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.

cob is a building material consisting of clay, sand, straw, water, and earth, similar to adobe (language via Wikipedia). It is considered a green building material because it relies solely on local material and requires very little energy to produce.

Farr Associates office space is an example of green design and historic preservation working together. Located in the 3,200 sf. in the historic Monadnock Building, Farr’s office was a LEED® for Commercial Interiors pilot project and is currently applying for the final certification.