Among the most innovative of the home’s green features is the use of insulating concrete forms (ICFs). According to the Insulating Concrete Forms Association’s website, the use of ICFs results in sturdier, quieter, more energy efficient homes. Instead of being made of wood paneling like traditional houses, ICF homes are built with concrete containing two layers of insulation, and are built to withstand the damages of fire, wind and time. The use of ICF should result in lower heating and cooling expenses.

With the help of Nathan Kipnis, one ranch-home owner turned a mildewy relic into a 21st century beacon. The home, originally 1675 sf, was completely renovated to include 1600 sf of basement space, nearly doubling the living area. The addition of carefully selected architectural and construction elements transformed the home from dank and dark to airy, comfortable, and energy efficient.

Location
210 S. Clark, Chicago, IL 60603 Map
Owner
Interior Construction Group, Inc.
Architect
Gary Lee Partners
ICG, a general contractor specializing in commercial interiors, is relocating their offices to the 13th floor of 210 S. Clark. This relatively small project (8,000 sf) is seeking LEED®-CI Gold certification and presents some unusual opportunities because it is actually in the same building [...]

Location
1544 S. Washtenaw, Chicago, IL 60608  Map
Owner
Private Residence
Architect
McBride Kelley Baurer
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 [...]

Location
2138 S. Indiana, Chicago, IL 60616   Map
Owner
Chieftain Construction
Architect
VOA
Lexington Park is a South Loop high-rise condo development consisting of a 35-story, 297-unit tower and a seven-story, 36-unit “loft” building, connected by a podium including storefront retail space and a multilevel parking garage. It is Ireland-based developer Chieftain’s first project in the U.S., so it is of [...]