Overlook Residence
On a gently sloping hillside at the top of a cliff overlooking the Barton Creek Preserve, stands a 6000 square foot residence surrounded by native Texas limestone and sandstone walls that provide a private haven for the occupants. The walls enclose courtyards landscaped inside and out with existing vegetation along with native grasses and other xeriscaping to minimize water usage. Water for the gardens comes from harvested rainwater stored in a 35,000 gallon underground cistern. A portion of the top of the cistern doubles as a driveway into the garage. A well provides back-up water in case of drought or fire and is used during the growing season to maintain the Owner's fruit tree orchard and private herb garden.
Interior living spaces are housed in three separate structures, which roughly follow the contours of the site. Luckily the contours also allowed for an east to west elongation of the plan thus maximizing cross ventilation and minimizing unwanted solar gains on east and west walls. A copper roof with wide overhangs keeps the sun out during hot summer months and provides ample rainwater collection area to supply all domestic water needs including a 45-foot lap pool. The pool water is heated by an array of solar panels.
From east to west are a one story Master Suite structure, a two-story main living area structure, and a garage and guest building connected to the house by way of a long breezeway style screened porch. Being open on south and north sides the screened porch provides a very pleasant space for outdoor dining and cools the main Entry Courtyard at the front of the house. The master suite connects to the main house by way of a bending hallway with windows on each side to provide for even natural daylight and cross ventilation through the house into a private pool courtyard. The hall is punctuated by a small stone, cylinder-shaped chapel. The main living quarters may be passively cooled during fall and springs months because of the many operable windows on south and north walls.
Exterior walls are insulated with wet blown cellulose made from recycled newspapers. Ceilings are insulated with loose fill insulation and passively cooled with a vented radiant barrier roof system. The ceiling has a layer of 1/2" foam above the ceiling which helps prevent condensation of warm moist attic air on the cool ceiling during the summer. Along with "airtight" construction which uses low perm rating building wraps and careful caulking and sealing around exterior wall openings and penetrations, the roof and ceiling assembly allows for a much downsized air-conditioning system keeping energy costs in check.
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Interior living spaces are housed in three separate structures, which roughly follow the contours of the site. Luckily the contours also allowed for an east to west elongation of the plan thus maximizing cross ventilation and minimizing unwanted solar gains on east and west walls. A copper roof with wide overhangs keeps the sun out during hot summer months and provides ample rainwater collection area to supply all domestic water needs including a 45-foot lap pool. The pool water is heated by an array of solar panels.
From east to west are a one story Master Suite structure, a two-story main living area structure, and a garage and guest building connected to the house by way of a long breezeway style screened porch. Being open on south and north sides the screened porch provides a very pleasant space for outdoor dining and cools the main Entry Courtyard at the front of the house. The master suite connects to the main house by way of a bending hallway with windows on each side to provide for even natural daylight and cross ventilation through the house into a private pool courtyard. The hall is punctuated by a small stone, cylinder-shaped chapel. The main living quarters may be passively cooled during fall and springs months because of the many operable windows on south and north walls.
Exterior walls are insulated with wet blown cellulose made from recycled newspapers. Ceilings are insulated with loose fill insulation and passively cooled with a vented radiant barrier roof system. The ceiling has a layer of 1/2" foam above the ceiling which helps prevent condensation of warm moist attic air on the cool ceiling during the summer. Along with "airtight" construction which uses low perm rating building wraps and careful caulking and sealing around exterior wall openings and penetrations, the roof and ceiling assembly allows for a much downsized air-conditioning system keeping energy costs in check.
screened in porch, Austin luxury home, Austin custom home, BarleyPfeiffer Architecture, BarleyPfeiffer, wood floors, sustainable design, sleek design, pro work, modern, low voc paint, interiors and consulting, house ideas, home planning, 5 star energy, high performance, green building, fun design, 5 star appliance, find a pro, family home, elegance, efficient, custom-made, comprehensive sustainable architects, barley & Pfeiffer architects, natural lighting, Austin TX, Barley & Pfeiffer Architects, professional services, green design, curb appeal,
Country: United States
