Clients, homeowners and friends ask time and time again what makes house energy efficient.

The answer is: what sells billions of home magazines: terraces, verandas, balconies, outdoor vestibules, indoor/outdoor spaces, shaded patios and poticoes, courtyards.

 

The ultimate energy saving spaces in our Casa Concept are the outdoor rooms. BECAUSE THEY AREN'T CONDITIONED SPACES!

 

Wishful thinking would have it that these spaces are cheaper to build than indoor areas, but it remains wishful thinking. On the contrary, they could be more expensive given that the materials to be used are all exterior grade: stucco instead of sheetrock, exterior light fixtures, aluminum or vinyl clad doors to prevent mildew, among other finishes.

 

But it has NO Air condiitioning! That's worth a lot. Take the courtyard entry of our Casa Concept: it's not just a stylistic element of this modern Hacienda type home, but it is an outdoor vestibule, foyer, or entry. It has a partial roof cover for shade and rain, and it's a 100% exterior room. This courtyard is an integral part of the house, visually through the glass doors and windows that open into it, and usage wise, gilrs selling girl scout cookies never want to leave! All those conversations that go on at he entry door-many wasting the air conditioning, happen outdoors, in a beautiful space that transcends Houston and the neighborhood.

 

If you are thinking of building or remodeling your home, consider adding the ultimate energy saving spaces to your house. These don't only sell home magazines, they sell your home!

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