PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Featured: 2008 Cool House Tour

During the first half of the 20th century modern architects brought to life the so called "International Style" - an unpretentious architecture void of unnecessary ornamentation and a way of building that had at its heart a concern for economics, simplicity, and a purposeful expression of a building’s parts. In spite of such goals it was a style that didn’t concern itself with site specificity, thus the name “international”. But, this was before insulation and high-performance building envelopes that today have evolved from a growing concern for comfort and indoor air-quality and a growing sense of stewardship responsibility for our planet. The international style is somewhat the antithesis of the craftsman style commonly invoked and reworked by our firm for the local climate because of its wide appeal and it’s ability to stylistically respond to our climate.

Our client came to us with what might appear to be conflicting goals:

Make it “modern” and make it “Green”. Give it that international style flavor, but make it site specific and green? Yet from the start, beginning with site selection, these homes were well on their way to becoming prototypes for green and sustainable modern homes. The homes would be built on what was originally one large lot - green light: “urban infill”.

Furthermore, the plans would be laid out in a simple linear one-room deep fashion to allow for cross-ventilation. And, this would all be done in an international style tempered for the Austin, Texas climate. The homes have finishes that require little to no maintenance. The lower level floors are predominantly diamond polished concrete, which doesn’t require a sealer, and with some hard woods mixed in. The exterior walls are a combination of metals that don’t require any routine maintenance and smooth stucco that is more impervious to water intrusion than traditional stucco. The roof is a chemically treated metal that acts as a barrier to radiant heat. The interiors are finished out with energy wise appliances and sustainable finishes, and no to low VOC paints. And, what makes this project even more unique is that these homes are being built as speculative residences.

The houses show that you can have your modern and still be green.

RECENT PUBLICATION: April 28, 2008 - GreenRightNow Healthy Child Healthy World Winner Showcases A Green, Non-Toxic House