Sustainability, innovation, and thoughtful design converge in VISION House Austin, a high-profile project spearheaded by builder Justin Moore, CEO of White Elephant General Contractors, interior designer Jacquelyn Bilek, owner of Jacquelyn Bilek Interiors, and sustainable architect pioneer Peter Pfeiffer of Barley|Pfeiffer Architecture.
Here are four ways that developers have raised the sustainability bar with special design and construction techniques used for VISION House Austin.
For Moore, VISION House Austin provided an opportunity to explore advanced building techniques that enhance durability and energy efficiency. “The most important thing we learned through this project is about innovative waterproofing systems,” Moore shares. “The [Henry Building Envelope System] was new for us, and it’s a great system. It was so easy to use—instead of having to nail everything on, you just peel and stick it on, making installation a breeze.”
The team also delved into new technologies such as improved roof ventilation, solar energy integration, and surveillance systems. These elements augment the home’s self-sufficiency and meet the expectations of modern homeowners looking for resilient, low-maintenance living spaces.
She emphasized the home’s aging-in-place principles. “It’s an ADA-compliant home, which I don’t get to do all the time,” she explains. “We carefully designed the home so that the owners can age in place comfortably.”
Material selection played a crucial role in achieving sustainability goals. "Barley|Pfeiffer Architecture likes to use light-colors on floors and countertops to reflect light, reducing the need for artificial lighting,” Bilek notes. “So, I made selections that bounce light throughout the space, making rooms look bigger and brighter.”
VISION House Austin was carefully crafted to withstand the unpredictable and extreme climate conditions of Texas. “You get into Texas, and it’s 110 degrees one day and then 20 degrees the next,” Moore remarks. “You never know these days what you’re going to get—and if the grid can withstand nature’s fury.”
To combat these fluctuations, the team incorporated a James Hardie siding product that is more than three times thicker than traditional options. “It’s going to last a lot longer, along with the metal roof, solar system, and battery backups,” Moore says. “For the homeowners, who are in their 80s, that’s more important than anything.”
The home also features spray foam insulation, custom water tables, and Andersen windows that require minimal maintenance. “The windows won’t need to be changed or maintained, at least for the next 20 years,” Moore highlights. These elements make the home not only more durable but also more efficient in managing energy consumption.
Bilek echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the passive cooling benefits and the comfort the porch provides, even in the intense Texas heat.
VISION House Austin isn’t just a demonstration of what’s possible—it’s a testament to the power of collaboration, smart design, and a commitment to sustainability. With Peter Pfeiffer’s decades of experience, Moore’s competency in construction and Billick’s vision for interiors, this home represents a model for the future—one where resilience, efficiency, beauty, wellness, and comfort go hand in hand.