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Of all the dimensions that make up a sustainable home, we believe design is the key element. For us, design is composed of architecture, site placement, conservation of materials and direct exposure. Our goal is not only to build homes that stand alone, but to reduce or eliminate any impact on its surroundings.

Our homes are built to create a building envelope, where all components from the site orientation, covered porches, roof overhangs, windows, spray foam insulation, to the cross ventilation, play a key part in reducing energy use.

When you add in features like tank less water heating, Energy Star appliances, 100% Energy Star light fixtures with florescent or LED bulbs, working with a high efficiency heating and air conditioning system, the result is a 60 - 70% reduction in energy use compared to a conventionally built home of the same size. It is because of this tremendous reduction in energy use that enables our 5.9 KW solar array feasible.

Our new model is almost 3800 Square Feet and it uses only 4 tons of Air Conditioning.

Rain Harvesting is a process where we capture all of the rain that hits our roof. The water is transferred by rain gutters, through filters to our 40,000 gallon rain harvesting tank. The captured water is then sent back to the house after going through two more filters and an ultraviolet light before it goes into the home and is used for all domestic use.

This rainwater is far superior, in our opinion, to any city or well water. It eliminates the need for any water softening and the water is safer and gentler on clothing, appliances, water heaters and even septic systems. We have our water tested annually by Kendall County Water Control & Improvement District No. 1 and suggest this as a regular practice.

Our new model home only needs 14 inches of rain annually to meet the domestic needs of a family of four. We also collect all of the water from our Air Conditioning condensation line which nets us anywhere from 3000 - 4000 gallons of pure water annually.

Our solar systems are based on the size of the home, projected usage and local utilities. Grid-Tied power allows a home to still be tied to the local utility company. The home produces power that can be used during the day. If extra power is produced it is banked with the utility to be used when the system is not producing.

Different utility companies have different net-metering programs. Some buy back the power at wholesale price, but resell it back to consumer at retail. It is very important to know your utility company’s program. Some utility companies even have large rebates for customers who install a PV system.

The City of Austin and CPS in San Antonio are some of the leaders in rebates to the consumer in the state of Texas.

An aerobic septic system is basically a treatment plant for one home. The wastewater from the home is sent to the plant where it is treated and sent to a sprinkler system in the yard.

This process helps in making our homes sustainable. All of the water we use is caught on the roof and the waste water is treated and reused on the property.

Each home is designed and engineered for its own needs and demands. We like to use high S.E.E.R. units that are accompanied by ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator) units that exchange the air multiple times a day. We also use an additional air filtration system to clean the air of allergens and mold to provide superior air quality. We also use a two-speed condenser, which keeps the energy demand low. Instead of the unit coming on at a high speed it comes on at a low speed. If the demand is met then it will not switch to high speed. This feature is a real energy saver.

Our homes are systems are also zoned so that you can program parts of the house to reduce or increase comfort levels. You may decrease air flow to rooms not being used at different times of the day.

In general, indoor air is three to four times more polluted than outdoor air according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. By using the air filtration system we can improve that air quality.

One of the other steps we take to improve air quality is the use of low or no VOC paint. Our choice is Sherwin Williams Harmony, a no VOC paint. The floors are stamped concrete.

Our cabinets are built using no uria Formaldehyde plywood and finished with low VOC stains and finish.

This component must start at the design phase. Bearing in mind material consumption and trash accumulation at the beginning of the project. Providing subcontractors with separate recycling containers not only helps with reducing land fill, but encourages others to practice recycling.

Our new model was framed entirely offsite using finger joint two by four studs. So what was once headed to the landfill is now being used to build an entirely new home.