Case
Study: Southwest Austin Custom Home
Elliot Johnson, AIA
Project Goals
This house shows that a large house can be green. The owners wanted a home they could enjoy with their large extended family. They wanted space for their hobbies, including a classic car restoration shop and an art studio. And they wanted their home to be as environmentally responsible and energy efficient as possible.
Southwest Austin
Custom Home |
5-Star |
June 2009 |
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Architect |
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Contractor |
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Subcontractor |
All Year Heating & Cooling |
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Other |
Standard Renewable |
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Project Description
This 5-star rated new home uses a one room-width design which provides most rooms with daylighting from two sides and excellent ventilation. Spray foam insulation at the roof deck and in the walls creates an energy-efficient thermal envelope that maximizes the energy from the 14 kW solar electric system.
The 5,700 sq. ft. home combines full- and part-time living spaces with separately zoned HVAC units, used only when needed. A home performance specialist designed and tested the high-efficiency HVAC system which reaches a minimum of 600 sq. ft. of living space per ton of cooling.
A 25,000 gallon rainwater collection system provides filtered, potable water to the house. Natural clay wall finishes provide color and texture with no VOC offgassing. The house wraps around a large cluster of Live Oak trees that create shady and comfortable outdoor living and eating spaces. Only a few small cedar trees were removed during construction.
This home satisfies the owners’ needs for energy efficiency and plenty of space. It was part of the 2009 Cool House Tour because of its thoughtful design; locally obtained, non-toxic, and recyclable materials; and renewable energy.
Project Results
The house passed all required testing, including the blower door test and air systems test (flow, pressure, return air, etc.), with no problems.
Project Features
| Energy:
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One room-width design strategy allows for natural ventilation and daylighting
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Spray foam insulation in walls and roof
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14 kW solar photovoltaic system
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Metal roof
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Compact fluorescent lighting
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High efficiency Miele dishwasher, washer, and dryer
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Home performance testing
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| Materials:
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Local Mesquite kitchen countertop
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Bamboo flooring
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Recyclable carpet in the master bedroom
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American Clay wall and ceiling finishes throughout
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Limestone walkways
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| Health and Safety:
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Green Seal approved cabinet, millwork, and floor finishes
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Lever door handles
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Grab bars in tub and shower
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Non-toxic wall and ceiling finishes
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| Community:
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The home was designed around a beautiful cluster of Live Oak trees
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Cedar trees removed during construction were mulched on-site
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The house is situated on a hilltop to use the natural breezes
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Job site and construction waste was recycled
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