Ask for the City of Austin Preferred Plant list as a guideline. Shade trees are planted on the east and west side of the house. Gutters and downspouts direct water away from house. The irrigation system conserves water by using devices such as valves with manual flow control, a rain shut-off and a timer with multiple start times. The Right Design Comfort and reasonable utility and maintenance bills are possible if a house is designed right for its site and climate Minimal Solar Heat Gain Longest walls face north and south.
Most windows face north and south.
Most windows are shaded on the outside by overhangs, covered porches, awnings, trees, trellises, or pergolas. Garage and least-used rooms are positioned on west side to buffer rest of house from west sun. Maximum Ventilation Most windows are operable and positioned to facilitate cross breezes. Most rooms have windows on two walls. High, centrally-located, operable windows enable hot air to move up and vent to the outside.