MILAGRO SPRINGS RETREAT
“A compelling design that manages to be unique while at the same time honoring the regional vernacular, and this lends to its ability to perform well in this place.
The water story alone is exceptional.”
- 2017 JUDGE -
The water story alone is exceptional.”
- 2017 JUDGE -
Credit: PAUL FINKEL | PISTON DESIGN
PROJECT VISION STATEMENT
Conceived as a prototype for a sustainable rural community, the Milagro Springs Retreat serves as a beacon to show what could be: a self-sustaining home in a rural setting, independent of municipal water and energy. The site selection and vision for the project were driven by the Owners' interest in creating a sustainable development in a rural setting, with the long-term plan of eventually designing and building a sustainable community across the vast acreage of their rolling Hill Country property. The Milagro Springs Retreat was the first step toward this goal, and was designed to embody the values of sustainability, harmonious living, and integration with natural surroundings, achieved with a distinct architectural vocabulary.
The architects upheld the client’s original vision throughout the design and construction of the residence, maintaining a mindfulness of site, materiality, and logistics to ensure minimal impact on the site and resilience over time. As a result, the design is both spiritually and environmentally sensitive, earning a 4-star rating from Austin Energy Green Building.
Conceived as a prototype for a sustainable rural community, the Milagro Springs Retreat serves as a beacon to show what could be: a self-sustaining home in a rural setting, independent of municipal water and energy. The site selection and vision for the project were driven by the Owners' interest in creating a sustainable development in a rural setting, with the long-term plan of eventually designing and building a sustainable community across the vast acreage of their rolling Hill Country property. The Milagro Springs Retreat was the first step toward this goal, and was designed to embody the values of sustainability, harmonious living, and integration with natural surroundings, achieved with a distinct architectural vocabulary.
The architects upheld the client’s original vision throughout the design and construction of the residence, maintaining a mindfulness of site, materiality, and logistics to ensure minimal impact on the site and resilience over time. As a result, the design is both spiritually and environmentally sensitive, earning a 4-star rating from Austin Energy Green Building.
Credit: PAUL FINKEL | PISTON DESIGN
ENIVIRONMENTAL MEASURES
energy
The Milagro Springs Retreat combines the most basic and natural methods to combat energy consumption with new technologies to minimize the home’s environment impact. The first step toward a self-sustaining development is the situation on the site. Located in the center of a natural clearing and oriented with long faces to the North and South, the Milagro Springs Retreat is exposed to generous amounts of sunlight from all sides. Taking advantage of this exposure, the design features large windows that maximize daylight inside. When electric lighting is necessary, an 8-KiloWatt solar array provides the majority of energy required; the remainder comes from a conventional grid.
Also crucial to the design of the home, outdoor spaces take advantage of natural ventilation and extend living spaces to the outside. The screened porch provides a covered and naturally-ventilated living space, while the covered outdoor studio/stage—in tandem with a convertible garage that opens on two sides—offers a flexible, well-ventilated outdoor space that can host any sort of outdoor gathering. By placing these living spaces outside, and using a geothermal system to heat and cool the conditioned spaces, virtually no conventional grid energy is used for climate control.
eui : 7.47 kbtu/sqft-yr
electric use : 10,049 kwh/yr
renewable energy produced on-site : 6,870 kwh/yr
The Milagro Springs Retreat combines the most basic and natural methods to combat energy consumption with new technologies to minimize the home’s environment impact. The first step toward a self-sustaining development is the situation on the site. Located in the center of a natural clearing and oriented with long faces to the North and South, the Milagro Springs Retreat is exposed to generous amounts of sunlight from all sides. Taking advantage of this exposure, the design features large windows that maximize daylight inside. When electric lighting is necessary, an 8-KiloWatt solar array provides the majority of energy required; the remainder comes from a conventional grid.
Also crucial to the design of the home, outdoor spaces take advantage of natural ventilation and extend living spaces to the outside. The screened porch provides a covered and naturally-ventilated living space, while the covered outdoor studio/stage—in tandem with a convertible garage that opens on two sides—offers a flexible, well-ventilated outdoor space that can host any sort of outdoor gathering. By placing these living spaces outside, and using a geothermal system to heat and cool the conditioned spaces, virtually no conventional grid energy is used for climate control.
eui : 7.47 kbtu/sqft-yr
electric use : 10,049 kwh/yr
renewable energy produced on-site : 6,870 kwh/yr
water
Located on a rural site, the Milagro Springs Retreat does not have access to municipal water service. In order to meet demand, all rainwater run-off from the home's 5,300 sf roof area is stored on site in a 30,000-gallon cistern. The tank was sized for four full-time residents (instead of two actual) in order to minimize the risk of running out during the dry periods of the year. The collected water is charcoal-filtered, and treated by a UV water purification system before use throughout the house. The rainwater recycling system may be supplemented on occasion by an existing well.
