The 38th Annual AIA Austin Homes Tour is one of Austin’s premiere fall events. Held October 26-27, 2024, the self-guided tour showcases both new builds and newly renovated homes designed by local, best-in-field architects.
The Tour offers an exclusive opportunity to step inside nine architecturally significant homes, each showcasing the visionary designs of licensed architects and AIA Austin members. This tour is a unique experience where you can marvel at the innovative use of materials, craft, and cutting-edge construction methods, gaining insight into the creative process behind these unique dwellings.
Innovative Water Solutions LLC is proud to be a Bronze Sponsor for the tour this year! You will be able to tour one of rainwater harvesting systems on the Tour this year. We are proud to present the rainwater harvesting system at the Post Oak Residence on the Tour.
About the House
The Post Oak Residence, a newly constructed home just south of downtown Austin, was crafted for empty nesters desiring a space that harmonizes lively gatherings with serene retreats. Designed in a compact form and nestled against the rear boundary of the property, the home utilizes the entire site to create a central courtyard. At the front, a second open-air structure—featuring a two-car carport, potting bench, and covered porch— marks the entrance to this inviting courtyard. To address the home’s southern exposure, a two-story dining porch is adorned with a steel- louvered screen. This feature provides essential shade and ensures privacy for the second-floor bedrooms, adding a layer of intimacy to the home. The material palette is simple yet elegant. The exterior showcases the rugged beauty of board-formed concrete paired with sleek steel and smooth stucco. Exterior areas, including the courtyard and terraces, offer perfect settings for both entertaining and quiet contemplation.
About the Rainwater Harvesting System
The rainwater harvesting system consists of a 1,700-gallon underground polyethylene water storage tank that collects rainwater from both the garage structure and the surface drains on the pool patio. This provides a collection area of approximately 2,000 square feet which produces approximately 1,200 gallons per inch of rainfall. In addition to the rainwater collection, the pool filter backwash is also connected to the collection tank so that the homeowners can capture that water rather than allowing it to just be wasted.
The system is used for irrigation purposes only and it is connected to the onsite irrigation system. The system is equipped with an automatic fill system which allows municipal water to flow into the tank in order to keep a minimum amount of water in the tank at all times so that the pump system won’t even run dry. A reduced pressure zone (RPZ) backflow prevention device was installed at the city water meter as per city regulations.
When the tank overflows, a dispersal system was installed on the northside of the property which is the downhill side of the property. Rather than allowing the overflow water to come out at one dispersal location, potentially creating erosion and drainage issues, the overflow water comes out of three separate drainage outlet basins that at spaced out along the backside of the house. Dealing with the overflow from rainwater storage tanks is often overlooked on projects but it can definitely cause long-term issues if not dealt with properly. We ensured that the overflow from this underground tank would not cause these issues.
Want a Rainwater Harvesting System?
We would love to consult with you to design and install a rainwater harvesting system that accomplishes the goals of water conservation while fitting aesthetically into your property. Please call us at 512-490-0932 or us our Consult Request form. We look forward to meeting with you!