Extreme Makeover: Home Edition House Gets Green Features

Saturday, March 17th, 2007

Location
1544 S. Washtenaw, Chicago, IL 60608  Map

Owner
Private Residence

Architect
McBride Kelley Baurer

1544 S. Washtenaw

1544 S. Washtenaw

We’re a little behind on the scoop on this one, not for lack of hearing about it, but because of the plethora of projects to cover! January 14th was the first airing of ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition for the Noyola family of North Lawndale. The project received lots of press because of the theatrics of performing a gut rehab in a week and the family’s personal story (not to mention the PR blitz surrounding any reality show). However, it’s also great that there are many green features to this 4 bedroom, 3,600 sf home (which actually doubled the square footage of the existing home with a rear and 3rd floor addition).

I haven’t seen detailed plans or a ‘green checklist’ for this, nor seen it in person, so I’m relying on information provided by the contractor and will avoid discussion on this one. The most prominent feature is a green roof - this is an unusual sight in what might be called affordable housing (minus the fancy sponsored products), but isn’t surprising considering City involvement in the project (keep the Mayor happy). Exterior insulation slightly exceeds energy code at R-23 and the furnace and air-conditioner are high-efficiency. There are also recycled glass countertops, cork and bamboo floors, recycled cardboard countertops, and a carport built from lumber reclaimed from the old house.

Construction was performed by an all-volunteer force, led by general contractor Norcon with an extensive list of partners (click on Partners here).

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