Environmentally friendly state-of-the-art building materials put new face on century-old structures
CHICAGO (June 25, 2002) - Shredded denim insulates one attic, recycled newspaper insulates another. Floors made from recycled rubber tires line a stylish kitchen floor and a geothermal heating and cooling system reaches 150 feet below ground to tap the earth's energy. These are just some of the many energy efficient and environmentally conscious "green" design elements used to renovate four historic bungalows on the Green Bungalow Block, which will be unveiled for public view on June 29th by Mayor Daley.
The Green Bungalow Block was created to demonstrate the ways many Chicagoans can renovate bungalows to take advantage of environmentally friendly materials and techniques and to meet their family's needs while maintaining their historic charm and character. The City of Chicago and the Historic Chicago Bungalow Association spearheaded the project under a special HUD financing program with additional financial assistance from the Southwest Home Equity Assurance Program. Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago (NHS) managed the construction while Greater Southwest Development Corp. organized the extensive community efforts.
The Green Bungalow block is the latest of the City's "green" design projects, which also include construction of five new, affordable, green homes of original design, and the recently unveiled Chicago Center for Green Technology, one of the most environmentally conscious buildings in the nation. The Green Bungalow block is also a unique addition to the Historic Chicago Bungalow Initiative, which the Brookings Institution called the "most innovative housing program in the nation."
The model bungalows were each renovated for modern lifestyles in cost-effective, environmentally friendly ways. One home was restored to reflect the original bungalow design, replete with fine woodwork and stained art glass windows. A sealed combustion boiler system operates at an impressive 87% efficiency and a high-velocity air conditioning unit cools the home with much less energy and cost than conventional cooling. Attic insulation was made from recycled denim, and a tankless water heater heats only as much water as is needed.
A second, wheelchair accessible bungalow, was modified for a wheel chair lift with the first floor expanded to include a master bedroom suite, laundry room and accessible kitchen and bathroom. One of the many 'green' features in this renovation is the geothermal heating and cooling system that taps the constant temperature of the earth, reaching 150 feet below ground where temperatures remain a constant 53 to 55 degrees. Modern argon-filled double-paned windows also make this home energy efficient. The spacious back deck was treated with environmentally friendly copper instead of the conventional toxic arsenic.
The third bungalow has a spacious home-office addition on the back of the house with its own entrance. A bathroom and kitchenette were also added to the basement to be accessible to the office addition. This home includes a combination heating system that works as both a furnace and hot water heater. Another of the many 'green' elements is kitchen flooring made from recycled rubber tires.
The fourth home, geared towards younger professionals, is lofted with vaulted ceilings and a wide-open spacious design. This home's 'green' features include rooftop solar photovoltaic panels that generate dependable, safe and clean electricity. All drywall is made from recycled products and all interior paints contain low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) that enhance the indoor air quality and reduce air pollution.
The City's own Greencorps Chicago Program landscaped the homes, using native plants and techniques such as trench drains to use rainwater on site and reduce the impact to the city sewer system.
While each home is designed for a very different family, all have been renovated using state-of-the-art specifications of the Historic Chicago Bungalow Association Design Guidelines to ensure that their historic value is preserved. Visitors are invited to view the homes and learn about all the energy saving techniques and various methods of insulation, cooling and lighting that promise savings both to owners and to the environment. A special "Showcase of Homes" will take place on June 29th, 2002, from noon to 4 PM when the homes will be open for viewing. The "Showcase of Homes" will be expanded to include a second date, July 13th, 2002, from 10 AM to 3 PM.
The Green Bungalow Model Block is part of a City of Chicago initiative with the Historic Chicago Bungalow Association (HCBA) that was first unveiled in the fall of 2000. Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago purchased three of the homes through a special HUD program. Southwest Home Equity Assurance Program purchased the fourth home from a private owner. In partnership with the Historic Chicago Bungalow Association, the Greater Southwest Development Corporation, lenders, manufacturers and retailers, they have also compiled a package of unparalleled financial resources, technical help and discounted building materials available to bungalow owners.
For more information about the Green Bungalow Model Block, call the City of Chicago's information hotline 311.