The future of residential architecture and design is on display at the Museum of Science and Industry through January 4, 2009. Designed by architect Michelle Kaufmann and billed as Chicago’s greenest house, Smart Home is a real home built to showcase what sustainable living can truly be.

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.

Nearly every energy conservation measure possible has been applied in this green home in order to reach the zero energy goal. The remaining heating and cooling are provided by a geothermal system. The project has received city approval and is seeking state approval for a greywater and rainwater harvesting system that will be used both for toilet flushing and irrigation. The inverted roof visible in the rendering is designed for rainwater collection, but also cleverly hides the solar hot water and solar electric panels that round out the energy approach. This is a nice example of a design statement and two different performance goals all working in tandem.

1314 N. Moorman is a 2,600 sf (3,600 sf with basement) speculative single family green home with many basic energy efficiency features and a bit of ‘green bling’.

This home seeking Chicago Green Homes certification. Most of the green site elements that are possible are included here, such as a rain garden, rain barrels, green roof, and native landscaping.