HOUSE ON A HILLSIDE

Austin Energy Green Building Rating: 4-star

This 3,100 sq. ft., three-story residence located on a steep hillside in northwest Austin faces due south. In order to take advantage of the exhilarating views, the public areas were located in the top floor, where the distinctive curved roof features exposed glulam beams. Large areas of glass at both ends admit a great deal of daylight in a controlled manner, as does the high bank of clerestory windows facing east. South-facing “glass walls” on all three floors optimize views, natural ventilation, and winter sunlight. Decks beyond provide shade from southern exposure and provide spaces to appreciate the impressive vistas and cooling breezes. The operable windows and sliding glass doors on this side of the house allow optimal ventilation, while the open plan of this vertically interconnected house lets air move freely between floors. The result is an energy efficient home that takes full advantage of its orientation, fantastic views, pleasant breezes, and available sunlight -- and does it with a sense of style!
Project Design by Mark Lind, sun&stone

GREEN FEATURES:
Passive Heating and/or Cooling Design Features: South orientation with properly sized overhangs, oriented to the West, cross ventilation, vertical air movement between floors
Daylighting Strategies: Clerestory windows admit ample controlled daylight from low morning sun, glass block at West wall
Mechanical: A single, properly sized (Manual J) 15 SEER, 5 ton zoned mechanical system with separate thermostats on each floor and a variable speed motor, all ducts within the thermal envelope
Roofing System: Galvalume standing seam, reflective metal
Water Use Reduction/Conservation: Low-flush toilets, Waterwise landscaping
High-Efficiency Lighting: Multiple fluorescent lighting & indirect lighting at upper level
High Efficiency Appliances: Water heater with heat pump, Energy Star: washer, refrigerator, dishwasher, & HVAC
Alternative/Innovative Building Envelope/Exterior Walls: Wet blown, low formaldehyde insulation, double pane LowE windows, all Hardi panel cement board siding
Sustainable Lumber: Angelim wood at stair treads and all three decks Non-Toxic Materials and Finishes: Local stone floors throughout, low VOC paint
Recycled Content Materials: Steel deck and railings, Glulam curved beams, structural LVL’s
Minimization of Materials: Exposed stucco fireplace, no attic, engineered lumber
Minimized Impact on Site: Zero lot zoning with minimal yard in front and no side yard
Neighborhood Impact: Infill in existing neighborhood on small lot
Low-Water Landscaping: All native plants, Zoysia grass

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