In 2005, Matt and Tina Ford launched Shade House Development with a goal to build multifamily housing in Houston that incorporates innovative architecture with environmentally friendly and efficient designs. But more than that, as evident with their first project, they wanted to build residential projects that can have these features and still remain affordable. Located in an older neighborhood of Houston close to downtown, the Fords built a five-unit development designed in modern architecture with units ranging in size from 1,600 to 2,200 square feet and prices starting in the high $200,000s. Matt Ford says they spent almost two years putting thoughts and details into the plans for this project. "Every aspect was carefully considered, from the energy efficiencies to the Weatherwood finish, and even the design of the courtyard gate,
he says.

Due to Houston's high cost of land, the Fords decided to create a site layout which was more comfortable and functional in dense development. Design features include flooring that consists of recycled gym floors and the outdoor landscaping includes water-permeable gravel-rock to help minimize water runoff and soil erosion.

In developing a sustainable design for Houston's hot and humid climate, Matt Ford experimented with several different types of venting and insulation. "The key is the attic,
says Ford. "They can reach 150 degrees in the summer and are responsible for a significant amount of a home's heat loss. Air conditioning units are typically located in attics, which is a highly inefficient use.
So Ford created and patented an innovation called Sun-Flow, a passive solar design which includes wide air ducts in the roof. With fans and vents powered by rooftop solar panels, hot air is moved through the duct channels and expelled out of the house. Around the exteriors, Ford installed radiant barrier wraps including Cool Tone shingles, which help keep the units cool by shielding solar radiation.

As a whole, Ford wanted to create an energyefficient design that had the biggest payoff for the least amount of cost. "I think some fundamental principles in the Green movement can be changed. More thought and value should be incorporated into the designs of projects, which ultimately is more cost effective. We don't want to build just for millionaires; we want our products to be accessible and affordable.

Shade House Development is currently in the permit stage for a second six-unit project in Houston.