With the specification of low-flow toilets, WaterSense fixtures for all toilets and bathroom faucets, and low-consumption appliances (such as clothes washing machines are from the City of Austin's Water Conservation WashWise list), the combined use of well-water and rainwater provides for all annual water needs. Though water required for landscaping is minimal and does not require an irrigation system, a supplemental well was placed to be used in case of drought or emergency. The site was largely left as native grasses, and other native plant species.
on-site collected rainwater : 100% of yearly consumption with backup access to well water
Located on a rural site, the Milagro Springs Retreat does not have access to municipal water service. In order to meet demand, all rainwater run-off from the home's 5,300 sf roof area is stored on site in a 30,000-gallon cistern. The tank was sized for four full-time residents (instead of two actual) in order to minimize the risk of running out during the dry periods of the year. The collected water is charcoal-filtered, and treated by a UV water purification system before use throughout the house. The rainwater recycling system may be supplemented on occasion by an existing well.
With the specification of low-flow toilets, WaterSense fixtures for all toilets and bathroom faucets, and low-consumption appliances (such as clothes washing machines are from the City of Austin's Water Conservation WashWise list), the combined use of well-water and rainwater provides for all annual water needs. Though water required for landscaping is minimal and does not require an irrigation system, a supplemental well was placed to be used in case of drought or emergency. The site was largely left as native grasses, and other native plant species.
on-site collected rainwater : 100% of yearly consumption with backup access to well water
materials
This project uses durable and long-lasting materials to extend the life of the structure and minimize long-term maintenance. Many of the primary finish materials were locally-sourced, including the limestone, cedar siding, and pecan flooring. Through careful planning of the construction sequence and thoughtful material selections, typical construction waste was either minimized, mitigated, or completely eliminated.
In order to minimize environmental impact, measures were taken to ensure that no hazardous materials were used in constructing the residence. All paints (including exterior coatings) are water-based with zero VOCs; there are no materials containing formaldehyde or PCB; and all plasters and mortars are cement based, ensuring that no EIFS or polymers were used. Additionally, the solar photo-voltaic system used is dry, so that no chemicals will leak if a collector is shattered or damaged.
During construction, the architects worked closely with the contractor to develop a waste-management plan that not only outlines the products used, but also the disposal of unused materials, and any waste produced on site. All recyclable materials were processed by IESI, where documentation was acquired denoting the percentage of each load that was being recycled. All materials on site were carefully portioned to prevent excess scrap, or in the case of cementitious materials, excess mixing that leads to overburden of set-up materials.
% materials diverted from landfill :
90% of excess lumber and wood materials were either recycled or re-purposed as mulch; 100% of unused sheetrock was ground up and spread across the site as soil; and 100% of unused metal from roofing and siding was recycled in a separate recycling facility if not sent to IESI.
This project uses durable and long-lasting materials to extend the life of the structure and minimize long-term maintenance. Many of the primary finish materials were locally-sourced, including the limestone, cedar siding, and pecan flooring. Through careful planning of the construction sequence and thoughtful material selections, typical construction waste was either minimized, mitigated, or completely eliminated.
In order to minimize environmental impact, measures were taken to ensure that no hazardous materials were used in constructing the residence. All paints (including exterior coatings) are water-based with zero VOCs; there are no materials containing formaldehyde or PCB; and all plasters and mortars are cement based, ensuring that no EIFS or polymers were used. Additionally, the solar photo-voltaic system used is dry, so that no chemicals will leak if a collector is shattered or damaged.
During construction, the architects worked closely with the contractor to develop a waste-management plan that not only outlines the products used, but also the disposal of unused materials, and any waste produced on site. All recyclable materials were processed by IESI, where documentation was acquired denoting the percentage of each load that was being recycled. All materials on site were carefully portioned to prevent excess scrap, or in the case of cementitious materials, excess mixing that leads to overburden of set-up materials.
% materials diverted from landfill :
90% of excess lumber and wood materials were either recycled or re-purposed as mulch; 100% of unused sheetrock was ground up and spread across the site as soil; and 100% of unused metal from roofing and siding was recycled in a separate recycling facility if not sent to IESI.
site ecosystem services
The home’s pier-and-beam construction minimizes the structure’s footprint on the prairieland setting, which has been kept in its native state. The property holds a Wildlife Management designation: the land provides a habitat for migrating song birds, while the Owners maintain a census of the birds migrating through.
