Featuring a gang of 8 energy-efficient homes, the 2019 Austin Cool House Tour runs on Sunday, June 9 and is sure to offer up a treasure trove of cool design features for tour-goers. Presented as a collaborative event by Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) and the Texas Solar Energy Society (TXSES), the tour is in its 23rd year.
McCarty Lane Home
Among the homes on the tour is a dwelling designed by Joe Bennet of JM/Bennet Architects and built by Adam R. Lucas of A.R. Lucas Construction. This home achieved the pinnacle 5-star rating by AEGB, and has rooftop solar deployed by NATiVE Solar of Austin.
From the tour guide book: “The metal roof’s orientation maximizes solar exposure for the 8.8kW solar array. Deep overhangs combined with fixed window awnings protect the interior from the summer sun while allowing direct sun exposure in the winter. Operable windows bring prevailing breezes in through the first floor and expel warmer air out via the stairwell and second floor windows.”
Among other highlights of this home as described in the guide: “Abundant natural lighting is augmented with LED lighting that illuminates rooms in the evening, highlights the owners’ art collection and saves energy. The home’s mechanical systems include a ducted multi-split system with variable refrigerant flow (VRF) air conditioning, a whole-house dehumidifier and a mechanical ventilation system regulated by time, temperature and humidity.”
You can of course learn more by visiting the home directly during the tour.
