One of the homes featured on the 2009 Parade of Homes tour in Austin, the "Debra" parade home is an example of excellence in environmentally conscious design and residential accessible design. With its clean lines and traditional proportions, the design is intended to appeal to both traditional and contemporary tastes. Inspired by the Spanish Colonial Revival homes of the 1920's, the Debra—with its deep set windows—appears carved out of solid clay rather than a framed house. The off-white stucco is punctuated by rich coffee-stained, exposed rafters. The horizontal "eyelash" sun shades and porch covering are designed to be visually lightweight flaps that contrast with the heavy mass of the house.

Sustainability & Accessibility

The house was designed to exceed the maximum 5 stars of Austin's Green Building Program, LEED Certification, and National Home Builder's Association's Green Building Certification. Key green features of the house include a vegetated roof, rain water harvesting, home automated sun shade control, spray-in foam insulation, and deep-set, energy efficient windows.

This healthy home was designed to be elegantly accessible on the ground floor. A discreetly landscaped handicap ramp at the front welcomes wheelchair-bound guests to the front door instead of forcing them to enter through the garage—a first for Mueller homes. Beyond a welcoming accessible entry, the home offers an accessible powder room for guests, an accessible kitchen, and a master bathroom that is sized to accommodate potential accessibility needs.

DETAILS

Location Austin, Texas

Project Type Residential / Single-Family

Completed 2009

Size 3,500 SF

Client Green Synergy / Bill Taute Custom Homes

Awards

5+ star rating, Austin Energy Green Building Program

Documented compliance for LEED certification

publications

2009 Urban Home, “Home Builders Association, Catellus Celebrate Greenwith 2009 Parade of Homes”

2009 Urban Home, “Mueller: 2009 Parade of Homes. ‘Keeping It Weird’”

2008 Austin American Statesman, “Parade of Homes will be at Mueller”