Currently, the surrounding site and landscape has been left natural, with native grasses all around. However, the original landscape design would have bolstered the project to a 5-star AEGB rating. The Owners intend to implement the landscape plan in the future.
The home’s pier-and-beam construction minimizes the structure’s footprint on the prairieland setting, which has been kept in its native state. The property holds a Wildlife Management designation: the land provides a habitat for migrating song birds, while the Owners maintain a census of the birds migrating through.
Currently, the surrounding site and landscape has been left natural, with native grasses all around. However, the original landscape design would have bolstered the project to a 5-star AEGB rating. The Owners intend to implement the landscape plan in the future.
Credit: PAUL FINKEL | PISTON DESIGN
health & wellbeing
The Milagro Springs Retreat was designed to enable and enhance healthy and harmonious living, with the intent to create a space where interaction with the outdoors is at the crux of daily life. Situated in a rolling meadow, the residence basks in natural light and enjoys fresh air from every direction, instilling a sense of openness and tranquility. Every space of the home was designed to have a unique connection to the outdoors: expansive windows in the bedrooms, bathrooms, and meditation space; a comfortable screened porch abutting the main living area on one side, with an expansive deck on the other; and a roofed, open multipurpose space connecting the garage to the rest of the residence. These tailored connections enhance interaction with nature and allow the Owners to spend long periods of time outdoors while comfortably protected from the elements. Building materials were sourced to be low/zero-VOC and non-toxic, providing a safer working environment for those involved in the construction process and for the Owners upon occupation.
The Milagro Springs Retreat was designed to enable and enhance healthy and harmonious living, with the intent to create a space where interaction with the outdoors is at the crux of daily life. Situated in a rolling meadow, the residence basks in natural light and enjoys fresh air from every direction, instilling a sense of openness and tranquility. Every space of the home was designed to have a unique connection to the outdoors: expansive windows in the bedrooms, bathrooms, and meditation space; a comfortable screened porch abutting the main living area on one side, with an expansive deck on the other; and a roofed, open multipurpose space connecting the garage to the rest of the residence. These tailored connections enhance interaction with nature and allow the Owners to spend long periods of time outdoors while comfortably protected from the elements. Building materials were sourced to be low/zero-VOC and non-toxic, providing a safer working environment for those involved in the construction process and for the Owners upon occupation.
operational strategy
The home uses durable and long-lasting materials not only to extend the life of the structure, but also to minimize maintenance. Corrugated metal siding a standing-seam metal roof provide easily-cleaned, weather-resistant surfaces that will not require any sort of frequent re-finishing, replacing, or treatment. Aluminum windows provide daylight without sacrificing durability and longevity. This daylighting in-turn minimizes the need for and maintenance of electrical lighting, increasing the lifetime of light fixtures. In addition to disciplined recycling, the Owners use only organic and/or natural products for both cleaning and pest management.
The home uses durable and long-lasting materials not only to extend the life of the structure, but also to minimize maintenance. Corrugated metal siding a standing-seam metal roof provide easily-cleaned, weather-resistant surfaces that will not require any sort of frequent re-finishing, replacing, or treatment. Aluminum windows provide daylight without sacrificing durability and longevity. This daylighting in-turn minimizes the need for and maintenance of electrical lighting, increasing the lifetime of light fixtures. In addition to disciplined recycling, the Owners use only organic and/or natural products for both cleaning and pest management.
economic performance
Considering the size of the project, simple and efficient tools were used to calculate: (1) the required rainwater storage necessary, (2) the required solar power generation, and (3) the amount of geothermal cooling required to create a comfortable and efficient home. This residence prides itself in self-sustaining power generation and water collection, and a minimal impact on its site. Readily available materials like corrugated metal siding and standing seam metal roofing not only minimize initial cost, but also the life-time cost of maintenance. Locally sourced materials such as limestone and cedar wood relate to the immediate context and natural landscape, and minimize the consumed embodied energy. While the use of materials such as corrugated siding could have been viewed as a design limitation caused by the tight budget, but the architects were able to make them a pivotal component in the aesthetics of the home by considering these materials from the outset.
