Residence 8600 – Modern Beauty, Built Green
Passive green design/planning features include:
– Siting and massing of the building is designed to maximize the most current ideas on passive cooling in green-building today
– 95% reflective cool roof
– Custom detailed, modified trombe wall ventilated siding
– Passive cooling through burrowing of the lower level into the limestone
– High mass concrete walls and floors act as a thermal sync
– Passive cooling through ventilated clerestories
– Large overhangs provide much needed shade for doors and windows
Energy conservation measures include:
– Extremely efficient zoned climate control through geothermal HVAC
– Ultra-high efficient open and closed cell foam insulation seals the house and maintains comfortable air throughout the year
– Ultra-high efficiency doors and windows are designed to provide the best views, ventilation and balanced natural light
– LED lighting throughout
– High rated energy-star appliances
Material type and usage:
– Reused 100% of the formwork for the structural framing
– Very high, recycled material content through all phases of construction
– Water-based, low to no V.O.C. paints, sealers, stains and form release agents
– Focused use of local materials
– Green rated finish flooring, cabinets, counters, siding, flashings, patio brick, fascia and roofing
– 100% of recyclable materials and waste were disposed of properly on a weekly basis
– Pre-finished and color-impregnated materials and products dramatically reduce repainting costs and local emissions
Water conservation measures include:
– Class 6 rated ultra-low flow toilets and Low-flow faucets
– Programmable recirculating hot water lines prevent water waste
– 2600 ft2 of rainwater collection area for potable water usage
– Xeriscaping with native plants
Environmental planning and impact measures taken:
– Removed only non-native invasive cedars for the building site
– No soil or other excavations were removed from the site = 100% cut and fill
– Engineered Septic field introduces 0 wastewater conveyance to the city
– Rainwater collection system reduces practical impervious cover by 83%
Phase two of the project:
– Planned future 13kW solar array for house and neighboring pre-school
– Completion of the 20,000 Gallon potable rainwater collection system
– Reintroduction of native plants, trees and final landscaping
Folded from a single sheet of 1/4″ ASTM steel. Thank You Crippen Sheet Metal in Austin, TX!
