Austin Real Estate Blog

Austin is a city that has done well throughout the mortgage crisis. Builders here are still in demand, and many have chosen green methods to build a home. One of the highest energy uses after a home is complete is the air conditioning unit. Since Austin has mild temperatures year round, some residents use their cooling systems often. It is important to make sure the unit fits the property and is maintained well. Another way to reduce usage is to build the home with the idea of cross ventilation in mind.

By using cross ventilation, humid air can be removed by the placement of widows throughout the house. First, determine which way the house can be built so that less heat will enter. Keep the attic cool by using lighter color shingles and reflective heat barriers. Place windows in such a way that the natural wind will come through on one side of the building. Since heat rises and looks for cooler air, it will naturally go across to another open window and back outside. Ceiling fans can also help to move the air along, using much less energy than running an AC unit. With cross ventilation, it is possible to remove the humidity from the air, making it more comfortable.

The main goal for any green home is to reduce the amount of energy used for everyday activities. The less usage there is the more money will be saved. Of course, the hottest days will still require the help of an air conditioner, but imagine how many days in Austin when a little breeze can make all the difference.

As people become more aware of impending climate change and near-future energy crunches, land developers are finding innovative ways to create communities with more sustainability and less impact on the environment. An article in the magazine, Natural Home, highlights a new community in Austin, Texas, as one of these green-built innovations.Renovated from the old municipal airport, Mueller Airport Project mixed-use urban village utilizes the latest in environmentally friendly design. The community has its own power-generating plant, recreation, entertainment and shopping, as well as transit and employment.

Self-sustainability is just one aspect of this village. Recycling and reusing is prevalent: old runway materials are converted to street construction, old hangars are disassembled and reused in new building, historic buildings are converted into public spaces. Homes are built with non-toxic and recyclable materials, and plenty of open green spaces and waterways have been incorporated into the plan.

The residential buildings of the Mueller Project include a wide variety of living arrangements. From single-family dwellings to condominiums, the village offers an option for nearly every lifestyle. For-sale home prices range from $100K to the $600Ks for attached and detached homes. An apartment complex is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2008 and will feature 10-foot ceilings, two swimming pools and a fitness center.

Catellus, the developer of the Mueller project, has 20 years of land redevelopment experience and has transformed old airports, industrial complexes, and abandoned military bases into such communities - self-contained, sustainable, and environmentally friendly villages. Termed New Urbanism, the designs are actually based on traditional old European villages, where retail, living, and recreation space was located within walking distance.

Mueller Airport Project stands as a model for the urban development of the future and points toward one solution to increasing energy crises.