Good afternoon, everyone! Kristen Gers here with Jay Lee Thompson, and today we have a special guest, Brad McCorkle. We’re on-site at Brad’s energy-efficient tiny house in Arlington, Texas. Stick around as we highlight some of the standout green features and innovations in this modern home.
Tiny House Overview
Brad’s tiny house, designed and built by UTA students in cooperation with the Housing Channel, is a perfect example of how small spaces can be made sustainable and stylish. The Housing Channel, focused on affordable housing, plays a crucial role in ensuring homes are accessible to everyone. Realtors, if your buyers are struggling with qualification, looking into local, state, and federal buyer assistance programs could be a game-changer.
Design and Aesthetics
This modern home blends seamlessly into the mid-century modern neighborhood. Designed thoughtfully to avoid the “alien spaceship” look, the house maintains the neighborhood’s character while offering a contemporary feel. It includes vaulted ceilings and an open layout, which give the 1,630 square feet space a much larger, airy feeling.
Natural Light and Windows
The house boasts an ample amount of natural light thanks to strategically placed windows and clerestory windows. The Milgard windows and sliders, known for their efficiency, are a focal point. With thermally improved aluminum frames and Low-E glass, these windows offer superior insulation and sound control.
Outdoor Spaces
There are various outdoor spaces, including a spacious front patio, a private courtyard, and a patio off the master bedroom. These areas allow for seamless indoor-outdoor living, which adds to the home’s charm and usability.
Energy Efficiency and Green Features
- Insulation and Framing: The house has 2×6 exterior stud walls filled with spray foam insulation, providing an R-20 insulating value. This high level of insulation keeps the home thermally stable.
- Sheathing: The Huber Engineering ZIP System with a half-inch R-3 insulation on the exterior acts like a sweater, preventing heat transfer.
- Lighting: Full LED lighting throughout the house ensures energy efficiency.
- Rainwater Collection System: The home features a 3,000-gallon rainwater collection system for irrigation. Though the system currently feeds the yard, future modifications could allow for indoor use.
Interior Design and Staging
The interior, staged by Modern Design, perfectly complements the house’s modern aesthetic. The kitchen features IKEA cabinets and a nearly 12-foot-long island, providing ample space for dining and entertaining. The open floor plan and multifunctional spaces, like the mudroom area and built-in storage, make the house highly functional.
Affordability and Assistance Programs
The house, marketed at $195,000, would be valued at around $300,000 without the donated labor and materials. The Housing Channel plays a crucial role in making such houses attainable. First-time homebuyers and Realtors should explore local, state, and federal assistance programs, which can provide significant down payment help and make homeownership more accessible.
Takeaway
Brad McCorkle’s energy-efficient tiny house in Arlington, Texas, exemplifies the potential of sustainable, stylish, and affordable housing. With the collaborative efforts of UTA students and the Housing Channel, this modern home not only fits seamlessly into its mid-century modern neighborhood but also stands out with its innovative green features and energy-efficient design. The thoughtful integration of natural light, ample outdoor spaces, and advanced insulation and framing techniques showcase how small spaces can be both functional and eco-friendly.
For potential homebuyers and realtors, exploring buyer assistance programs can open doors to homeownership in such innovative and affordable housing solutions. Brad’s tiny house serves as a model for future sustainable living, proving that with creativity and cooperation, we can build homes that are both beautiful and beneficial to our planet.
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