Part of the American Solar Energy Society’s National Solar Tour
Presented locally by Houston Renewable Energy Group (HREG)
Tour Description: On October 6, 2007 Houstonians will have the chance to see first
hand the beginnings of a transformation in our society - the transition to a
sustainable energy future! Come tour real solar homes and buildings in the Houston
area and learn more about all forms of renewable energy. Houston has long been an
energy leader but the fossil fuel era must give way to cleaner, inexhaustible, local
forms of energy. Tour organizers want to show how Houston can remain an energy
leader in the 21st century by showcasing pioneering efforts to incorporate solar and
other forms of renewable energy into our homes and everyday lives.
Tour Fee: $10 per car. Tour fee includes entry to all tour sites, 1 guide book and a
free energy efficient light bulb.
How to take this tour: Visit anyone of the tour locations between Noon and 5pm
on Saturday, October 6, 2007 and purchase a tour guide for $10. This guide will get
you and your family/group into any of the locations on the tour. [Hint: carpooling is
encouraged so sharing a guide is allowed for any group of 6 or less traveling
together]. Visit any or all of the locations on your own in any order during the tour
hours and there will be someone there to greet you.
The list of locations is below.
INSULATED CONCRETE FORM (ICF) HOUSE
9245 Wickford Drive
Houston, Texas 77024
Directions: This home is located near the Silber and Memorial intersection. Be
aware of construction that may affect the Memorial exit. From the Galleria, head
north to Memorial. Go west on Memorial. Just before Silber take a right onto
Buckingham and then left on Wickford to the end of the street. (Wickford doesn’t go
through to Silber).
Brief Description: This unusual custom home is part of the national Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. With a focus on energy efficiency
and renewable energy, this house demonstrates state of art building technology,
such as ICF (insulated concrete form) exterior walls. A 3kW photovoltaic solar
system will provide about 15% of the home’s power. A Solar water heating system
will be used in conjunction with tankless water heaters. A 20 SEER air conditioning
system is being installed with fresh air intake, dehumidification and the most
advanced air filtration system available. The project is still under construction.
Construction House
6535 Kury Ln.
Houston, TX 77008
Directions: Coming soon!
Brief description: This residence, which is currently under construction, is being
built by Dovetail Builders, Inc. with an aggressive pursuit of “Green Building”
practices, aspiring to the Platinum level, the highest category achievable under
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification criteria.
Green building techniques encompass three overlapping strategies: 1) Protection of
the environment, 2) low energy consumption and maintenance, and 3) healthy air
quality within the home. The goal of this project is total self-sufficiency by virtue of
150 solar photovoltaic electrical panels generating all the power to meet the home’s
entire energy needs, and rainwater harvesting to supply the home’s total household
water and landscape irrigation needs. Additionally, four geothermal HVAC systems
coupled to the earth employing ten subterranean wells beneath the home replace the
outdoor units typically used in ordinary home air conditioning systems.
Combined with the active systems, there are passive strategies and systems working
to further reduce energy consumption. These include generous amounts of north-
facing glass to capture ambient northern light, large overhangs to shade the south
and west facing glass, which further reduces solar heat gain, reflective metal siding,
spray foam insulation, a large north-facing screen porch and large door and window
openings to allow for natural cross ventilation in the spring and fall. All paint and
finishes used will be of low volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), which will produce a
healthier indoor air quality.
The WareLoft
13900 Hiram Clarke Rd.
Houston , TX 77045
Directions: From the Galleria, take 610 south to the South Post Oak Rd exit,
continue south on Post Oak Rd. Take a left on West Orem Dr. Go right on Hiram
Clarke Rd. The house is hidden in the trees about a block down on the right. Parking
is available across the street at the R. J. Long Automotive repair shop.
Brief description: This contemporary work/living green home on a budget is laid
back, wide open, and very adaptable. The home is currently under construction and
is in the qualifying process for LEED-H Certification (Pilot). Green building features
include passive survivability and passive solar cooling design with lots of design-
assisted natural ventilation, natural day lighting and clean/green finishes. There are
no west windows and no attic. A water harvesting system is soon to be added. The
roof is designed with enough area for future addition of solar PV panels. The house is
being designed and constructed for minimal site disruption with porous driveway and
preservation of existing landscaping, and for totally organic gardening and
landscaping to come.
Mercatante Residence
16711 Tankersley Dr.
Rosharon, TX 77583
Directions:Go south on Hwy 288 (about 30 miles south of downtown Houston), pass
through Pearland, and cross Hwy 6; continue about 8 miles south of Hwy 6 and exit
Route 1462 – Rosharon. Turn right on 1462, go straight through traffic light (about
2.5 miles from 288) and continue on 1462 about 2.5 miles to Tankersley Dr. (church
on right). Go left on Tankersley about ½ mile. The house is on the southeast corner
of Tankersley Dr and Horsetrail Dr.
Brief description:This recently completed home is part of the national Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Homes Pilot program. It includes
Structural Insulated Panels (SIP) for exterior walls and roof, finger jointed studs,
engineered beams for interior framing, passive solar design, energy efficient
appliances, water efficient fixtures, and recycled architectural elements. The roof is
energy star rated “Cool Roof”.
A solar water heating system is augmented with tank-less back up. All propane water
heaters are external (no fumes in the house). A rainwater collection system with two
tanks with 2500 gallon capacity will be used for all non potable requirements, with
excess water channeled to the existing pond. All interior paint and floor finishes are
water based and contains no voc (volatile organic compounds). Countertops and
interior doors were reused from houses that were demolished. Stained concrete,
locally harvested wood and quickly renewable bamboo were also used as
construction materials.
Bonus Feature: Solar Fair at this Location!
A picnic dinner and special display of renewable technologies will occur at this
residence after the tour from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Displays will include solar ovens,
solar model cars, and different types of solar panels. Come meet others interested in
renewable energy. Food and drinks will be on sale. You may bring your own, but no
alcohol, please.