Brazos River Cabin
Custom Homes
Project Highlights
Nestled on the bluffs of the Brazos River, our client envisioned a self-sufficient cabin in a park-like atmosphere. Working in sync with our designer, we imbued the home with respect for the land that surrounds it – without sacrificing comfort inside it.
This home – which has the fantastic HERS Index Score of 13 compared to the new home average of 100 – is powered by solar panels and supplied with 100% rainwater. The outdoor living areas are just as critical as the indoor living space, with natural limestone and crushed granite pathways weaving their way throughout the property, as well as a boardwalk down to the river. We took great care to protect the mature trees all along the way, leaving as small of a footprint on the undeveloped land as possible.
This home earned the distinction of being a 2019 Department of Energy Housing Innovation Winner.
Features and Benefits
- Uses renewable energy
- 100% solar powered
- Maximizes Energy and water efficiency
- Zero Energy Ready Home™ Certified
- ENERGY STAR® Certified
- HERS Index Score 13 (the lower the better – and new homes built to code average 100)
- Passive solar design
- Structural insulated panel walls and roof
- Reflective galvalume Class IV metal roof
- 16 SEER AC with programmable thermostats
- Solar tubes for daylighting (boosts energy efficiency because it reduces the need to use electric lighting, plus it can boost personal wellbeing)
- Tankless water heater
- Rainwater supplies 100% of water
- PEX plumbing (helps prevent future leaks)
- Provides eco-friendly outdoor spaces and materials
- Designed home around existing trees
- Xeriscaping (low-water landscaping)
- Local stone
- Promotes indoor air quality/avoids common chemicals
- Indoor AirPLUS Certified
- All low or no-VOC paints, stains, and adhesives
- Non-toxic pest control
Details
- Square Footage: 2,133
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 2
Partners
- Photographer: Steel Shutter Photography
