Sustainable Structures of Texas

TERRAcourt

TERRAcourt Home, the first LEED Gold certified home in Collin County, was completed in early 2011. The natural beauty of this 5000+ SF home is enhanced by its stone façade, slate and metal roof, and extensive use of glass. Natural light fills the indoor living space and invites homeowners to enjoy the outdoor living space in the shade of thoughtfully designed arbors.

Some of the sustainable features of the home include advanced framing techniques, a 2000 gallon bioswale for rainwater collection, a whole-house ventilation system, and low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints and adhesives.

Indoor environmental quality was a focused concern in the construction of TERRAcourt. This concern demanded a consistent, durable quality of construction, and energy efficiency became a bi-product of the measures taken. As a result, the home received the EPA's Indoor airPlus designation, a new and rare distinction in the market. Sustainable Structures of Texas is one of the first partners with the EPA in the Indoor airPLUS program in our area.

Because of the home's quality construction, it scored a 49 HERS (Home Energy Rating System) which is 43% more efficient that the Energy Star requirement of 85, and a tightness coefficient of .08 which is 76% tighter than the industry norm.

According to Lee Hall, President of Sustainable Structures of Texas, "Most homes that come close to the energy efficiency ratings we achieved either use special technology, are built partially underground, or use unusual materials. This is a house that anyone would want to call home. It is a testament to what can be achieved with the best materials, old-world craftsmanship, and good science."

TERRAcourt Home is located at 1200 Monica Dr. in the 550 acre mixed use development at Montgomery Farm in Allen, TX.