NEWS

Wolverton Air has been an industry leader in the development and design of energy efficient HVAC systems, actively participating in builder programs, such as The Bannister House in Gravevine, Texas. Below is a story published in the Dallas Morning News October 5, 2007.

For more information, visit the project video page at: http://www.bannisterhousetexas.com/videos.html

Ross and Tammy Bannister have merged history and technology to build what they call a high-performance home that might be mistaken for one of Grapevine's early Texas Prairie-style houses. Mr. Bannister, director of the city of Grapevine's heritage programs, is moving from what he calls his low-performance house, once owned by the "world's worst handyman," he says, to a new 2,385-square-foot home that has incorporated the latest technologies. There is insulation that keeps the attic at 75 degrees, inexpensive solar water heating and rainwater harvesting that most likely will eliminate a water bill for the Bannisters.

Tammy and Ross Bannister, foreground, have built a high-performance home that fits into the city of Grapevine's passion for historic structures. Chris Miles, right back, built the home and Bill Peck, left back, designed it as part of the Texas Association of Builders' Sunbelt Builders Show. The utilities in this three-bedroom house are expected to run about $75 a month. Energy-efficient, environmentally friendly homes are often like luxury sports cars. Many people would love to have one, but they are beyond the average buyer's price range. However, unlike most technologically advanced houses, the budget to build the innovative Bannister house, which was $395,000, is within the reach of more buyers. "People keep saying to us, 'Come back and build us something we can afford,' " says the home's builder, Chris Miles with GreenCraft Builders, a leading builder of energy-efficient homes.

The Bannister home, at 424 Ball St. in Grapevine, is open to the public Oct. 6 and 7 and Oct. 13 and 14. It is part of the Texas Association of Builders' Sunbelt Builders Show. Once the show is over and the guests leave, the Bannisters get to move in. "I can't wait," Ms. Bannister says. To date, she has managed only a short nap in her new house. A native of Houston, Mr. Bannister came to Grapevine initially to be the director of the community's festivals in the 1990s. The Bannisters began to appreciate the historic preservation, which in Grapevine is more than just a quality-of-life issue. It is a profit center.

Beginning 20 years ago, city leaders made it a priority to preserve the historical structures of the oldest community in Tarrant County. The ambience created along Grapevine's historic Main Street now attracts thousands of visitors, particularly to its annual wine and heritage events. "The commitment to preservation has created a great quality of life and a destination for visitors," Mr. Bannister says. For the city, historic preservation has become "the heart of the (Grapevine) brand." The Bannisters searched throughout Grapevine for a house to restore. They found a rental house near the historic Main Street that they eventually bought along with the accompanying acre. There they began to design the home of their dreams – one that would combine the look and feel of a historic home, but use "the latest products and better design," he says. The goal was to build a durable, low-maintenance, energy-efficient and healthy home.

Designed by William Peck & Associates and built by Mr. Miles' GreenCraft, the home incorporates the latest technologies in the one-story, L-shaped design that looks like a 1900s restored home. The Bannister house has more than 1,000 square feet of front and rear porches, positioned to take advantage of breezes. Inside, the home features 1,800 square feet of large-planked oak flooring that was reclaimed from a 103-year-old Cotton Exchange warehouse in Galveston. The Hardie Board exterior looks like wood, but it is made of cement-fiber, has a warranty of at least 25 years and won't need painting for at least 15 years.

All of the brick in the landscaping is reclaimed from old buildings. The Pella windows are highly energy-efficient but look like something Mr. Bannister's grandmother might have used in her house. The 5,000-square-foot roof collects rain and stores it in a 10,000-gallon cistern in the backyard. For every inch of rain, the home captures 3,000 gallons of water for showers, washing clothes and irrigation. And the home is environmentally friendly throughout. The air is exchanged every two hours. The driveway is made of pervious concrete to allow water to soak through. The mulch in the garden comes from the shavings of the home's framing, and the bath and kitchen countertops and flooring are made of recycled glass. "Everything in here has a story," Mr. Miles says. Stop in this weekend. As you would expect, the Bannisters are good storytellers.

Stewart Lytle Published by the Dallas Morning News