Eighth Street Heights: A Zero Energy Residence This executive level furnished rental is located at 409 W. 8th St. in the Houston Heights neighborhood, as central as you can get and therefore close to almost everything you would need or enjoy in this vibrant city. The recently renovated residence--designed, detailed and built by Palmer Brook Schooley, AIA, and The Building Arts Company--is all about comfortable, modern, sustainable design and living. The fully furnished residence is now available to those who would wish to lease a home that is finished at the highest level, move-in ready, and completely unique in Houston. Which is to say, if you would really enjoy living in a modern architect's own (potentially) net zero house, but would prefer to lease it, this is the only option out there! Short term or longer term leases are acceptable and all utilities are included in the monthly rental amount. Your next-door neighbor would actually be the architect/builder who, with his designer wife, is responsible for the design and execution of the very substantial renovation project, right through to custom furnishings, fittings, and artwork. The three bedroom, two bath house is at the same time a wonderfully private place and perfect for entertaining. The beautiful, serene garden spaces are newly created and viewable from most interior spaces, including a flexible space that could be used for any purpose--from a nursery or play room to a studio, office, home theater, exercise room, or simply storage. Total interior area is 2120sf, with covered porches amounting to 600sf, and the home is available for between $4900.00 and $5500.00 per month, depending on the length of lease term. The Zero Energy Lifestyle: The 8.4 kW solar array installed is designed to create nearly as much power as the home will consume on a yearly basis, and as the first six months showed, it can even be a net positive energy project. The entry courtyard is largely covered by the "solar porch," which consists of 12 Lumos bi-facial panels that shade and protect the front door and deck. An additional 20 panels are mounted on the adjacent metal roof and all are equipped with micro inverters. The house is served by natural gas for heating, cooking, and a Rinnai on-demand water heater. Cooling is handled by a 5 ton, 16 SEER AC system while a white coated metal roof, passive solar design and motorized shading, LED lighting, energy efficient appliances, and excellent insulation assure dramatically little energy consumption compared to even new construction norms. All rooms have ceiling fans and a good bit of natural ventilation is possible. The transformation of 409 W. 8th started with the use of a stained cypress siding on a widened street fac ade, in which was placed an aluminum and glass garage door that generously illuminates the two car garage. As we inherited nice built-in cabinetry and doors done in birch, the same is used for all the new custom millwork of the bathrooms and kitchen. Avonite solid surfaces are used for countertops throughout; new also for the kitchen are Frigidaire Professional appliances, vent hood, lighting, and cork flooring. Cooks will be pleased by a bevy of small appliances, kitchen tools, and the Calphalon and Cuisinart cookware. A Weber grill is provided as well. The bathrooms have Kohler sinks and faucets in the new countertops, and both have ultra high efficiency toilets from Niagara Conservation. The Master Bath was remodeled with a walk-in shower, in which the glass enclosure and white glass tile complement the nicely daylit space. The Master Bedroom itself was enhanced by the addition of a dressing and closet space with a quiet workspace looking out to the back garden. The Master is provided with a California King Select Comfort bed on a custom platform with drawers. The room receives daylight from clerestory windows, as does the main living space. Sliding glass doors all the way across the living room open on to the porch and the garden itself. Electronic entertainment starts with a 7.1 home theater receiver and surround sound design, with a subwoofer, and a 50"Samsung Smart 3D Slim TV. A wireless equipped 40" Samsung Smart TV can reside in any of the other rooms, connected via Xfinity. Many other features and elements will go unmentioned here, but can happily be discussed in person. The Owners are flexible and willing to work with tenants relative to adjustments in furnishings, artwork, and accoutrements; they will also be neighbors who care that the residents of 409 have what they need to fully enjoy this comfortable home and the lifestyle it supports. As stated above, utilities are covered by the owner for all lease terms. We are certainly flexible should a longer term tenant wishes to assume responsibility for a lower monthly rent. The house is a no smoking environment and loud or unruly pets are neither invited nor welcome.
This property is off market, which means it's not currently listed for sale or rent on Zillow. This may be different from what's available on other websites or public sources.
