Architecture / Design / Landscape

The National Solar Tour, held Oct. 4-6, features homes in Texas with renewable energy technology, including locations in Fairview, Irving, Waco, and Austin. Hosted by the American Solar Energy Society, the tour promotes solar energy adoption and provides an opportunity to discuss features with homeowners.

Visit the Westbrook House in Fairview during the National Solar Tour on Oct. 5, to explore its pioneering energy efficiency and eco-friendly features, built by Paul Westbrook. The house uses passive solar design, geothermal systems, and rainwater collection, showcasing sustainable living and hosting public tours to inspire similar initiatives.

Here slept a streamside glade

Spring-lush with daisies, grasses;

Deer drifted down to drink

And doves sang in the sun.

Cedar Hill's new 'Library in a Park' features a 42,000-square-foot facility within a 7-acre Signature Park, including nature trails and a concert venue. Opening on April 27, the library integrates outdoor elements, offers a rooftop deck, a podcast studio, and houses the Cedar Hill Museum, embracing community input and green design.

The Irving home of Bill Byrom, part of the National Solar Tour, features groundbreaking urban sustainability innovations, including a 14.4 kW DC solar system, geothermal HVAC, rainwater collection, and zero-energy design.

The 2023 EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant provides $1M for asbestos and contaminant removal from Fort Worth Convention Center. The cleanup, part of a $606M renovation and expansion, precedes arena demolition in 2026, promoting community revitalization and economic growth in Fort Worth.

Army veteran Peter Huggler and Christina Wester founded Indigo River Tiny Homes in Dallas, leveraging their construction skills from Habitat for Humanity. Their company builds custom tiny homes, combining sustainable materials with innovative designs, and supports veteran organizations while promoting eco-friendly living.

A new Bison Viewing Deck at Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge offers visitors a unique perspective to view the only publicly accessible bison herd in North Texas. Bison, once nearly extinct, are now thriving with careful management. The deck is accessible, and visitors are reminded of the bison's power and unpredictability.

At dawn, loud and polluting gas leaf blowers invade neighborhoods, disrupting peace. These devices emit significant pollution and noise akin to jets. Electric alternatives are viable, quieter, and cleaner. Cities are shifting to electric blowers, promoting bans and buyback programs to ease transitions while considering lawn care businesses.

The Texas Sales Tax Holiday offers tax exemptions on ENERGY STAR and WaterSense products from May 28-30 to encourage energy and water conservation amidst rising energy costs and grid challenges. The event allows tax-free purchases on select appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers, but excludes solar products and energy-efficient windows.