Chicago is considered the greenest city in the USA. Unique innovative projects are developed and actively implemented in construction here every year. Due to this, ecological houses are appearing in the modern metropolis. Such unusual buildings combine the designer’s imagination, the ergonomics of internal communications, the warmth and comfort of a home hearth, high technologies and care for the environment, writes chicagoname.com.
What is an ecological house?
An ecological house is a modern building, which is equipped with efficient support systems and devices for waste regeneration. Everything works offline. Due to the deterioration of the ecological situation, this type of construction is practiced not only in Chicago but all over the world. During the design and construction of eco-houses, the requirements of environmental safety are observed, so they do not cause any harm to nature, animals, or people.
It is worth noting that materials and structures with low thermal conductivity are used in construction. This is done specifically to prevent accelerated heat exchange with the environment.
When designing supply-exhaust ventilation, architects take into account the installation of recuperators that heat the air coming from the street.
Eco-houses actively use natural energy (wind or sun) for water and overall heating.
Features of Smart Home: Green + Wired in Chicago
In 2011, the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry built a unique Smart Home: Green + Wired. The three-story, new-generation, 2,336-square-foot building was created using recycled materials. It serves itself through alternative energy sources. This home showcases eco-efficient technologies combined with modern household management gadgets.
Smart Home: Green + Wired was designed by architect Michelle Kaufmann. Solar panels, a rainwater collection system and an elongated turbine are just a few elements of the exterior decoration that make the house environmentally friendly. The landscape was developed by Chicago gardeners. It contains many plants.
Every room in this house is special. The layout is open and spacious. There are no walls between the dining room, kitchen and living room. It was specifically designed to ensure efficient heating and cooling of the building.
There is a huge table made of steel in the dining room. Steel is one of the most recyclable materials on the planet. Artist Ted Harris was so inspired by this design that he created chandeliers from recycled motorcycle parts. The dining area is complemented by unique chairs, the upholstery of which is created from recycled bottles.
In the Smart Home: Green + Wired kitchen, the table tops are made of cement and recycled glass and the cabinets are made of FSC-certified wood.
The highlight of the living room is a mobile fireplace that runs on ethanol. The furniture in this room is made of environmentally friendly materials. The fabrics in the house have a green history. They consist of organic wool and cotton.
The floor is made of reclaimed bamboo and perfectly complements the bed and wardrobes in the bedroom.
A small touch screen for Smart Home automation hangs on the wall above the cabinet. Thus, it is possible to control various systems, as well as adjust the heating and cooling of the house from the screen or with the help of a smartphone. Thanks to the energy consumption monitoring mode, you can find out how much solar energy the house produces and consumes.
The bathroom deserves special attention. The floor is made of recycled marble tiles. In the shower area, the tiles are made from recycled bottles. Table tops consist of fly ash (a by-product of coal mining).
The Smart Home: Green + Wired roof is covered with modular boxes planted with drought-resistant succulents and wild onions. These plants do not require watering, providing year-round savings for homeowners. A green decision extends the service life of the roof. It serves as a reliable protection against external influences and preserves heat in winter and coolness in summer.
This eco-friendly home was built to showcase the latest innovations in green technology and design. Everyone can visit it and admire its beauty.
