All Electric Greywater Rehab
This high-efficiency 94-year old urban home is all-electric, recycles its water, and runs on renewable energy!
ADDRESS: 165 N Taylor Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302
SIZE: 3,665 square feet
PROJECT TYPE: Single family gut renovation
HOME DESCRIPTION:
This 94-year old, all-electric LEED-registered home in Oak Park’s Ridgeland Historic District underwent a deconstruction and gut rehab. The project won a 2012 Green Award from the Village of Oak Park and aimed to incorporate green innovations for energy/resource conservation, while preserving the character of the original Prairie-style, American Four Square home. Designed and built with an eye toward practical, sustainable living by its family of 5, the home was “GreenBuilt” on a modest urban lot with walkable access to public transportation; community resources/retail; and open, public green spaces.
The home utilizes a renewal geothermal energy system for HVAC and domestic hot water. It includes one of the first residential greywater systems in IL, anticipated save 20-30% on indoor water use by recycling water from tubs/showers into toilets. To further conserve energy and water, the home utilizes Energy Star appliances, an induction cooktop, WaterSense and water efficient plumbing fixtures, high performance windows and insulation (mostly through dense-pack cellulose – essentially recycled newspaper), and LED and high-efficiency lighting. Materials and finishes are reclaimed, recycled, and/or locally-sourced when possible.
From a health standpoint, natural daylighting is maximized with many large windows, transoms, and solar tubes. Indoor air quality is maximized with 0-VOC sealants, varnishes, and paints, and an HRV (heat recovery ventilator) system optimizes heat distribution and refreshes indoor air.
The home’s landscaping includes 92% permeable surfaces; a large rainwater harvesting system and rainbarrels; a raingarden and bioswale; 94% drought-resistant native and edible plantings (including fruit trees and a raspberry patch); and wildlife-friendly plantings to attract and help restore habitat. The landscape design mediates stormwater on site, addresses LEED’s sustainable sites and water efficiency principles, and meets The Conservation Foundation’s Conservation@Home certification requirements.
More info on this home project can be found at http://ourgreenbuilthome.blogspot.com
CERTIFICATIONS:
LEED for homes (pending)
Illinois GreenStar Pilot
HERS Rating: 72
ENERGY RATER/GREEN RATER:
Eco Achievers
www.ecoachievers.com
Oak Park, IL
708-660-0543
EcoAchievers provides consulting, energy rating, and third-party verification services to help deliver sustainable, high-performance homes. Experience with Energy Star, LEED, NGBS, and GreenStar programs.