Local builder shows off certified 'green' house

AUSTIN, Texas (KXAN) -- Green homes are a booming business in Austin, and one local builder-turned-homeowner knows that very well.

An ecologically friendly "green" home is one that uses less energy, water and natural resources. The home also creates less waste and is healthier for occupants than the standard home, according to the non-profit U.S. Green Building Council.

The house at 1702 Goodnight Lane is so green that it will be featured on the Discovery Channel . It is the culmination of Dominique Levesque's green passion. He remodels old houses and transforms them into eco-friendly homes of the future.

"To me, it's like a loving act," Levesque said.

Levesque said the oak flooring is actually composed of grain, which gives it a varied pattern, instead of a monotonous appearance.

All the wood was recycled from demolished homes from the 1940s and '50s.

"Some of the green qualities of the kitchen are the countertops," Levesque said.

The house is equipped with appliances all made by Energy Star, and the countertops and flooring are granite and Brazilian slate.

"That is the spray foam insulation," Levesque said.

The home maintains a year-round temperature of about 70 degrees. The spray foam insulation has a lot to do with it.

The sink has a low-flow faucet to reduce water usage.

"The deck is a product called Timbertech," Levesque said.

The deck was made with wood and plastic. The combo means it is naturally water resistant, so there is no need for a chemical seal.

And the metal roof does a good job of blocking out most of those blazing hot sunrays.

"I think at this point there's gotta be something deeper in the building trade where there's something more conscientious," Levesque said.

Home buyers seem to want it, too. Realtors said more people have asked for eco-friendly houses.

"I think people are getting tired of these McMansions that tower over these tiny houses and take up the whole lot," said realtor Laurie Janss.

The house is Levesque's work of art. He said even though it is up for sale, it is extremely hard letting go.

"I'm like, holding onto it in some strange way, because this probably the coolest house," Levesque said. "It's really great."

The house has been recognized by  Austin Energy's Green Building Program  with its highest five-star stamp of approval.

The house is selling for about $500,000.

See it on the Discovery Channel this summer.