The goal for this project was to create a Net Positive home (generates more electricity than it uses on an annual basis) with a structure that was as small as possible to optimize the available yard space. To achieve this, the home was designed as energy efficient as possible. The reduced size (2800 sq. ft.), super tight construction bordering on Passivehaus levels, highly efficient building systems and appropriate passive techniques combined with a 6.2kW garage mounted PV array were designed to exceed net zero levels. The smaller house footprint gave the couple the larger yard they desired, supplemented with a fully developed green roof system.

The home achieved a HERS rating of 32 (awaiting final verification) and an EUI of 23, and is one of the first Net Zero Homes in Chicago.

To provide enough electric power production, the entire garage was covered with PV panels totally (24) 260W panels mounted at their unobstructed optimal angle. The annual power production is expected to be 7840 kWh. The house's annual electric usage is projected to be 4800 kWh - with the surplus electricity used to partially charge the couple’s electric car.

The home’s east/west orientation constrained passive solar possibilities, but natural daylighting was obtained through careful window placement and a centrally located skylight that runs from the roof down to the basement. The windows were chosen, based on orientation specific solar heat gain coefficients and solar shading coefficients, to work with the difficult east/west orientation. Natural ventilation was achieved by venting hot air out of the third floor penthouse windows while drawing in cooler air from the basement and first floor levels.