ArtDetailsScience:ActivePassive
Bellaire, New Construction
You could say this project was ahead of its time. Built in 2001/2002 by Dovetail Builders, this home makes use of three solar systems and features energy efficient geothermal air conditioning. It’s been showcased in the Houston Solar Tour and in the local Bellaire Nature Center Home tour as an example of green home building. But that’s not what this home is best known for. It’s a favorite home that many people remember for its Texas Hill Country styling and great curb appeal.
The Texas dog trot entrance separates the main house from a “his and hers” office suite and library. The entry itself is a carefully composed and constructed room with hand crafted exposed trusses, remote controlled skylights and French doors. The interior of the home reflects the exterior styling, with an added touch of Scandinavian influence. Custom cypress doors and moldings provide warmth, and are carefully paired with maple cabinets and oak flooring.
The interior is designed to capture daylight. Sloped ceilings and well placed windows ensure that every room is naturally lit. Generous roof overhangs protect windows during the summer to prevent heat gain. A few strategically placed west facing windows celebrate the end of the day by allowing the last rays of the sun to shine into the center of the home.
The landscape has been designed to be an extension of the home. Low stone walls create intimate garden spaces at the entry and a citrus orchard in the backyard. It’s all part of the experience of this project. By embracing the land, the sun, and natural local materials, this home is an expression of a lifestyle that is both luxurious, and connected to the environment.
For more details about this home’s green features click here.
Address: 5307 Valerie Street, Bellaire TX, 77401
Size: 4,300 s.f. of air conditioned space
Completion: Fall 2002
Builder: Dovetail Builders, Chris Fry
Construction System: Traditional wood stick frame with skin vent system
Solar Systems: Solar Electric, Solar Hot Water and Solar Pool Heater
Specialty Contractors: Geothermal - Egan and Hinson (now Air Cool, Robert Milner)
Solar Systems - MorningStar Solar (no longer in Houston)
Active Systems for energy efficiency
Solar Electric Panels
- 3.15 kW system with forty panels and 2 inverters to convert DC power from the panels to AC for the house.
- There is a bank of batteries that store about 2 days worth of power (excluding air conditioning).
- A single panel can provide about enough energy to power a 75 watt light bulb.
Solar Hot Water Heater
- The two large panels on the roof are solar water heaters.
- Water is preheated by the sun before going to a tankless water heater.
Solar pool Geater
- The large rubber panel system on the lower roof is the pool heating system. The pool pump also pumps the water for the solar heater, making it very efficient to use.
- In the summer it can be set to run at night to cool the pool temperature.
- The swimming season runs from April through October.
Geothermal Air Conditioning System efficient.
- A series of 11 wells in the back yard, about 250 feet deep, use the ground temperature to help heat or cool the house.
Passive systems for energy efficiency
- Generous overhangs to shade the house and windows from the summer sun. Few windows on the west and east side to minimize heat gain
- Natural day lighting, most rooms have windows on two or three sides to ensure ample natural light, artificial light is not needed during the day.
- Fluorescent lighting is installed in most rooms. Fluorescent lighting has lower energy costs and is cooler than other kinds of lighting. It’s mixed with halogen and incandescent for design effect, and light quality.
- Windows are strategically placed for optimal cross ventilation.
- Skin vent sheathing system to keep the exterior walls cool. An additional air space in the walls vent to the attic, keeping the house cooler.
- Radiant roof deck, and reflective metal roof helps keep the attic and house cooler.
- Energy efficient appliances.
- Energy efficient Pella windows.
