Casa Verde Builders constructs 12 to 14 homes per year. The houses are new structures that are built on vacant lots in the neighborhood. Future plans include rehabilitation of existing homes. The new homes are designed to be affordable to purchase and maintain. Site selection and house orientation attempt to preserve existing trees to lower the cost of air conditioning.
Downpayment assistance is provided by the city and state when needed.
Casa Verde stresses the principles of Austin's Green Builder program, which encourages construction professionals and consumers to incorporate sustainable building practices, systems, and materials into residential and commercial construction. Designed by local architect Gail Borcht, the homes utilize new building technologies such as structural insulated panels, engineered roof and floor trusses, and small-dimensional lumber, thereby avoiding the use of older growth lumber. Additional recycled materials are used in the carpets, the metal roof, and the deck material. Through the use of these materials and the sensitivity to the environment and the site, monthly utilities are greatly reduced, making the homes more affordable to low-income families. The impact of the program extends far beyond the new houses.