The Demers Residence was rated 4-star by the City of Austin in 2002, which at the time was the highest rating available.
Cast earth walls

Materials
  • Faswall, ICF wall system
  • Metal and Tile roofing
  • Recycled flooring
  • Recycling center
  • Engineered floor trusses
  • Stucco exterior
  • All flooring is durable
  • Cut trees chipped on site
  • On-site waste reduction
  • Site specific design
    • Spray foam insulation

    Health, Safety
  • Low-Voc paints
  • No vapor barrier.
  • 1in pleated media filter
  • Metal ducts
  • Humidistat
  • Exhaust fans
  • Central humidity control
  • Exhaust fans
  • Hard-surface flooring
  • Finishes water based
  • No-Voc adhesives
  • Formaldehyde free insulation
  • Ventilation commissioned
  • Carbon monoxide detector
  • Main electrical panel set-back from bedrooms
  • Wood is one foot above soil
  • Exterior wood/concrete separated by metal
  • Borate treatment
    • Photovoltaic System

    Energy
  • Designed by design team
  • Operable thermal chimney
  • Raised-heel truss
  • Large covered porch and arbor
  • Low-E Glass
  • 650 sq. ft. of living space per ton of cooling
  • Cooling system sized by Manual J based on actual design and orientation
  • Duct installation to City of Austin Energy Code
  • 14.0 SEER A/C system
  • Ceiling fans in major rooms
  • Programmable thermostat
  • Roof radiant barrier
  • Continous soffit and ridge vent
  • Double pane windows
  • Light-color for exterior
  • No skylights
  • HVAC designed and tested by Home Performance specialist
  • Sealed recessed cans
  • Compact fluorescent fixtures

    • Zoysia Empire Grass

    Water
  • Low-flow showerheads
  • Low-water use dishwasher
  • Existing vegetation is 90% undisturbed
  • No turfgrass
  • Native plants utilized
  • Spray septic irrigation system
  • Future Rainwater system