Page 40 - Green Builder Jan-Feb 2022 Issue

CONSTRUCTION SIGHT. Building
orientation, use of prevailing
breezes, extended roof overhangs,
and strategic window placement
were important factors in the design
of this energy-efficient home. PHOTOVOLTAIC
PERFECTION. An
extensive roof-mounted
solar array produces
between 95 percent and
110 percent of the
electricity needed to run
the home.

NATURAL GOOD LOOKS. Locally
sourced materials were used,
including a limestone veneer from
a nearby quarry, for the exterior of
the structure.

HIGH-LEVEL H2O. All water
needs, outdoor and domestic,
are provided through a
50,000-gallon rainwater
collection system.
CREDIT: MARK ADAMS/MARK ADAMS MEDIA

“Our client was looking to build a roof system, and strategic window veneer from a nearby quarry for the
wonderful family retreat on ranch placement were important factors exterior of the structure.
land outside of Austin,” says Peter in the design of this energy-efficient Healthy living is assured through
Pfeiffer, president of Barley/Pfei- home. superior indoor air quality strategies,
ffer Architecture. “We showed him Using available natural resources, including a high-performance air fil-
how to make the retreat very energy the high-performance structure is tration system, and low toxicity mate-
conserving by design, and water designed to be comfortable without air rials and finishes. Skyview has a tightly
independent via smart water man- conditioning, and its self sufficiency enveloped structure when needed, but
agement coupled with extensive rain- is assured through a roof-mounted with the flexibility to open functioning
water collection.” solar array that produces, on average, windows to harness prevailing breezes
Challenged by the remote location 100 percent of the electricity needed to when weather permits.
in the unforgiving Texas heat, passive run the home. All water needs, outdoor Abundantly daylit communal spaces
design strategies and climate respon- and domestic, are provided through a indoors, as well as an inviting patio
sive design concepts were imple- 50,000-gallon rainwater collection, with a fire pit and pool, provide breath-
mented. Building orientation, use storage, and filtration system. taking scenery to encourage family and
of prevailing breezes, extended roof When possible, locally sourced mate- friends to gather and connect.
overhangs, a floating radiant barrier rials were used, including a limestone Additionally, the owners function as
conservators for roughly 200 acres of
Key Components an undeveloped habitat for native land-
scape and indigenous wildlife. In the
APPLIANCES: Thermador HVAC/DUCTS: American Standard element small, developed area near the house,
central vac only low-maintenance native land-
BUILDING ENVELOPE: Icynene spray foam scaping species were planted, such as
insulation and Tyvek Commercial Wrap D INSULATION: Icynene spray foam insulation and
Tyvek Commercial Wrap D the drought-resistant Texas Mountain
CABINETS, SHELVES, MILLWORK: Robern Uplift Laurel, which is beneficial to regional
Series medical cabinet PLUMBING/PLUMBING FIXTURES: Metlund birds, butterflies and bees.
D’Mand hot water circulation pump
ELECTRICAL: Kohler backup generator “It helped to have a very open-
WINDOWS, SKYLIGHTS, PATIO DOORS: Taylor
EXTERIOR FINISHES: Sherwin-Williams minded and enlightened client,” Pfei-
MDF-SUPA interior doors; Cavity Slider pocket ffer says. “They wanted a luxurious
FIXTURES: The Galley kitchen sink door hardware; Marvin clad doors and patio slider;
Steelcraft PV storm resistance door; Western home and retreat—but wanted it to
GARAGE DOOR: Traditional steel overhead door Window Systems Series 900 hinged doors tread very lightly on the land.” GB

38 GREEN BUILDER January/February 2022 www.greenbuildermedia.com