OFF-GRID GREEN BUILDING
Mangum Builders provides modern solutions for “off-the-grid” living, using Green Building resources to sustain an Eco-conscious lifestyle in Austin, Texas and the hill country surrounding it.
As homeowners look for ways to reduce energy costs, increase independence, and live more sustainably, off-grid and solar-powered homes are becoming a defining trend in modern construction. A growing number of builders — including companies like Mangum Builders — now offer specialized services that make self-sufficient living both practical and comfortable.
Off-grid living has evolved dramatically. Today’s off-grid homes are designed with advanced technology, efficient materials, and thoughtful layouts that allow families to enjoy full modern comfort without relying on public utilities. Builders who offer these services focus on creating homes that operate as complete, self-sustaining systems.
These homes often include solar power, battery storage, water-harvesting solutions, and high-efficiency insulation. The result is a living environment that provides long-term stability, reduced monthly costs, and greater control over energy use.
SOLAR POWER
THE FOUNDATION OF OFF-GRID LIVING
Solar energy is the core of any off-grid home, and builders offering these services understand how to design systems that deliver reliable, year-round power. This typically includes:
Strategically placed solar arrays
High-capacity battery banks
Smart inverters and monitoring systems
Optional backup generators for extreme conditions
Mangum Builders incorporates these elements into a comprehensive energy plan tailored to each home’s location and needs.
The appeal of off-grid and solar-powered homes continues to grow for several reasons:
Lower long-term energy costs
Reduced environmental impact
Protection from grid outages
Freedom to build in rural or remote locations
A lifestyle centered around independence and sustainability
Mangum Builders help homeowners achieve these goals through thoughtful design and specialized expertise
OUR METHODS & PRACTICES
FOR BUILDING GREENER, CLEANER THAN EVER BEFORE
Rainwater Harvesting System
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At Mangum Builders, we specialize in green home construction. It is a forward-thinking approach that helps to reduce the impact on natural resources and will benefit the future generations. Designed to be environmentally friendly, a green home focuses on the efficient use of water, energy and materials. We, at Mangum Builders, have years of experience in green home construction and we are dedicated to bring environmentally and efficiency to the homes that we build. For years, we have been building homes that strike a balance between beauty and being environmentally responsible.
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Rainwater harvesting is a type of technology that collect, store and utilize rainwater during rainfall, that would usually fall back onto the ground. After the collection of rainwater, this water can be stored in storage tanks and used for non-domestic purposes. This can be seen as a substitution for portable water, which is expensive and in short supply in many regions.
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Rainwater harvesting can help the environment in many ways. It can control storm water run-off and can reduce erosion around downspouts and drainage systems. This is because rainwater do not produce corrosion as hard water does. Rainwater harvesting can also reduce water bills. Having a source of water in your home will significantly reduce dependence on municipal sources. As rainwater is considered soft water, it can lessen the need for detergents when washing dishes and clothes. Ground water are increasingly being used in several ways around the world. During times of drought, using harvested rainwater becomes essential when ground water supplies have been depleted. Harvested rainwater can also be used to greatly improve gardens and plant life. It can flush out the mineral impurities’ buildup from the plants and soil. Harvested rainwater is free from many types of man-made contaminations, pollutants and chlorination. You are able to save money on your overall property maintenance and landscaping needs when using harvested water.
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The way rainwater harvesting works is that it can be used both outside and inside of homes. This will result in reducing overall water waste and water consumption. The storage tanks are placed on the roofs or on the sides of a house, under a specialized gutter to catch the falling rainwater. Then the harvested rainwater is filtered to remove any large debris and leaves. The rainwater then enters the tank via an inlet to minimize disturbance to the sediment on the base of the tank. It is then pumped directly to the appliances in the house.
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Our mission, as homebuilders, is to streamline performance and provide exceptional service to our clients. We lived out our core values every day to delivery consistent quality and premium craftsmanship. Magnum Builders has been able to build a home that is both adaptable and customer-centered to the market trends. We pride ourselves in holding to a high standard for customer satisfaction.
For more information about rainwater harvesting or other green building services, feel free to contact us today.
