Johnson/Chronister Residence

In a part of Austin called "Old Westlake", this house is sited on the side of a unique northeastern facing canyon. This home is the first "Cast Earth" home in Austin. We have recently added a 3kwh Photovoltaic system. It does not provide a huge amount of energy but it is our start to a 'zero-energy' house.

The site was extremely challenging in both its highly sloped terrain, and in the number of fine Spanish Oak trees that needed to be preserved. The view, the terrain, and the trees are all accounted for in a very site-specific and unique design that is flexible enough for future growth.

The Concept of the home, which was suggested by the challenging site is that of an old English Manor that has been added onto over time. The design has four distinct structures that are planned phased additions over the next several years. (View the complete project) The timeless architecture adds comfort and warmth to an already spectacular site.

Through the use of numerous recycled and local materials the house remains extremely sustainable and environmentally responsive. The plumbing fixtures are water conserving, and with a spray irrigation septic system water consumption is greatly reduced.

Johnson/Chronister Residence (c) 2002 Elliot Johnson, AIA Lower Floor Plan

To complement the old world architecture it was important for the materials, especially the hardware to have the right look. Numerous visits to architectural salvage and antique stores in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Gonzales assisted this. At Adkins, in Houston four pair of One-hundred year old French Doors originally from Argentina were acquired. Twelve sets of Art Novouea Door knobs and door plates were obtained in Houston and through the internet.

Thirteen solid core five panel doors were obtained from a local architectural salvage dealer. The search for usable and aesthetic recycled materials is always ongoing.

Lisa Chronister, my better half, has created numerous stained glass windows and doors for our house, including this exquiste wine country front door. She even utilized antiuque 40-50 year old glass in some pieces.

photos by Paul Bardagy

	*Johnson/Chronister Residence* Green Building home
	photos by Paul Bardagy
	The Johnson/Chronister Residence was the winner of the 2008 Max Award for Best Green Home
Green Features	Design Concept
Materials 100 yr old salvaged French doors. 5-panel solid core salvaged doors. Victorian era salvaged door hardware. Recycled flooring. Recycling center. Engineered floor trusses. Cast Earth. All flooring is durable. Cut trees chipped on site. On-site waste reduction. Site Specific Design. Energy Direct Gain Solar Energy Thermal Mass Construction. Designed by design team. Operable thermal chimney. Large covered porch. Low-E Glass Home designed for 600 sq. ft. of living space per ton of cooling. Cooling system sized by Manual J based on actual design specification and orientation. Duct installation to City of Austin Energy Code. 14.0 SEER A/C system. Ceiling fans in all major rooms. Programmable thermostat. Total Fill Insulation. Double pane windows. Light-color for exterior. No skylights. Entire system designed and tested by Home Performance specialist. Sealed recessed cans. Compact fluorescent fixtures. 3 kwh PV system. Member Greenchoice Health, Safety Low-Voc paints. No vapor barrier. 1in pleated media filter. Humidistat. 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 on ext. is 1ft above soil. Exterior wood/concrete connections separated by metal. Borate treatment. Water Low-flow shower heads. Existing vegetation is 90% undisturbed. No turf grass. Xeriscape plants utilized. Future Rainwater system for irrigation only. Square Footage First Floor - 464 s.f. Second Floor - 853 s.f. Covered Porch - 230 s.f. Garage - 575 s.f. Total - 2122 s.f.	In a part of Austin called "Old Westlake", this house is sited on the side of a unique northeastern facing canyon. This home is the first "Cast Earth" home in Austin. We have recently added a 3kwh Photovoltaic system. It does not provide a huge amount of energy but it is our start to a 'zero-energy' house. The site was extremely challenging in both its highly sloped terrain, and in the number of fine Spanish Oak trees that needed to be preserved. The view, the terrain, and the trees are all accounted for in a very site-specific and unique design that is flexible enough for future growth. The Concept of the home, which was suggested by the challenging site is that of an old English Manor that has been added onto over time. The design has four distinct structures that are planned phased additions over the next several years. (View the complete project) The timeless architecture adds comfort and warmth to an already spectacular site. Austin's once every five year ice storm Through the use of numerous recycled and local materials the house remains extremely sustainable and environmentally responsive. The plumbing fixtures are water conserving, and with a spray irrigation septic system water consumption is greatly reduced. Johnson/Chronister Residence (c) 2002 Elliot Johnson, AIA Lower Floor Plan To complement the old world architecture it was important for the materials, especially the hardware to have the right look. Numerous visits to architectural salvage and antique stores in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Gonzales assisted this. At Adkins, in Houston four pair of One-hundred year old French Doors originally from Argentina were acquired. Twelve sets of Art Novouea Door knobs and door plates were obtained in Houston and through the internet. Thirteen solid core five panel doors were obtained from a local architectural salvage dealer. The search for usable and aesthetic recycled materials is always ongoing. Lisa Chronister, my better half, has created numerous stained glass windows and doors for our house, including this exquiste wine country front door. She even utilized antiuque 40-50 year old glass in some pieces. Johnson/Chronister Residence (c) 2002 Elliot Johnson, AIA Main Floor Plan photos by Paul Bardagy

photos by Paul Bardagy	photos by Paul Bardagy	photos by Paul Bardagy

	photos by Paul Bardagy