MARKET BLOG/NEWS

         With energy and fuel costs on the rise, some Houston residents are finding cost-efficient and environmentally responsible options close to home.

         Through the use of green design and natural gardening, homeowners can work to create healthier indoor and outdoor environments and at the same time reduce energy costs.

         John Daugherty, Realtors is proud to showcase one of Houston’s premiere ‘green’ properties from green designer Kathleen Carrier.

         Located among Bellaire’s premier custom properties, this unique Austin Hill County home has been catching the attention of Bellaire residents for the past five years. 

         A focus on energy efficiency and solar power drove the design of the house and allowed for the incorporation of unique features such as the Texas dog trot entry with handmade custom cypress trusses, and remote controlled skylights.

         With a home like this, the beauty lies in thought and attention to custom detailing.        

         Dual offices joined by a library and file room are separated from the living area by the entry allowing home and work to function side-by-side.

         The living space is bright and inviting, flowing from the great room into the warm kitchen and breakfast room. The formal dining area affords space for entertaining as well as intimate gatherings.

         The design is complimented with cypress custom doors and trim, designer lighting and Walker Zanger tile.          Fluorescent lighting is mixed with halogen and incandescent for dramatic design effect and light quality.

         Children will delight in the some of the home’s whimsical touches such as the hand made turtle sink in the powder room and the lofts above their bedrooms. 

         The private backyard features a citrus orchard, raised vegetable beds and a lap pool with pool house, with plenty of lawn left over to play a game of tag or badminton.

         Green design incorporates sustainable environmental practices throughout the building and design process with attention to site-usage, materials, water conservation, energy efficiency and indoor air quality.

         Energy-efficient Pella windows flood every room with natural light while minimizing the impact of the Texas sun. The metal roofing system and planned overhangs further protect and shade the home.

         Three different Solar Systems—electric, hot water and pool heater—are mounted on the south facing roof. The Geothermal air conditioning system has a series of deep wells to use the ground temperature to heat and cool the house.

          The advanced alternative energy systems paired with the home's energy efficient design help keeps this home’s electricity bill unusually low.

         Featured in the Bellaire Discovery Nature Center Home Tour in 2006, and three National Solar Tours, the house has had many visitors excited to see its environmentally friendly features.

         Decisions do not have to involve remodeling or new construction. “Every time you make a decision, if you’re remodeling your home or maintaining your home or building your home, check back, and how you can be making this decision a little differently,” said Carrier.         

         Carrier, formerly the owner of Evergreen Design Studio has now joined John Dazey at R&D Architecture.

         She sees a growing consciousness and an increased interest in green options from Houston homeowners. The key she says making people aware of their options and the benefits.

         “We’re so accustomed to the idea that bigger is better, and it’s just really hard to break away from that,” said Carrier. “In the short run it’s better, in the long run, when we’re thinking of energy and global warming…then we just have to really think about what are we doing.”

         Visit www.greenhomeguide.com for more information on green homes.  For more information on Kathleen Carrier’s work visit www.evergreendesignstudio.com.