What makes your home a Green or Healthy Home?
Those of us who are looking for a craftsman-built, enviromental design will really want to see this unique home located on an island in Clear Lake. It was built by a sea captain to protect his family while he was away on long voyages across the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
Designed by a prominent Houston enviromental architect, LaVerne Williams, this home was engineered to a higher standard and built under the supervision of the owner, a marine engineer with extensive experience with tropical storms and hurricanes that frequent our area.
A passive solar design, taking advantage of orientation and overhangs on the West and South to protect those walls from solar exposure, the home has superior insulation in the Douglas Fir 2x6 exterior envelope packed with treated cellulous that achieves R36 in the walls and R50 in the ceilings, superior to Energy Star ratings. In addition, a radiant barrier roof deck and a brand new (since 2008) 40 year composition shingle roof with ridge vents and roof components rated at 125 MPH makes this structure stand up to the weather better than the required standards.
The massive 14" x 14" poured concrete columns rest on 6' x 6' concrete spread footings suitable for a multi-story commercial building. The floor joists are spaced on 12" centers and doubled every fourth station under cantilevered second story. With the entire structure hurricane clipped at every station.
Solid welded vinyl, double-paned, low E glass windows complete the envelope with exceptional heat and noise insulation and are protected by Lexan strom shutters on the North side and mortised, louvered redwood Bermuda-style storm shutters on the East and South sides.
The spacious and private 360sqft back porch adds an outdoor dimension and sports a built-in stainless steel natural gas grill that has a chimney through the roof to allow cooking in any weather without annoying your guests with smoke or head.
Under the first floor is a carport protected by louvered panels and two roll up stell doors that open to a huge space under the house that is open to the backyard. Two cars can park in the crushed stone driveway without impeding access from the carport for two more cars and a trailer or another car can park behind the roll up doors. Also on the ground floor is an 800 gallon rainwater harvesting system that delivers clean, pure rainwater to the two, 5' x 10' raised garden beds full of your favorite vegetables, herbs or flowers.
Inside you will find a rommy open-design great room with dual window seats flanking an entertainment center wired for surround-sound, cable and satelitte and a cathedral ceiling rising to automated clear-story windows that allow the structure to breathe during the temperate months and provide adequate natural light in the winter and summer. These windows are protected by a motorized storm shutter with remote control.
The adjoining, large galley kitchen has room for multiple chefs to prepare gourmet meals and allows guest to join the action at the natural granite L - shaped bar. Everything is easy with a sliding glass patio door that allows adequate circulation for more than twenty guests to mingle and enjoy the fun. The new stainless steel, 5 burner gas range and convection oven complements the below-counter microwave and dishwasher while clutter is controlled behind a tambour appliance garage and the ceiling-mounted rack keeps the pots and pans hanging close at hand. Dual utilities allow for those who prefer it to have an electric stove. The adjoining dining room with custom-built ash wood buffet with faux slate countertop makes the dining experience casual but elegant and allows service for large parties.
The entire great room is finished off with a floating burch wood floor that is warm, quiet and comfortable while the 18" x 18" diagonal-laid porcelain tile kitchen floor adds durability and easy cleaning.
The hall leads past the stairway and centrally located extra-large laundry room, with ironing board and dual utilities, to the guest bath and master suite. With the master on the first floor the kids or guests have the entire second floor to themselves. All the bedrooms have a seating area and walk-in closets as well as enough room for twin or full sized beds and the master accommodates a California King with room to spare. Ceiling fans throughout allow for comfortable living during 6 to 8 months without air conditioning due to the cross-ventilation in each room and large double-hung tilt-out or sliding windows. You can enjoy under $200 summer electric bills and less than $100 the rest of the time because of the passive solar design. Even in the hottest months the 7-day programmable thermostat allows you to save money while maintaining the perfect temperature year-round.
At the end of a long day you can retire to the comfort of the master suite that has sound insulation to isolate your from street noise. Step into the walk-in glass double shower for a relaxing steam bath and a heated towel as you exit. Nothing helps you to unwind better; it uses less water and eliminates the chemicals and maintenance of a hot tub.
Upstairs there are two large bedrooms and a bath that allows two people to enjoy their privacy. Around the corner is a vast air conditioned library or storage room designed to serve as a landing for an added elevator if it is desired. Beyound that is a additional storage in a loft about the dining room and an upper decked attic.
The air conditioner is located in the lower attic and is squipped with a HEPA filter and a gas furnace while the gas water heater saves energy costs and has a carbon monoxide alarm and floor drain for safety.
Additional features include under-sink and shower water filters to remove chlorine and VOCs for healthy living and all building material were selected to eliminate out-gassing of toxic fumes often found in other homes. Even a laundry chute could be fitted into the upper bath that would lead to the laundry room. Connections for a solar water heater are provided and the south-facing catherdral roof is ideal for PV panels to be installed. The design was forward thinking and provides generations of comfort and innovation with a stair life to the first floor which is handicapped accessible.Property Description
PARADISE FOUND! Prominent enviro architect designed this home to be energy efficient and hurricane resistant! Passive solar design, superior insulation, 2X6 ext envelope,radiant barrier roof with new since IKE 40 year roof! Low E windows, storm shutters, 800 gal rainwater harvesting system all make this home a cut above the rest! But don't forget the granite and stainless kitchen, hardwood floors, steam bath in master, outdoor chair lift, and all the perks that come with living on Clear Lake Shores!
Neighborhood Description
Clear Lake Shores is an island community of Galveston County dating back to 1925, where homes are now being built for millions of dollars. Loaded with trees, this waterfront community is on Clear Lake with lakeside green space for residents to enjoy and to lease from the city for yacht mooring. This community is for those wishing to escape to their own island but also close to civilization ie; Johnson Space Center, shopping, schools, Galveston Bay, restaurants and Kemah Boardwalk. Golf carts are the mode of transportation for locals. The island also offers a community pool are gorgeous sunsets!Market Area
The city of Clear Lake Shores is regarded as "The Yachting Capital of Texas", as the city has more boat slips than people. The population is 1,205. Clear Lake Shores has a wonderful, diverse group of residents who share a love of living by the water. It's a beautiful area where families and businesses live and grow, work and play, in a safe and sustainable community.School District
Community
Location of Home or Land
Suburban
Elevation of Home
Sea Level
Air Quality
| Agriculture in Area | no |
| Industry in Area | yes |
| Air Pollution in Area | no |
| Pesticide Free | yes |
| Fragrance Free | no |
| Cleaned with Green Products | yes |
Interior Environment
| Heating System | Forced Air - Gas |
| Cooling System | Conventional Forced Air - A/C |
| Ventilation System | Whole House Fan |
| Whole House Filtration | Other |
| Whole House Vacuum | no |
Energy & Water
| Energy System | Solar - Photovoltaic |
| Water System | Municipal |
| Wastewater System | Municipal |
Construction Information
| Exterior Finish | Other |
| Interior Finish | Gypsum Board - Sheet Rock |
| Interior Paint | Other |
| Floor Material | Carpet |
| Roof Material | Asphalt Composition Shingle |
| Window Material | Other |
| Insulation Material | Other |
Garage / Car Port
| Garage / Carport | yes |
| Garage Type | attached |
| Number of Cars | 3 |
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