Las Casa Verdes will be the first eco-friendly neighborhood of its kind in Texas. Designed by architect, David E Martin, this new project is located in Southwest Austin, a mile for major shopping areas, on local mass transit routes and includes one of Austin's best high schools. 
Las Casa Verdes will be comprised of twenty single family homes featuring the latest in solar, wind and water energy systems. All homes will meet the strict standards of the Austin Green Building Program, Energy Star and LEEDS certifications. Prices will fall within FHA guidelines for the area, with completion schedule for mid-2008. Las Casas Verdes 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. Standard features will include 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 one of our few options.
Passive solar design will be used and 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.
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 tankless 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.
Check out Las Casa Verdes if you are interested in living green and a reasonable cost.
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