Wow, we were astounded !!!!!!!
We had just received word that the Veda House (i.e., the Hardin Residence) we designed in Austin, Texas, was awarded not only the Austin Green Building Program’s highest rating…….5 Stars…….it was also among those with highest point totals ever in the 14 year history of the Program.
For the record, we didn’t design this project to win a green building award. We were just applying what we know to our client’s creative desires. Like we always do. In fact, it was only after some gentle arm-twisting by individuals with the Green Building Program nearly two years after its construction, that we decided to seek a rating. Needless to say, as the Hardin’s architects, we were thrilled that we did apply…..and that the home received the Award. Imagine being among a small group having the highest point totals ever in the history of the Program and not knowing it until two years later. It wasn’t until the summer of 2003, when someone spent 50% more per sq. ft in construction cost to exceed our point total, did we finally realize we had helped yet another truly exceptional client create something extraordinary.
In addition to being uniquely environmentally designed for the owner’s criteria and the site’s microclimate, the Hardin Residence uses Environment Associates’ Barrier Envelope ConceptSM. This concept incorporates insulating mass exterior walls (which also provide mass for heat and "coolth" storage) with a non-vented attic and insulated roof. The exterior and interior wall construction was built using termite, mold, and fire resistant insulating cementituous blocks having stucco finish on the exterior walls. Concrete tile was used to provide maintenance free roofing for several generations. Health considerations for all construction materials and components were mandatory. Solar water heating and rainwater harvesting systems were also incorporated.
The entire energy bill for the totally air conditioned home was $72 for August and $80 for September 2000, the hottest months ever recorded for Austin. Having 2800 sf of living area, it has 9 ft. to 22 ft. ceilings where every major room receives natural light from at least two directions, with some rooms from three directions. The Discovery™ Health Channel featured the Hardin’s home on its educational TV network because of the significant health and well-being aspects of its design and construction. The home became the cover page and the featured story of the July 2000 issue of Austin House & Home Magazine.
The World-renowned Austin Green Building Program is the nation’s foremost residential green building program. In fact, all the other green building programs around the Nation are modeled in one way or another after what Austin started in 1989. As the only Houston architects that have been invited to be a part of this program since it’s inception, we are proud to be associated with it, the only U.S. program to win one of 12 awards given Worldwide at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
LaVerne A. Williams,
AIA
architect &
building ecologist
laverne@environmentassoc.com
Environment
Associates, Architects & Consultants
5828 Langfield Road Houston
Texas 77092
713.528.0000 www.environmentassoc.com
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