The Cool House Tour 2012
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Join the Texas Solar Energy Society and Austin Energy Green Building on Sunday, June 3, as we bring you yet another Austin Cool House Tour. The tradition of the best in energy efficient design, sustainable building technology and the chant “reduce/reused/recycle” will continue in this, our 16th Tour.
We are fortunate to offer a wide variety of styles and living arrangements . Please be respectful and visit only during the hours of 10:00am-6:00pm on Sunday June 3. A link to a preview of the guidebook is above and below is a quick summary of the homes, arranged by area.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE TEXAS SOLAR ENERGY SOCIETY!
Pflugerville - The first production homebuilder in Austin to produce a home that aspires to net zero energy use, KB Home offers buyers the opportunity to produce as much energy as they use. The builder took an Energy Star qualified home design and added high performance features. KBHome is the first homebuilder in Texas to develop an EPA WaterSense ™ community.
Southwest Austin- See the full spectrum of passive design, solar pv, whole house rainwater collection, and geothermal heating and cooling. Situated in a subdivision of more traditionally built homes, there is no question that these homeowners will have lower energy bills and great comfort.
Southwest Austin- We revisit the first all solar development in Texas,(including the first use of rainwater in a city for limited indoor use) as it evolves into a finely tuned community. With energy bills at $20/month, the homeowners are enjoying their first year in a home that is beautiful, comfortable and meets their strong desire to live with a light footprint.
West Austin- The owners desire to build in the neighborhood where they had lived for years led them to purchase a lot that was previously deemed unbuildable. The result is a home that is beautiful, is a model for passive design, aging in place, has absolutely stunning views, and has astounded professional energy auditors with its efficiency.
East Austin- Affordable multi-family housing is rarely energy efficient. This 150-unit project boasts rainwater collection, solar thermal, solar pv, adult education facilities, and a child care center. Built on land that was once a concrete block factory, the development sits in the heart of Austin's richest public transportation district.
East Austin-This work/live studio on two acres includes a green roof, rainwater collection, solar pv, permaculture techniques and a creative foundation solution to Austin’s tricky clay subsoils. In the process of developing into a sustainable compound, this project aims to inspire educational opportunities for the whole community.
North Austin- Straw bale construction lovers take note! After a long hiatus, we can once again offer a fine example of a straw bale home. This multi-generational family compound proves that earth friendly construction sits well in an urban environment. Learn how cross ventilation and thermal layering are two cornerstones of passive design. No standing on the ground while someone waves at the roof and says”the solar array is up there!” View this 5kW solar system from the 3rd floor party room.
North Austin- Simple, readily available products with smart design has created a comfortable home on an infill lot. The structure embodies the green building principle of cross and stack ventilation, a cornerstone of passive design. Access to services, public transportation, schools and parks within easy walking distance are a huge part of this home’s appeal
North Austin - This home was designed with outdoor living in mind. Sized appropriately for the owners and modeled on the basics of green building, this home fits perfectly into the established neighborhood. The elements of good design and appropriate technology work to achieve interior comfort at minimum cost.
Mueller- Learn more about the Pecan Street Project and their journey to collect data on solar panel energy output, as well as household energy use and habits. This home is one of the 30% of Mueller houses that boast a solar array and joins a growing number of urban dwellings that collect rainwater on a large scale.
Austin is on the national and international map for green building and we are proud to showcase the work of our building and design community. Austin Energy Green Building was presented with the United Nation's Scroll of Honour Award in 2011 for being the first in the US to lead the way in sustainable building practices and commercial construction, providing valuable electricity, fuel, water and construction material savings.
