Our continued collaboration with trade partners that have similar environmental and economical values lets us take a “Total Systems Design Approach” to each project. We incorporate sustainable design into many aspects of a project.
Construction details have a big impact on the efficiency of a building. Strategic waterproofing and wall assemblies will ensure that the building will continue to function over time. Planning the mechanical and electrical systems in specific ways will also guarantee that the building is working effectively for the environment but also the inhabitants.
Understanding the site and land and the environment in which the building is or will be placed is another way we approach design and construction sustainably. We try to take advantage of natural lighting and ventilation when designing and we make the effort to minimize carbon footprint by using local partners and vendors when possible.
A tight building envelope is essential in green home construction, minimizing energy loss and enhancing efficiency. Achieved through advanced framing techniques or alternative Technologies like insulated concrete forms (ICF), a tight envelope prevents air leakage, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. This not only optimizes energy consumption but also improves indoor air quality. The result is a sustainable home that lowers utility costs, minimizes environmental impact and provides a comfortable living space.
Building in and around Austin means that insulation from the intense heat and short but freezing winters is particularly important. As a sustainable custom homebuilder, we frequently use spray foam as the best method of achieving a high-performance thermal building envelope.
Spray foam is the most cost-effective insulating material for residential use. It seals your home from air and moisture intrusion, saves on utility bills, reduces pest infestations in walls and protects your family from airborne pollutants and allergens. It also reduces HVAC sizing requirements, maintenance, and wear.
Energy-efficient windows are crucial for building an eco-friendly home as they minimize heat transfer, reducing the need for heating and cooling. By providing effective insulation, these windows enhance energy conservation, lowering utility costs and decreasing a home’s carbon footprint. The use of advanced technologies like double glazing and low-emissivity coatings helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility in construction practices.
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Due to the reduced price of solar, we have found that it is now more cost effective to install a high-efficiency air source heat pump with a little more solar to achieve the same result: No electric bill. There are still applications in which geothermal power is an excellent option for our green home building customers, and we continue to offer it as an option for our homes.
Water conservation and development of water supplies is crucial for meeting the growing demand for clean water. Rainwater collection (harvesting) is an innovative alternative water supply approach that captures, diverts and stores rainwater for later use. This stored rainwater can be used as the primary potable water supply for a home after it passes through a filtration and purification process. Drinking water supplied from a rainwater harvesting system is typically a higher quality water than water supplied by municipality or water well due to the absence of fluoride, chemicals and a variety of hard minerals. The majority of our homes have rainwater systems that supply 100% of the home’s water demand.
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For moderate climates like Texas, heat pumps offer an energy-efficient alternative to traditional HVAC systems. Similar to refrigerators, they use electricity to transfer heat between indoor and outdoor spaces, providing both heating and cooling. Unlike conventional appliances, heat pumps move heat instead of generating it, resulting in up to 75% cost savings. The most common type is the air-source heat pump, which transfers heat between your house and the outside air. If you use electricity for heating, a heat pump can reduce consumption by 30-40%, and high-efficiency models also enhance dehumidification for increased cooling comfort in summer.
Solar power technology has been around for about 70 years. However, it wasn’t until the last decade or so that the cost of producing energy with solar panels reached parity with non-renewable energy sources. Batteries have also seen major development and now have significantly higher capacity and output than those produced just a year ago. It’s now possible to power your entire home by solar and have a battery-powered backup system in case the Texas power grid is interrupted.
Water conservation and development of water supplies is crucial for meeting the growing demand for clean water. Rainwater collection (harvesting) is an innovative alternative water supply approach that captures, diverts and stores rainwater for later use. This stored rainwater can be used as the primary potable water supply for a home after it passes through a filtration and purification process. Drinking water supplied from a rainwater harvesting system is typically a higher quality water than water supplied by municipality or water well due to the absence of fluoride, chemicals and a variety of hard minerals. The majority of our homes have rainwater systems that supply 100% of the home’s water demand.
Embrace the dynamism of life with homes that adapt to your evolving needs.
Accessibility is key in our designs, ensuring seamless movement for all ages and abilities.
Every detail in our homes is crafted to foster well-being and happiness.
Legacy spaces highlight personal heritage and are designed for lifelong comfort, adapting gracefully to life’s transitions.
Our homes are tailored for the changing dynamics of families, offering both privacy and communal spaces.
Partnering with SEM, we lead in high-performance, zero-energy homes, reducing your environmental impact and enhancing comfort.
At McMillan Builders, we specialize in all types of sustainable home building. Adaptable Designs include barrier-free living, caretakers quarters, and mechanical zoning that accommodate aging-lifestyle changes. Our homes are crafted with the vision of lasting comfort, ensuring that your home is not just for the present but a legacy for the future.
Our homes are designed to stand the test of time, becoming landmarks of both personal heritage and community history.
Life is dynamic, and so are our homes. They evolve with your changing needs, ensuring comfort at every stage of life.
By focusing on the finer details, we create environments that nurture well-being and happiness.
At McMillan Builders, we understand that sustainable home building requires precision and detail-focused efforts. Our step-by-step process ensures that your vision becomes a reality with excellence and efficiency at every turn.
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In the Visioning phase, we delve deep into your aspirations, dreams, and lifestyle needs. This is where your vision takes its first form. We listen, we imagine, and we begin the blueprint of a home that's uniquely yours, ensuring that every nuance of your dream is captured.
In the Visioning phase, we delve deep into your aspirations, dreams, and lifestyle needs. This is where your vision takes its first form. We listen, we imagine, and we begin the blueprint of a home that's uniquely yours, ensuring that every nuance of your dream is captured.
During Design Development, we refine each detail, honing the perfection of your space. We select materials, textures, and finishes that reflect your taste and fit your lifestyle. It's a collaborative effort where your input drives our innovation.
Our Construction Documents are comprehensive blueprints of your future home. They are the culmination of vision and detail, the final, detailed instructions that will guide the construction phase. This documentation is meticulous, ensuring that every element is crafted to stand the test of time.
Acting as your Owner’s Representative conducting construction administration, we oversee the transformation of paper into stone, of plans into presence. We manage the construction with an eagle eye for detail and a commitment to your timeline and budget. Your forever home is built under our vigilant supervision, ensuring that the result is nothing short of extraordinary.
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