The first Eco-Affordable and Eco-Friendly Green Home Development in the Texas has landed in Austin: Las Casas Verdes - Site Plan

The Homes

Each lot-specific, custom designed, 1800-square-foot Texas farm style cottage will have its own unique character while still maintaining the overall projects design concept and architectural detailing.
Las Casas Verdes will stress quality over quantity, be quaint yet efficient and offer eloquent styling and the comfort features most desired in a home today, all without having to alter your lifestyle to enjoy the benefits of saving energy and money. A media room, office alcove and generous exterior decks will compliment each home. Each home will incorporate, as standard features not additions or options, a 3KW Solar Photovoltaic System for electrical generation and Solar Thermal panels for hot water.
Every lot is properly oriented to obtain the most from its solar systems. The complete system includes an inverter and a reversing meter for selling excess power to the public grid. Batteries for on-site energy storage will be an option.
The homes will employ passive solar design and will be orientated to best manage light from the sun. Overhangs, porches and shade trees will provide shielding to reduce heat load. Heat chimneys, operable awning windows and landscape features will combine with local breezes to move air throughout the home with little or no mechanical assistance during spring and fall months.
A Rainwater Collection System will gather water for use in toilets and Xeriscaped plant irrigation.
The homes may offer a covered carport attached under a second floor or detached in the yard as an optional purchase. This arrangement maximizes natural ventilation through and around the home.
Las Casas Verdes homes will be constructed with structural insulated panels or SIPS. These prefabricated wall and roof panels are used to frame the entire exterior. SIPS offer superior insulation values, tighter seals, faster construction time and most importantly less construction waste.

Other energy saving features built into every Las Casas Verdes home.

A properly sized 14+ SEER or higher rated heating and cooling system with air ducts sealed and pressure tested per Energy Star specifications.
Heat recirculation HVAC ducts to reuse pre-heated air in the winter.
An in-duct dehumidification system.
A Gas fired on demand tank less water heater as backup to the solar thermal system.
Multi speed fan motors and duct controllers to cool or heat only the occupied portions of the home during specific hours.
Low VOC paints, Reflected metal roofs and green / recycled building materials.
A recirculation hot water system will reduce water usage by providing immediate hot water to each tap in the home.
Reflective light wells and automatic light switches will be incorporated where applicable, a simple but effective energy saving feature.

The Existing Land

The project comprises approximately 3 acres located in Southwest Austin near the corner of Longview Road and Cameron Loop off Brodie Lane. The site is less than 1 mile from major shopping areas is on local mass transit routes and has just recently been zoned to include one of AISD's best senior high schools.
The surrounding area is predominately mid income single family homes with a park nearby and hike/bike trails in the immediate area. The land gently slopes to the southern corner of the property and has a nice view of the greenbelt.
The project has full connections to the City of Austin utilities sewer and water infrastructure, Texas Natural Gas and local cable and communication services.

All information was provided by David E. Martin Architect

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