Thomas Roszak Architecture and SteelGrass, an eco-design-build firm, have teamed up to design and build a new green and sustainable home on Chicago’s North Shore. The home’s design feels natural in the wooded lot and the plan’s axis rotates to take advantage of passive solar orientation. This house has many attributes of passive solar house design. Here are some additional eco-effective highlights:
At Home in Nature
With flexible, open living spaces flooded with filtered natural light and a carefully detailed arrangement of durable and energy efficient materials the green home provides a dynamic and comfortable environment made for longevity.
Green Highlights:
A) Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in
B) Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan
C) Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer
D) Open floor plan reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight
E) Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms.
F) Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers
G) Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste
H) Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated
I) Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%
J) 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings
K) Super efficient windows have low E, argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames
L) Soy-based spray foam insulation boosts R-values by completing the building envelope seal
M) Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff
N) Countertops use recycled composite materials
O) Energy Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats
P) Furnaces are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss
Q) Energy star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water
R) Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are recommended to conserve water usage
S) No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality
T) Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use
U) Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems
V) A large food pantry to reduce trips to the grocery store
W) Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint
X) Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, no need to move as family members mature
For more information please call 312-423-7989 or email thomas@roszak.com
1 comment:
Very cool Tom! Love it.
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