Icynene Spray Foam Insulation
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Green home construction is what we specialize in at Mangum Builders. It is a big picture approach that helps to greatly reduce the impact on natural resources and will benefit the future generations. A green home focuses on the efficient use of water, energy and materials and is designed to be environmentally friendly. We have years of experience in green home construction and we are striving to bring environmentally and efficiency to the homes that we build. We have been building homes that strike a balance between beauty and being environmentally responsible.
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Icynene spray foam insulation is a flexible spray foam product that is more than 50% greater energy savings when comparing to other foam insulation products. Icynene is made of polyurethane, which is a plastic polymer, and is used for insulating lofts, walls, roofs and floors. This recycled material does not contain any toxic chemicals, harmful gases and synthetic agents which makes it an environmentally friendly solution for homes.
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When using Icynene spray foam, your cooling and heating bills will be lower as it will reduce the workload of the system, which will allow you to find a suitable size for your HVAC equipment. Another benefit of the Icynene spray foam is the increased comfortability inside your home. This spray foam effectively eliminates air leaks throughout your house. You will be able to enjoy a more suitable indoor climate, all year round, without overusing your HVAC system. This will, in turn, improve your HVAC system’s efficiency. Apart from regulating indoor climate of your home, Icynene spray foam insulation also offers a peaceful and quieter living space. This spray foam addresses two main household noise pollutions, flanking noise, which is sound from your HVAC system and plumbing, and airborne noise, is noise from televisions and stereos. Both of these issues can be resolved with the flexibility of Icynene spray foam.
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Expanding up to 100 times from its original size after the initial spray, Icynene spray foam then hardens to fill in every corner. This then creates an air tight seal to give energy efficient thermal insulation and bring down energy costs. This spray foam insulation can be used to solve soundproofing, condensation and heat loss issues in homes. Icynene spray foam is non-toxic and completely safe. It is a water-blown foam which does not use any dangerous chemicals or gases. Clients are able to return to their homes as soon as the foam has cured, which would take at least two hours.
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Our approach as homebuilders, is to provide exceptional service to our clients. We lived out our values every day to delivery excellence in quality and premium craftsmanship. Following market trends, Mangum Builders has been able to build a home that are adaptable, comfortable and customer-centered. We pride ourselves in holding to a high standard for customer satisfaction.
For more information about icynene spray foam or other green building services, feel free to contact us today.
For more information about rainwater harvesting or other green building services, feel free to contact us today.
Geothermal Heating & Cooling System
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Improving your home’s energy efficiency is no longer just a trend. It has become the norm to choose environmentally friendly methods of homebuilding by conserving and reusing the resources we already have. And that’s exactly what home geothermal heating and cooling systems are—a way to use the earth’s energy to heat and cool the air in your home, instead of relying on energy from fossil fuels. Not only is it an environmentally friendly option that reduces your carbon footprint, but it also reduces your utility bills, too! Have we piqued your interest yet?
Here at Mangum Builders, we’re dedicated to sustainable home design that respects the environment and the land we live and build on; it’s why we’ve been helping people go green in their homes as far back as 1994. As professional home builders in the eco-conscious city of Austin, it’s important to us to take a big-picture approach in our homebuilding.
This involves being thoughtful and responsible in our work so that we can help minimize our impact on natural resources, other species and future generations. We’re proud to offer geothermal heating and cooling in our homebuilding and construction— an innovative and green-minded technique that also saves money and improves comfort for homeowners. So how does it work, exactly?
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Geothermal energy is a green method of heating and cooling your home. The energy is created from the heat naturally retained within the Earth, as well as the radiant solar energy that’s continually absorbed at its surface.
A typical geothermal HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system consists of a ground loop heat pump system that circulates a carrier fluid—usually a mix of water and antifreeze. In the winter, that fluid is warmed by a heat exchanger and then circulated through the ductwork and into your home as warm air. The process is reversed in the summertime: the excess heat is pumped from your home and back into the ground.
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One of the most rewarding benefits of geothermal heating and cooling systems for homes is that it cuts your reliance on harmful and toxic fossil fuels. But that’s not the only reason why it makes sense for homeowners like you. When you take advantage of Earth’s natural resources this way, it means that you become energy independent—no more skyrocketing bills from your utility provider again. It’s also a simple and relatively maintenance free system. In fact, long-term utility costs can decrease by 80% or more with a geothermal heating and cooling system.
