U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Building Technologies Program - Buildings Database

Overview

• Location: Evanston, IL
• Building type(s): Single-family residential
• New construction
• 4,000 sq. feet (372 sq. meters)
• Project scope: 2-story building
• Suburban setting
• Completed June 2003
• Rating: HERS --Level: 92.7

This single-family residence on Lake Michigan demonstrates that architectural beauty and environmental sensitivity can go hand-in-hand. It takes full advantage of the dramatic lake views and incorporates numerous artistic elements while maximizing energy-efficiency. Photovoltaic roof slates and a solar heating system provide a significant portion of the home's energy. Green building materials predominate, including bamboo flooring and FSC-certified wood for the framing and numerous built-ins. The high-efficiency wood-burning fireplace is carbon-neutral. Exceptionally tight construction, high performance windows, and passive solar design features minimize energy consumption. The house has been rated as highly efficient with a HERS score of 92.7.

Environmental Aspects

The primary goal was to minimize the environmental impacts of the project--particularly those associated with global warming--while simultaneously taking advantage of the natural beauty of the site. It was also important that the active and passive solar features be well integrated so as not to compromise the aesthetic quality of the house.

The architect and owners determined from the outset to incorporate renewable energy systems as a key strategy for reducing the carbon footprint of the house. They focused in particular on including a photovoltaic system in order to demonstrate the feasibility of a PV system in the upper Midwest. The integrated PV roofing tiles selected are both highly efficient and visually unobtrusive. A solar hot water system provides heat for domestic hot water and the radiant-floor heating system.

Reducing energy consumption was another design priority. The strategies employed--from emphasizing tight construction to selecting high performance windows to installing compact fluorescent lights--all serve to illustrate the importance of each component in achieving a high degree of energy efficiency overall.

The open floor plan accomplishes another design goal; it accommodates mid-sized gatherings for nonprofit organizations while the angles define smaller spaces for day-to-day living.

Owner & Occupancy

• Owned and occupied by William & Eleanor Revelle, Individual(s)
• Typically occupied by 2 people, 168 hours per person per week; and 5 visitors per week, 4 hours per visitor per week

Building Programs

Additional Pages

• Process
• Site and Water
• Energy
• Materials and resources
• Indoor environment
• Results
• Visuals
• Finances
• Land Use and Community
• Learn more

Keywords

Green specifications, Performance measurement and verification, Operations and maintenance, Stormwater management, Efficient fixtures and appliances, Glazing, Airtightness, Passive solar, Efficient lighting, On-site renewable electricity, Benign materials, Certified wood, C&D waste management, Connection to outdoors, Daylighting, Natural ventilation, Thermal comfort

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