C3: First Modular Green Home in Chicago

I recently noticed this time-lapse video of C3, the first, green, modular home in Chicago, so I decided it was time to update our coverage of the project.  The five-module home was designed by Square Root Architecture + Design, and general contractor Helios Design + Build ensured a smooth assembly in one day on November 9, 2010.  After some site work, the owners are now finishing the landscaping for final images.  But we have some early photos of the completed home.

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By |June 6th, 2011|LEED, Prefab|1 Comment
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Ingenious PV Glass Window Hits Chicago

Pythagoras Solar makes a revolutionary solar-powered window – literally an insulated window with integrated photovoltaics – that has the ability to turn buildings into massive power producers. The company has been testing a pilot project on the south-facing windows of the 56th floor of Willis Tower, formerly known as Sears Tower. If the pilot goes well, Willis Tower could end up with a surface area of up to two megawatts of solar.

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By |March 23rd, 2011|Solar|17 Comments
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Building Integrated Wind in Chicago

A mixed-use project in Chicago has been getting a lot of attention for its green elements.  Most noticeable, perhaps, is the beveled corner that holds 12 vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWT) by Helix Wind.  The turbines are stacked in two columns on the building’s southwest corner and were included in the HOK designed-facade to cover all exterior lighting costs.

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By |January 20th, 2011|Wind|3 Comments
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Platinum Gut Rehab Hits the Market

Recently I had the opportunity to speak with Thomas McGrath, owner of this gut-rehab in the Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois.  Before talking, I figured the home was like many others seeking LEED Platinum certification.  It has energy-efficient appliances, modern finishes, and on-site green power.  But there’s really a lot more to it.  This is a fascinating case study of salvage and reuse.

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By |January 13th, 2011|LEED, Renovation, Single Family|7 Comments
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LEED Platinum Gut Rehab in Chicago

This is the Helenowski Residence, a gut-rehab in Chicago that achieved the highest LEED for Homes point total ever with 119 points, according to LEED for Homes provider Alliance for Environmental Sustainability.  The 3,300 square-foot renovation achieved an impressive HERS rating of 13 and is net-zero energy with the help of rooftop solar power and a vertical axis wind turbine.

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By |December 29th, 2010|LEED, Renovation, Single Family|20 Comments
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C3 Modular House Going Up in Chicago

C3-modular-house-exterior

Square Root Architecture + Design just began construction of its first prefab home in Chicago.  The C3 Modular Home is participating in the Chicago Green Homes program and will shoot for LEED Platinum certification with green elements such as Energy Star appliances, WaterSense fixtures, a mini-split HVAC system, multiple layers of insulation, high performance windows, and a solar thermal system.

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By |September 30th, 2010|Modern architecture, Prefab|1 Comment
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