If you’re ready to go green with your new home, a geothermal heating and cooling system is a smart and simple way to get started. Best of all, you can use a geothermal system in conjunction with solar power, a rainwater system, expanded foam insulation systems, and other energy-efficient HVAC systems such as multi-zone, multi-speed and hydronic heating, all of which we offer here at Mangum Builders.
Hebel Blocks
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Green home construction is a forward-thinking approach that helps to reduce the impact on natural resources and will benefit the future generations. Here at Mangum Builders, we designed environmentally friendly home for our clients. A green home focuses on the efficient use of water, energy and materials. We have years of experience in green home construction and we are dedicated to bring environmentally and efficiency to the homes that we build. For years, we have been building homes that strike a balance between beauty and being environmentally responsible. The materials that we use symbolized our dedication to our clients and we strive to bring excellence in all of our buildings.
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Hebel blocks are made out of autoclaved aerated concrete. Each panel contains steel reinforcement for maximum durability and strength. They are lightweight building material which is formed into blocks for many construction purposes. These blocks will surely bring your home into the modern era by providing a contemporary look to your house. Using Hebel blocks will definitely give your home a beautiful facade, while providing great sound acoustics and fire protection.
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While comparing to many other cement substrates, Hebel blocks will reduce noise from external sources such as planes flying overhead and traffic which means more peace and quiet. These blocks can also lower sound transference between each levels of your home. As mentioned, Hebel blocks give a solid feel and security than most traditional bricks. The steel reinforced internal panels of Hebel blocks will add strength between rooms. Hebel is well known for being fire resistance. Hebel panel system is made out of non-combustible material so you will always have peace-of-mind when you are home. Hebel blocks are environmentally friendly, with a 30% lower environment impact than normal concrete. It also produces 55% less greenhouse emissions, which is the greener and cleaner choice. Compared to other masonry products, Hebel blocks provide a superior insulation protection. This means less reliance on air conditioners and heaters. It is a good way to be kinder to the environment and saving money.
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Hebel blocks range of fencing, wall and floor system provide excellent benefits to homeowners. It is quick to install and will not compromising on quality, yet being solid and comfortable to live in. With its incredible thermal insulation properties, a home built with Hebel blocks will surely stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
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Mangum Builder’s mission is to streamline performance and provide clients with exceptional service. We lived out our core values daily to delivery for our clients, consistent quality and premium craftsmanship to create timelessly elegant houses for them . Mangum Builders has been able to build a home that is both adaptable and customer-centered to the market trends. We pride ourselves in holding to a high standard for customer satisfaction.
For more information about Hebel blocks or other green building services, feel free to contact us today.
For more information about rainwater harvesting or other green building services, feel free to contact us today.
Home Solar System
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Green home construction is designed to be environmentally friendly. It is a positively aggressive approach that helps to reduce the impact on natural resources and will benefit the future generations. Here at Mangum Builders, we designed and build environmentally friendly home for our clients. A green home focuses on the efficient use of water, energy and materials. We have years of experience in green home construction and we are dedicated to bring environmentally and efficiency to the homes that we build. We have been building homes that strike a balance between beauty and being environmentally responsible.
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Solar panels are used to convert sunlight, into electricity that can be used to power electrical appliances. Solar panels can fit your home and family needs. Clients who install solar panels at their home will receive many benefits such as lower carbon footprint, lower electricity bills and higher home value. It is a cleaner and renewable alternative to fossil fuels. These panels are best suited for houses with have ample sunlight throughout the year.
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Solar energy does not pollute the water and does not produce greenhouse emission. It also has the least negative impact on the environment. You will not only be reducing your carbon footprint but it is a good way to increase renewable energy. Energy demand tends to be higher in the early evening and this is the time when electricity prices peak. Prices during those times could be reduced with the help of the additional electricity input from the solar panels. This means you will pay less for the electricity you use. The installation of solar panels also can increase the value of your home, if you are looking to sell it. According to surveys, solar panels add value and estimates that a 5kW solar panel will may add around a little over USD$20,000 to your property. Solar panels generally require low maintenance costs. You only need to clean them a couple times a year and you can expect little spending on repair and maintenance.