Considering the size of the project, simple and efficient tools were used to calculate: (1) the required rainwater storage necessary, (2) the required solar power generation, and (3) the amount of geothermal cooling required to create a comfortable and efficient home. This residence prides itself in self-sustaining power generation and water collection, and a minimal impact on its site. Readily available materials like corrugated metal siding and standing seam metal roofing not only minimize initial cost, but also the life-time cost of maintenance. Locally sourced materials such as limestone and cedar wood relate to the immediate context and natural landscape, and minimize the consumed embodied energy. While the use of materials such as corrugated siding could have been viewed as a design limitation caused by the tight budget, but the architects were able to make them a pivotal component in the aesthetics of the home by considering these materials from the outset.
equity & engagement
The Milagro Springs Retreat was conceived as a prototype for a sustainable, rural community. The residence serves as a beacon to show what could be—a self-sustaining home in a rural setting, independent of municipal water and energy. Working closely with community officials, the Owner has garnered support in creating a series of developments—with this home as the prototype—in which residents would share public spaces, site paths, and other resources, while minimally impacting the surrounding environment.
The Milagro Springs Retreat was conceived as a prototype for a sustainable, rural community. The residence serves as a beacon to show what could be—a self-sustaining home in a rural setting, independent of municipal water and energy. Working closely with community officials, the Owner has garnered support in creating a series of developments—with this home as the prototype—in which residents would share public spaces, site paths, and other resources, while minimally impacting the surrounding environment.
community & land use
the Owners have taken it upon themselves to promote their residence as a model for future off-the-grid development. In order to build community relations and promote the sustainable lifestyle embodied by the Milagro Springs Retreat, the Owners host free community concerts at the house several times a year. Designed as a flexible, outdoor covered space, the stage at Milagro Springs Retreat allows the house to serve as a backdrop for colorful folk and Americana performances.
the Owners have taken it upon themselves to promote their residence as a model for future off-the-grid development. In order to build community relations and promote the sustainable lifestyle embodied by the Milagro Springs Retreat, the Owners host free community concerts at the house several times a year. Designed as a flexible, outdoor covered space, the stage at Milagro Springs Retreat allows the house to serve as a backdrop for colorful folk and Americana performances.
resilience
The foundation elevates the house above the floodplain, future-proofing the residence from the severe flooding that has become a more frequent occurrence throughout Central Texas in recent years.
Because the residence is the first of several potential sustainable structures deployed across the site, it is intended to be easily reproduced. But at the same time, attention was paid toward dismantling the structure with minimal impact. For example, the pier-and-beam foundation is a budget-friendly option for future development, but it could also be dismantled without disturbing a large area of the site. Similarly, the metal roof and aluminum and cedar siding were chosen for long-term ease of maintenance, but could be easily removed and recycled.
The foundation elevates the house above the floodplain, future-proofing the residence from the severe flooding that has become a more frequent occurrence throughout Central Texas in recent years.
Because the residence is the first of several potential sustainable structures deployed across the site, it is intended to be easily reproduced. But at the same time, attention was paid toward dismantling the structure with minimal impact. For example, the pier-and-beam foundation is a budget-friendly option for future development, but it could also be dismantled without disturbing a large area of the site. Similarly, the metal roof and aluminum and cedar siding were chosen for long-term ease of maintenance, but could be easily removed and recycled.
PROJECT TEAM
OWNER : CONFIDENTIAL
ARCHITECT : MIRÓ RIVERA ARCHITECTS
GENERAL CONTRACTOR : PB CONSTRUCTION
INTERIOR DESIGNER : MIRÓ RIVERA ARCHITECTS
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT : ENVIRONMENTAL SURVEY CONSULTING
MEP ENGINEER : PROJECT SUBCONTRACTOR
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER : STRUCTURES P.E., LLP
CIVIL ENGINEER : PROJECT SUBCONTRACTOR
SUSTAINABILITY CONSULTANT : MIRÓ RIVERA ARCHITECTS
ENERGY MODELER : MIRÓ RIVERA ARCHITECTS
SEPTIC + WATER COLLECTION : DAVID VENHUIZEN
OWNER : CONFIDENTIAL
ARCHITECT : MIRÓ RIVERA ARCHITECTS
GENERAL CONTRACTOR : PB CONSTRUCTION
INTERIOR DESIGNER : MIRÓ RIVERA ARCHITECTS
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT : ENVIRONMENTAL SURVEY CONSULTING
MEP ENGINEER : PROJECT SUBCONTRACTOR
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER : STRUCTURES P.E., LLP
CIVIL ENGINEER : PROJECT SUBCONTRACTOR
SUSTAINABILITY CONSULTANT : MIRÓ RIVERA ARCHITECTS
ENERGY MODELER : MIRÓ RIVERA ARCHITECTS
SEPTIC + WATER COLLECTION : DAVID VENHUIZEN