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SOL AustinClick Here to Search SOL Austin Living East AustinSOL is Austin’s first and only truly sustainable community. All 40 homes in this development are 5-Star rated by Austin Energy and have the potential to generate as much energy as they use—in other words, SOL allows residents the potential for “net-zero” living! A number of green building technologies and energy-efficiency measures work together to reduce the total energy demand of SOL homes by about 50% compared to standard construction. The remaining energy can be produced using solar power. SOL Austin LocationJust 3.3 miles from downtown Austin, SOL is nestled in Austin’s hip and progressive East Side near U.S. 183, just north of Bolm Rd.Energy Efficiency and Green Living FeaturesPassive solar design reduces energy loads in both summer and winter, and provides for a healthier home that is connected to the seasons and the time of day. Operable windows allow for passive ventilation and daylighting. By placing the majority of windows on north and south facades rather than east and west, and taking advantage of provided shade whenever possible, direct solar heat gain is minimized.Because every break in the exterior represents an increased load on the heating and cooling (HVAC) system, thermally efficient windows are critical to the success of an energy-conscious home. SOL Austin makes use of Gerkin Rhino windows, a low-e, double-pane, thermally broken aluminum frame featuring Cardinal 366 glass, which far surpasses Energy Star guidelines for Austin’s climate. SOL is able to offer this high quality product at a reduced cost. SOL Austin homes are built with 2x6 studs for all exterior walls and spray-in Icynene insulation. This system achieves a similar R-value and envelope tightness to that of structurally insulated panels. The deeper walls are sprayed with an expanding foam insulation that provides a well sealed, efficient thermal envelope. This envelope, paired with high-quality windows thoughtfully placed and with proper shading, greatly reduces demand for heating and cooling systems. Using the Earth as a heatsink, geothermal heating and cooling systems are able to achieve a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) of 27 or more on models with two-stage compressors, making use of the ground’s constant 75-degree temperature. They require only about half the energy of a conventional HVAC system. Geothermal systems do not require an outdoor condensing unit, making them much more quiet and extending their life expectancy 10 years beyond that of conventional systems. A by-product of this system is hot water that can be recovered and used rather than heating water through other means for daily use. SOL Austin residents have the potential to achieve near $0 electric bills. Energy-efficiency measures work together to reduce the total energy demand of SOL homes by about 50% compared to standard construction. In order to generate the remaining necessary electricity, polycrystalline photovoltaic arrays (the most cost-effective form of solar power) can be installed on the roof of the home. The arrays range in size from 3 to 6 kilowatts, depending on the size of the house. SOL Austin AmenitiesLot sizes are reduced to create a more advantageous public/private space balance. The project is planned around a community park that serves as place of recreation, relaxation, and an opportunity for chance encounters with neighbors.SOL is Austin’s first development with a sub-grade bio-filtration system. Run-off from streets, sidewalks, driveways, etc. is filtered through a sedimentation pond and into a series of chambers, percolating through gravel and sand, and ultimately back into the aquifer. In an effort to reduce the amount of impervious cover in the project, as well as reducing the presence of vehicles in the public realm, joint access drives are implemented on over half the lots. While SOL Austin has small lots, each home design and siting has quality outdoor space; an outdoor area, integrally linked to the layout of the house, maximizes enjoyment and necessary privacy. In order to create a more interesting public space, the sizing, positioning, design, and setbacks of the homes are varied. In addition to the many mature trees preserved on the site, 150 live oak saplings are being reused throughout the site that were part of a former tree farm located on the property. Upon completion of the SOL development, a community garden will allow residents the option to grow their own food! Average Price of SOL Austin HomesHomes at SOL Austin begin at under $200,000 and extend to about $350,000, though most are in the $200s.Average Age of SOL Austin HomesSOL Austin broke ground with all new-construction homes in 2009. As of summer 2010, about 20 of the 40 home sites remain to be built.Average Size of Homes at SOL AustinNine floor plans are available at SOL Austin, ranging from 1,000 to 1,816 sq. ft., with 2 to 3 bathrooms and 1 to 2½ bathrooms.Public SchoolsSchools in SOL are part of Austin Independent School District. Students attend Allen or Winn Elementary, Martin Middle School, and LBJ High School.Downtown Austin CommuteBeing just 3.3 miles from downtown Austin, SOL Austin provides easy access to the downtown Austin area, with only a 5- to 10-minute drive.Austin Airport CommuteSOL Austin is ideally situated on the east side of town, just 5 miles from Austin Bergstrom International Airport, making it an ideal and convenient location for frequent business travelers.SOL Austin DemographicsNestled off the beaten track in Austin’s up-and-coming East Side, the SOL Austin neighborhood is a diverse mix of long-time residents and newer urban professionals looking for new, relatively affordable homes close to downtown. |
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