An 1880’s brick schoolhouse located in Chicago was converted into a home for a family of seven who are very committed to environmental sustainability.
Designed by Sullivan, Goulette & Wilson, the design retained much of the original brick and wood structure, framing new spaces around the massive, brick bearing walls. Wood-paneled walls and ceilings, flooring, and many pieces of built-in furniture were crafted on-site from old-growth planks, beams, joists and rafters salvaged from the building. Incorporated into the design were geothermal heating/cooling and solar thermal hot water systems; an extensive green roof; numerous Solatubes which bring light deep into the heart of the house; inexpensive custom-designed LED lighting fixtures; fluorescent light shelves; a sky-lighted laundry room with a radiant “drying wall” which discourages use of the costly dryer; and a recycling center fed by a chute from the kitchen.
The central stairwell doubles as a solar chimney venting through the roof of the new penthouse. The kitchen cabinets, bath vanities and barn doors throughout were custom-designed and made of sustainably-harvested bamboo plywood. All interiors of the home were completely designed by SGW, reusing much of the clients’ existing furniture.