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Solar panels work by converting photons from the sun into direct current, which make its way into your converter. Your converter then converts the direct current into alternating current and sends it to your electrical box to power up your home. You could reduce your dependence on the grid connection by stored energy provided by the solar panels. This is an affordable and efficient way to own your power instead of buying it from the grid.
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Mangum Builder has been able to build a home by focusing on three core values, which are experience, integrity and excellence. Our mission is to streamline performance and provide our clients with exceptional customer service. Mangum Builders has been able to build a home that is both adaptable and customer-centered to the market trends. Along with our trusted partners, we pride ourselves in holding to a high standard for customer satisfaction.
For more information about solar panels or other green building services, feel free to contact us today.
For more information about Hebel blocks or other green building services, feel free to contact us today.
For more information about rainwater harvesting or other green building services, feel free to contact us today.
Home Wind Power
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Green home construction is designed to be environmentally friendly. Its design, operation and construction can eliminate or reduce negative impacts on our climate and environment. Here at Magnum Builders, we designed and build environmentally friendly home for our clients. A green home preserve precious resources and improve our quality of life. Having years of experience in green home construction, we are dedicated to bring efficiency to the homes that we build. We have been building homes that strike a balance between beauty and being environmentally responsible.
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Small wind turbines are a cost-effective way to generate renewable energy for your home. Many homeowners now are looking for ways to capture the benefits of wind power. Small wind turbines take the magic of wind power and transform it into electricity for residential use, serving as a gateway to a cost-effective power source. Wind turbines need to be in a high wind location to make the upfront investment worthwhile. Basically, the windier the weather and the taller the turbine, the more electricity It is able to generate. In some instances, small wind turbines can potentially offset 100% of your electrical bill.
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Wind turbines create clean and renewable energy without producing any carbon emissions. This will ensure that no damage will be cause to the environment, unlike energy produced by fossil fuels. When you install your home with a small wind turbine, you reduce your dependence on conventional electrical sources as wind power is free to harness. Though the initial cost for small wind turbines is high, within a few years, the turbines will pay for themselves. That is a great investment if you are looking for sustainability and being eco-friendly in your home. Furthermore, if you have excess wind power, you are able to sell that excess electricity to your local power company.
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Home wind turbines work on a simple principle, that the energy in the wind turns the blades around a rotor. Connected to the main shaft, this rotor spins a generator to create electrical power. Wind direction plays a factor, in which, it determines the design of the turbine. Downwind turbines face away while upwind turbines face into the wind. The blades rotate when the wind is blowing through them and this causes the rotor to spin. The gear box that is connected the low-speed shaft increases the rotational speeds of the turbine. This ensure that the generator produce electricity. The anemometer measures the wind speed and transmits the data to the controller.
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Magnum Builder has been able to build homes by focusing on three core values, which are experience, integrity and excellence. Our mission is to streamline performance and provide our clients with exceptional customer service. We thrive on communication and providing professional insights into every step of our process. We offer transparency and accountability in all of our builds.
For more information about wind turbines or other green building services, feel free to contact us today.
For more information about solar panels or other green building services, feel free to contact us today.
For more information about Hebel blocks or other green building services, feel free to contact us today.
For more information about rainwater harvesting or other green building services, feel free to contact us today.
Structural Steel Homes
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Historically, steel building frames were primarily used in commercial construction and mostly overlooked in residential home construction. But times have changed now that builders and homeowners have finally realized that the durability and safety advantages of structural steel make it one of the smartest choices for your home’s framing material.
Often used in modern homes that incorporate plenty of glass—such as sliding doors or glass wall systems—steel post and beam construction creates a solid framing that supports and protects your home for a lifetime. Here at Mangum Builders, we’ve got years of experience under our belts working with steel foundations for homeowners like you—in fact, we use steel home construction in two-thirds of the homes we build today.
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Unrivaled Durability
One of the most important factors of your home’s building type is how well it stands up over time. Unlike traditional wood framing, steel doesn’t warp or expand, so your home’s framing is permanent and impenetrable. Steel is also more resilient to water damage, since it doesn’t rot or decay and is extremely mold resistant. And unlike stick construction, which is a haven for termites, carpenter ants, and other wood-feeding insects, steel is insect resistant.
