This home features several sophisticated green technologies such as geothermal HVAC and a grid-tied, battery backup 2.5 kW photovoltaic system.

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.

1840 N. Leavitt is an example of the jumbo-sized home that works to counteract its large size with a variety of green measures. An existing 100 year old multi-unit residential building being converted to a single family residence. The project is seeking Chicago Green Homes and Energy Star certification.

The Heppner Residence is an example of extreme do-it-yourself green renovation. This existing 100 year-old wood frame single family home is being rebuilt by Tim and Charles Heppner, two brothers, with Tim acting as architect and performing most construction work himself. The Heppner brothers are seeking Energy Star and Chicago Green Homes certification for their new home.

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
4227 S. St. Lawrence, Chicago, IL 60653 Map
Owner
Om Development, LLC

Architect
Echo Studio

4227 S. St. Lawrence  is a just-completed home from a new entry on Chicago’s green development scene, Om Development. The project is a gut rehab of an 1890’s Bronzeville multifamily back into a single-family home. There’s not a lot of green bling here, just solid energy-efficiency [...]