The southern and western facades are covered in photovoltaic panels

In the last decade, East 11th street in Austin has undergone a dramatic transformation that Bercy Chen sought to celebrate with a thriving new mixed-use property that pays respect to the world’s current energy and natural resource crisis. In addition to integrating 11 retail stores, offices, and 20 residential apartments – nearly 1/4 of which are affordable homes – it was crucial to use the most efficient building materials and recycle construction waste.

With awesome views of the city, the East Village has 2 rooftop gardens that can be enjoyed by anyone, and boasts a rainwater collection system. The southern and western facades feature piles of photovoltaic panels, as well as a screen to mitigate excess solar gain – thereby maintaining a perfect balance. Inside, the best insulation has been used to increase the project’s energy performance, no VOC paint was used whatsoever, and only low-impact indigenous plants were used for the landscaping. As far as we’re concerned, Austin just got ten notches cooler!

+ Bercy Chen Studio

1 Comment

enidlala January 2, 2012 at 10:44 am

I pass by this building all the time and was curious on the back story of it. Thanks for sharing. We need more places like this in Austin!