Green at Home, Pecan Wood Bakery, Austin, Texas
Living in an 2400-square-foot house with a separate 400-square-foot studio, pumping all of our
own drinking water from Lake Austin and treating it to potable standards through a combination of
sand filtration, water softening, UV exposure and reverse osmosis technology is just the beginning
of the legend of the Pecan Wood Bakery and the Fat Gnat Brewery. The Pecan Wood Bread and
Brew is the home of Lee and Mary Ann Gros, located at 4106 Sandy Acre Lane in Austin, Texas,
78746.
Reuse of Existing Buildings
The original home was constructed in 1969, without much thought regarding building insulation,
window efficiency, healthy indoor environment, energy using systems or sustainable design. In
addition to the original home, there was also a 1500 square foot greenhouse and attached spa
room with an in-ground hot tub. All of the major structures on site have been reused and
upgraded with the exception of the greenhouse and the original pump house. Where the
greenhouse once stood is now the West Garden and home of the metal sculpture palm tree.
The original boat dock and upper deck has been rebuilt using sustainably harvested Massranduba
decking. The salvaged Redwood decking that was still reusable was planed and used for on-
ground decks connecting the boat dock and the pump house.
Design for Flexibility
The outdoor kitchen and brick oven were designed to accommodate various size gatherings with
overflow space on the patio to capture views of the lagoon and provide a comfortable outdoor
experience. The outdoor kitchen is located just beyond the covered porch and continues the flow
of the living area into the outdoors creating a very flexible living space.
Energy/Resource-Efficient Design Features
Environmentally Conscious, Healthy Nontoxic Materials
Satillo tile flooring throughout
Reclaimed redwood decking
Recycled stainless steel sinks and faucets
Replacement of windows
Rigid insulation
Hardi board siding and soffit
Fiber cement fascia
Water-based no VOC interior paint
Light dimmers where appropriate
Construction waste recycling
Living in an 2400-square-foot house with a separate 400-square-foot studio, pumping all of our
own drinking water from Lake Austin and treating it to potable standards through a combination of
sand filtration, water softening, UV exposure and reverse osmosis technology is just the beginning
of the legend of the Pecan Wood Bakery and the Fat Gnat Brewery. The Pecan Wood Bread and
Brew is the home of Lee and Mary Ann Gros, located at 4106 Sandy Acre Lane in Austin, Texas,
78746.
Reuse of Existing Buildings
The original home was constructed in 1969, without much thought regarding building insulation,
window efficiency, healthy indoor environment, energy using systems or sustainable design. In
addition to the original home, there was also a 1500 square foot greenhouse and attached spa
room with an in-ground hot tub. All of the major structures on site have been reused and
upgraded with the exception of the greenhouse and the original pump house. Where the
greenhouse once stood is now the West Garden and home of the metal sculpture palm tree.
The original boat dock and upper deck has been rebuilt using sustainably harvested Massranduba
decking. The salvaged Redwood decking that was still reusable was planed and used for on-
ground decks connecting the boat dock and the pump house.
Design for Flexibility
The outdoor kitchen and brick oven were designed to accommodate various size gatherings with
overflow space on the patio to capture views of the lagoon and provide a comfortable outdoor
experience. The outdoor kitchen is located just beyond the covered porch and continues the flow
of the living area into the outdoors creating a very flexible living space.
Energy/Resource-Efficient Design Features
- Upgraded existing 1/4" fixed pane glass with insulated low-e operable Pella windows.
- Replaced existing mechanical system with 17.5 SEER HVAC System
- Installed a GE Energy Star rated dehumidification system,
- Eliminated the landfill waste from tearing off an existing 30 year old built-up roof by spudding
off the gravel and installing 1-1/2" polyisosyanurate insulation over the existing felts and
covering it with 1/4" Densdeck and Sarnafil 60 Mil High-Reflectivity, Low emissivity PVC
single ply roofing membrane. - Changed out all incandescent lamps to Compact Fluorescent lights
- Low-flow toilets/water fixtures
- Increased natural daylighting by Installing clerestory windows in the living area
- Installing a radiant barrier in the ceiling system while adding insulation and gypsum board
ceilings - Installing timers on the electric water heaters to limit the run hours to a total of 7 heating
hours/day - Of the energy consumed, 100% is offset by renewable sources
Environmentally Conscious, Healthy Nontoxic Materials
Satillo tile flooring throughout
Reclaimed redwood decking
Recycled stainless steel sinks and faucets
Replacement of windows
Rigid insulation
Hardi board siding and soffit
Fiber cement fascia
Water-based no VOC interior paint
Light dimmers where appropriate
Construction waste recycling
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