Protection from the Elements
There’s good reason why steel is so often used in the building of storm shelters and airplane hangar buildings. Steel construction offers unrivaled protection from the elements—even during the harshest natural disasters. Steel frames can withstand magnitude-9 earthquakes and wind speeds of more than 150 miles per hour. They’re incredibly safe for violent storms, too, because the steel framing is grounded directly into the earth, which renders the frame of the house like a lightning rod, safely discharging the current of a lightning strike into the ground.
What’s more, steel is also a winning choice for protection against fires. Unlike wood, which allows a fire to spread, steel contains the fire, which makes it the safest material in the event of a home fire.
Quicker Construction Time
An often overlooked advantage of a steel home is how quick and convenient it makes the homebuilding process. Because it’s engineered at a plant, it’s quicker to distribute and build. Because steel framing is delivered ready to assemble, it can often be built within days or weeks rather than months.
Top-Notch Insulation
Because steel is a better conductor than other framing materials, it provides better insulation for your home, keeping you cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. A light-colored metal roof or exterior will even reflect the sun, keeping your home as cool as possible during a blazing Austin summer.
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If you’re looking for a builder of steel construction residential homes, you’ve come to the right place. Here at Mangum Builders, we’ve got 26 years of experience as custom home builders in Austin Texas, and building elegant homes. that last a lifetime, and we’d be happy to help build the kind of place you’ll be proud to call home.
For more information about solar panels or other green building services, feel free to contact us today.
For more information about Hebel blocks or other green building services, feel free to contact us today.
For more information about rainwater harvesting or other green building services, feel free to contact us today.
ICF Home Builder & Contractors
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When you step inside an ICF home, it’s apparent that this is no ordinary house. ICF homes make use of a combination of steel-reinforced concrete and expanded polystyrene (EPS), which is one of the best insulating materials out there. The result is a durable and energy efficient foundation that is also safe and provides excellent noise reduction.
As homeowners become more concerned with rising energy costs and preparation against natural disaster—especially with rampant Central Texas flooding and wildfires—ICF construction is a winning choice for a home that’s not just beautiful but built to last.
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Insulating concrete forms (ICF) refers to a wall construction method utilizing cast concrete walls. These walls are stacked between two layers of foam insulation forms. Stacked in an interlocking manner, these forms are bonded to steel reinforcing rods and left in place. This sturdy foundation results in airtight homes that are energy efficient and airtight. This makes them able to withstand severe weather conditions and natural disasters that include wildfires, floods and tornadoes.
An ICF home isn’t limited to a certain architectural style—these homes can have a traditional finish, from brick to wood to siding on the interior or exterior.
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You may be wondering what benefits the construction of an ICF home has for your everyday life. Below is a list:
Energy performance: Due to the continuous layers of insulation on both sides, ICF walls are extremely airtight. In fact, comparisons between similar ICF and wood-frame house constructions revealed that the former can offer up to 25% savings in annual HVAC costs.
Resistant to natural disasters: In Central Texas, flash floods and wildfires are a real and constant threat, which makes weatherproofing your home a necessary precaution. ICF wall systems have been rated to resist extreme weather and wind conditions, including tornadoes that can go up to 250 miles hourly. Whether you wish to build a tornado shelter, a single safe room an entire ICF foundation, it is a wise choice for safeguarding against the recurring threat of flooding and wildfires in Central Texas.
Durability: Concrete is known for its strong resistance against degradation, which means your home will be able to withstand decay, rot and corrosion much better than homes constructed from wood.
Comfort: Because an ICF home has such impressive thermal insulation, you’ll experience reduced drafts and more stable temperatures.
Soundproofing: An ICF home’s peak energy performance even extends to its acoustical properties by reducing outdoor noise. .
Cleaner air: It’s easy to not think about your indoor air quality until things go wrong, but air quality has a huge impact on our comfort and health. Since ICF homes are basically airtight, it’s much more difficult for pollen and other allergens and irritants to make their way indoors.
If you’re looking for an Austin ICF home builder, Mangum Builders is here to help make the process as simple and stress free as possible. Contact us today, and let us make your vision of the ideal home a reality.
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