The warm and caring people of the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation (JRC) in Evanston follow a line of thinking spoken in depth in the book of Genesis, which states that the children of Abraham must follow the code of Tikkun Olam, or repairing the world. They believe that it is their duty to improve the condition of the world which they have inherited. JRC’s commitment to Tikkun Olam is readily apparent in their LEED® Platinum certified congregation center on Dodge Avenue.

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.

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.

Location
2125 W. North, Chicago, IL 60647  Map
Owner
Center for Neighborhood Technology
Architect
Jonathan Boyer
(Now of Farr Associates)
The Center for Neighborhood Technology’s (CNT) 15,000 sf renovation of their Wicker Park home in a former weaving factory was the second LEED® Platinum certified building in Chicago (CCGT was the first). Having received its certification in 2005 and being completed more [...]

Location
3339 N. Leavitt, Chicago, IL 60618  Map
Owner
Novak Construction and Development
Architect
IDEA
3339 N. Leavitt is a 4,700 sf, three-story plus basement single-family home. This project falls into the emerging class of quite large homes, that despite their size, seek to be extremely green. The home will be Energy Star rated and most of the green emphasis is on [...]

Location
454 E. 44th St., Chicago, IL 60653   Map
Owner
Julian Dawson
Architect
Ray/Dawson, P.C.
Hybrid House I is a 2,000 sf, two-bedroom single family home that is as cutting-edge as the immediately adjacent IIT Urban House I. Although privately owned and occupied, the project is being constructed in partnership with the African-American Home Builders Association as a community resource. Like [...]