| Las Casas Verdes "Will be the first Eco-Responsible | | | | The Las Casas Verdes 3 acre subdivision plan includes |
| Solar neighborhood in Texas and the South." | | | | shady, tree-lined roads, a park, a substantial common |
| "Twenty single family homes will incorporate, as | | | | garden area and hiking-biking trails. The location is |
| standard features, the latest in solar, wind and water | | | | walking distance from major shopping areas, located |
| energy systems to move toward zero energy usage. | | | | on mass transit routes and included in one of the |
| All homes are architecturally designed and will meet | | | | most highly rated senior high school districts in the |
| the strict standards of the Austin Green Building | | | | area. |
| Program". (as quoted from LasCasasVerdes.com) | | | | The Homes: |
| This is positive news for Austin. Many developers | | | | The custom designed, 1,800 square foot homes will |
| claim green home construction by adding some extra | | | | all be unique in some ways, but will all share certain |
| insulation to the attic or maybe including a high | | | | architectural styles. Each home will have an office, |
| efficiency furnace and a programmable thermostat. | | | | media room, alcove and large outdoor decks. |
| The Las Casas Verdes development is walking their | | | | Standard Energy Efficient Features: |
| talk by creating environmentally friendly, energy | | | | - 3KW Solar Photovoltaic System for generating |
| saving homes right from the drawing board to | | | | electricity and Solar Thermal panels for hot water |
| completion. | | | | with a gas powered tankless water heater as |
| If the developers are able to successfully achieve | | | | back-up. |
| their goals and simultaneously make a profit, this | | | | - Rainwater Collection System to store water for |
| could lead to a green building revolution in the Texas | | | | toilets, laundry and plant irrigation. |
| market. Hopefully we'll see other builders jumping on | | | | - SEER rated heating and cooling system. |
| the bandwagon marketing similar subdivisions. | | | | - Homes will be constructed with prefabricated |
| Las Casas Verdes was the creation of architect, | | | | structural insulated panels in the walls and roof. They |
| developer, David E. Martin. He was first inspired by | | | | offer higher insulation values, tighter seals and less |
| the common sense, conservation oriented idea of | | | | waste. |
| green building during the Arab oil embargo of the 70's. | | | | - Heat recirculation HVAC ducts to reuse pre-heated |
| In 2007, he formed Martin - Ayers Development, a | | | | air in the winter. |
| company that promotes Solar Eco-Responsible living | | | | - Low VOC paints, reflected metal roofs and recycled |
| in Texas. His background in green building, and his | | | | green building materials. |
| ability to design homes that are not only energy | | | | - Automatic light switches will be used wherever |
| efficient, but attractive, make him an ideal fit for Las | | | | possible. |
| Casas Verdes. | | | | |