto E 12th St. Left onto Comal St. Right onto E 13th St. Destination will be on the right

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309 EAST 11TH STREET AUSTIN, TX 78701 Foundation Communities Sunshine Mathon foundcom.org 512.447.2026

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Capital Studios is the first affordable housing community to be developed in downtown Austin in 40 years. A mixed-used development with 135 units built over structured parking with first floor retail, provides supportive housing to residents at 30%-50% of the median family income. The development addresses three aspects: decreasing environmental impact, improving social equity and maintaining affordable operations. Certified Green Property Management staff use utility monitoring to measure predicted versus actual utility consumption and educates residents on energy use. Foundation Communities’ commitment to affordable and sustainable building provides comfortable housing to residents in a variety of life situations, while mitigating the resource-intensive effects of the typical mixed-use development.

Sponsors Dick Clark + Associates Matt Dungan, LEED AP 512.472.4980 dcarch.com MGI-Austin Stan Juszczak sjuszczak@mirrorgallery.com 512.660.5105 mirrorgallery.com Directions

Green Features »» Mitigated heat island effect and storm water runoff issues from original surface parking lot »» Solar shading devices on south facing windows »» Operable casement windows in each unit offer fresh air and views to outdoors »» High efficiency variable refrigerant flow HVAC system; window and occupancy sensors reduce excessive energy use. Sensors shut off system when windows are open or residents aren’t home »» Ultra high efficiency fixtures include: .8-gallon flush toilets and 1 gallon/minute showerheads »» Green Seal products used and free green cleaning kits available to residents »» Built-in trash and recycling chutes on every floor »» 90% construction waste diversion »» Planned 30 kW solar PV system pending approval in highly regulated downtown grid »» Solar thermal installation expected to generate 40% of hot water demand

From Austin Energy at 721 Barton Springs Rd., head east on Barton Springs Rd toward S 1st St. Left onto S 1st St. Left onto Lavaca St. Right onto W 11th St. Destination will be on the right.

Street parking is available on Trinity (east side of building), or continue to the Capitol visitor garage on 12th St. between Trinity and San Jacinto.

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801 POST OAK AUSTIN, TX 78704 Z Works Design Build, Inc. Khairuz Zaman greenbuildertexas.com 512.554.4664

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A narrow hillside lot with a city view, a wealth of repurposed and recycled materials, an owner’s talent with site-specific design and a collaborative building team came together to create this home in the Bouldin Creek Neighborhood. The playful design is a reminder that not all first floors are flush with the ground, not all rooms are square and not all building materials come straight from the lumberyard.

This home is perched proudly atop its own rainwater catchment system.

Sponsors Straight Solutions, Inc. Brian and Ben Fuller 512.964.2395 austinmetalroof.com Green Features »» Ground floor carved into hillside takes advantage of thermal mass »» Roof trusses reclaimed from a turkey farm in Rosebud, the I-beams from an old San Marcos factory repurposed as floor support and reclaimed siding was finished in a Japanese charring technique »» Almost 100% construction material is reclaimed or recycled »» Three-layer rain screen system allows walls to breathe »» Metal roof is recyclable, durable and provides solar reflectance »» Natural daylighting from north facing clerestory windows »» Heating and cooling from ductless mini-split system »» Roof is guttered to provide rainwater to the 1,600-gallon catchment system, in place for future household use »» Two heritage trees preserved through strategic design

Gutter Tech, LLC Brad Hill 512.707.8344 guttertechtx.com Directions From Austin Energy at 721 Barton Springs Rd., head west on Barton Springs Rd. toward Bouldin Ave. Left onto Bouldin Ave. Left onto Post Oak St. Destination will be on the right.

Street parking is prohibited on Post Oak St. Parking is available on Bouldin Ave. and at the parking garage at 721 Barton Springs Rd.

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721 BARTON SPRINGS ROAD AUSTIN, TX 78704 Austin Energy powersaver.austinenergy.com

Austin Energy is proud to sponsor Austin Energy Green Building and Texas Solar Energy Society’s signature event. We invite you to visit with our Customer Energy Solutions team and fellow City departments at our first Cool House Tour open house. Here, you will learn about the residential offerings that help you make smart energy choices, save money and preserve our natural resources. We hope you make our open house part of your tour. Enjoy a light refreshment, a cool beverage, meet like-minded people and find the resources you need to help make us a more sustainable community!

Featured at our Open House: ENERGY EFFICIENCY Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® »» Make “whole-home” energy efficiency improvements with the help of rebates and low-interest loans.

ENERGY STAR appliances »» Install ENERGY STAR appliances to earn rebates and save on energy costs while increasing home comfort.

ECAD energy audit »» Learn more about the condition of your home, potential for improvements and distinctive advantage of certification.

Renter benefits »» Understand how residents in apartment complexes can contribute to energy reduction efforts and find savings.

Austin Energy Green Building »» Get technical support from the early planning stages of new construction or major remodels.

Power$aver™ Volunteer »» Receive email and text alerts reminding you to lower your electric usage during peak demand times.

RENEWABLE ENERGY GreenChoice® »» Choose 100% renewable Texas wind to meet your home energy needs and reduce global climate change.

Solar panels »» Find clean, quiet and efficient ways of generating electricity at home by harvesting sunlight.

TECH-SAVVY SAVINGS Electric Vehicles »» Spend less on gas, protect air quality, enjoy rebates and multiple area charging stations.

Power Partner℠ Thermostats »» Earn a rebate for qualified Internet-connected thermostats that use smart technology to maximize comfort.

Austin Energy web app »» Access our free, interactive web app to monitor your energy use from anywhere and receive energy savings alerts.

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UNDERWRITERS

Platinum Level

Gold Level

Austin Energy 512.482.5346 powersaver.austinenergy.com Austin Energy is the nation’s eighth largest publicly owned electric utility and a department of the City of Austin. Our mission is to deliver clean, affordable, reliable energy and excellent customer service. Our utility provides electricity to more than 430,000 customers and a population of almost one million in the City of Austin, several neighboring cities, unincorporated areas of Travis County, and a portion of Williamson County. Austin Energy is recognized for achieving some of the highest performance standards in the industry.

These standards include aggressive renewable and reliability goals and demonstrated efforts to promote new clean energy technologies and a sustainable environment.

Retail Sponsors

Photography of homes: Kimberly Davis Photography kimberlydavisphotography.com

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The Million Gallon March

Help Austin save 1 million gallons of water by using the Rethink/ mobile app!

Discover Rethink/, the City of Austin’s mobile app that helps anyone rethink their everyday habits and be more sustainable. Each action is translated into the impact it can have to save money, energy, time, and resources. Download Rethink/ for free and buzz your sustainability actions - and let’s all work together to save 1,000,000 gallons of water.

Save water - buzz these pins!

Shower Sprinter Yearly Savings: 18 bathtubs of water

Mulch It Yearly Savings: 88 bathtubs of water

Faucet Fixer Yearly Savings: 522 gallons of water

Turf’s Up Yearly Savings: 342 gallons of water

Small decisions can really add up if everyone takes part. Together, we can make Austin even greener and ensure a great quality of life for everyone!

»» 512.482.5300 »» greenbuilding@austinenergy.com »» greenbuilding.austinenergy.com

»» 512.751.1873 »» lucy@txses.org »» txses.org