Green architecture – 6120 Maxie St., Houston, Texas

Green Mode Designs, LLC, finished their work on modern homes powered by solar panels and focused on environmentally conscious design and enjoyable living spaces. The three homes they build are located at 6120 Maxie St., near Memorial Park and the trendy Washington Avenue Corridor in the Rice Military, Houston, Texas. One of the homes is LEED Gold pre-certified due to sustainable features these homes offer.

Each of these 240 square meters (2600 square feet) four story homes with a roof terrace has 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and a 2 car garage. Although a bit spacious for green homes, the overall energy efficiency of these homes is 56% more efficient compared to a conventionally built home. 2.1 kW PV solar panel array ensures 25% reduction in energy usage. Exterior walls with stucco and metal exterior are 15 cm (6 inches) thick, thus ensuring better insulation.

Air Conditioning used inside these homes are 96% efficient 16 SEER HVAC systems zoned to each floor. Aside the temperature regulation, the purpose of HVAC systems is to provide fresh air from the outside on hot days in Texas. Motion sensing activated vents are installed in all bathrooms and garages in order to exhaust out odors when those rooms are being used. In addition to standard smoke detectors, carbon monoxide monitors are installed on each floor to alert of any presence of harmful gas.

Water savings are 33% more efficient compared to a conventionally built home. That is achieved by usage of Toto Dual Flush Toilets and high efficiency water faucets and shower heads. Unfortunately, the homes do not have solar hot water systems and rely on tankless On-Demand water heaters.

Inside of the home is painted with all Sherwin Williams Harmony – ZERO VOC paint, primer and enamel. The house features stained concrete flooring, bamboo wood flooring, as well as tile flooring in some rooms. In order to save energy or resources, the homes have Green Label environmentally sustainable Shaw carpets, recycling systems integrated into kitchen cabinets, Energy Star compliant Low-E windows, skylights, and appliances.