| We are really proud that our home at 1354 The High Road will be featured in the 18th annual TXSES Cool House Tour June 8th, 2014. You can find Ticket information on the http://www.txses.org/solar/content/austin-cool-house-tour-2014. This Net-Zero home was over ten years in the making. In envisioning the home, we wanted to do a wide variety of sustainable design features to showcase, that even in a larger home or a home with a conventional ascetic that green could still be included. | |
1400 Gallon Rainwater Catchment In 2013 the final features of the home a 9.2kw solar array and a rain water catchment system were added to complete the journey of energy independence started in 2003. We have been entirely Net-Zero since 3/15/2013, in-fact returning 2,190 kwh to the utility grid.
The cascading design of the home fits well with this extremely difficult lot. This design also saved all the major Oaks by radiating off of the main living area, creating a multitude of unique outdoor living spaces.
The unique details of this home abound with warmth and whimsy, maintaining the character of the owners while considering the impact to the environment.
The cascading design of the home fits well with this extremely difficult lot. This design also saved all the major Oaks by radiating off of the main living area, creating a multitude of unique outdoor living spaces.
The unique details of this home abound with warmth and whimsy, maintaining the character of the owners while considering the impact to the environment.
Designing a home in our hot/humid climate to include passive solar techniques is difficult. However, several design techniques incorporated in this house work well, including natural day-lighting and ventilation through a "one room width" design strategy and two "thermal chimneys." The home is oriented to the Northeast and heavily shaded with trees, so much so that there are no roof areas available for Solar PV. Two ground mount structures were designed to accommodate the 18.4kw of on-site Solar PV.
6 kilowatt Ground Mount Solar Array The building envelope of this Net-Zero home combines three different techniques; 20” thick Cast Earth Walls constructed from limestone screenings (waste product) and decomposed granite; 10” thick R-26 Perform Wall ICF, and conventionally framed spray-foam walls.
The roof system of 9.5” of spray foam creates a conditioned attic that helps the efficiency of the mechanical equipment, and reduces dust/allergens.
The home is conditioned with a Geothermal HVAC system and an Infinity Heat Pump. We are also experimenting with a Solar Thermal radiant heat flooring system in the Great Room. Water Heating is preheated with the waste heat removed by the Geothermal during the summer.
Other Sustainable principles include; salvaged trusses, 100yr old French doors, salvaged cabinets, a rain water catchment system, and an abundance of native plants.
The roof system of 9.5” of spray foam creates a conditioned attic that helps the efficiency of the mechanical equipment, and reduces dust/allergens.
The home is conditioned with a Geothermal HVAC system and an Infinity Heat Pump. We are also experimenting with a Solar Thermal radiant heat flooring system in the Great Room. Water Heating is preheated with the waste heat removed by the Geothermal during the summer.
Other Sustainable principles include; salvaged trusses, 100yr old French doors, salvaged cabinets, a rain water catchment system, and an abundance of native plants.
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