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Then on the outside, as a permanent exterior finish, he stacked CMU blocks, but with a twist the blocks from Featherlite Building Products were cast from white cement, not gray, so they can stand alone as a finished wall. The white color also reflects unwanted solar heating, a good choice for the Austin setting.


In hindsight, Kettler says, he might have done a few things differently on the home. “I would have worked harder to convince the owner to incorporate some sort of shading over the windows on the West side. I am amazed at how well the Pella windows with the integral blinds work, but you have to keep them closed during the day in the summer and then you lose your view.”


 


The new floorplan includes this pleasant rooftop patio area, with natural shade from mature trees during much of the day.


The builder installed a site-built gutter using concrete blocks coated with waterproofing. Rainwater is captured around the entire perimeter of the home and made available for landscape watering.


 


IN THE WORKS
This remodel of a 1977 home will not only improve energy efficiency, but will also allow the owners to age in place.


“The original home was very poor construction and finish,” notes David Kettler. “About the only thing good about it was the pool and the north/ south siting.”


As a result, he’s been able to make major improvements in almost every category, including spray foam wall insulation, installation of low-flow faucets and fixtures and replacement of old cabinets with formaldehyde free units. In addition, the HVAC is being upgraded to a two-zone 15 SEER Trane heat pump. All of the new ductwork is being included in the conditioned envelope. Domestic hot water will be supplied by a Rheem Marathon electric water heater, and water will be recirculated with a Laing Autocirc pump.


Improvements to the building shell are focused on durability: A new roof of standing seam metal, HardiePlank fiber cement siding, and Marvin Integrity composite fiberglass windows. The design also adds 2’ over-hangs above windows where shading is desirable.


The lot is also being improved. For example, the failing septic system will be replaced with an aerobic system that allows for drip irrigation for landscaping purposes. At the same time, watering demands will be kept minimal with native plantings. All retaining walls have been constructed from limestone saved from demolition of the original property.


79
01.2011

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