Visit the Energy Systems Laboratory Homepage.
Design of a Sustainable House for Residents of a Colonia in South Texas
Abstract
This paper reviews the process of designing a
site-specific sustainable home for a family in a
colonia near Laredo, Texas. The home's design
derives from discussions with the family, the
constraints of the narrow site, and the incorporation
of sustainable materials and building practices.
Sustainable features include utilizing straw bale infill,
exploiting natural lighting and ventilation,
positioning the HVAC ductwork inside the
conditioned space, and employing appropriately sized
overhangs. In addition, the selection of
materials and construction methods encourages
family and community participation. Three cisterns
were integrated into the design to harvest scarce
rainwater. Results from heliodon modeling were
used to assure the appropriate amount of overhang
shading on the south facade during hot summer
months.
Citation
Schoenemann, T. J.; Haberl, J. S.; Hill, R. C. (2002). Design of a Sustainable House for Residents of a Colonia in South Texas. Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu); Texas A&M University (http://www.tamu.edu). Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /4577.