Affordable Green

An affordable green renovation within an existing community, located about 30 miles southwest of Chicago.

ADDRESS: 202 Robbin Dr., Romeoville, IL 60446

SIZE: 1,578 square feet

PROJECT TYPE: Single Family Townhome – Renovation/Remodel

HOME DESCRIPTION:

This project was implemented by the Community Development Division of the Will County Land Use Department as a part of Will County’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). The intent was to pursue a high level of sustainability that would be affordable. The project was to meet a minimum of a LEED Silver Certification but is currently on track for LEED Gold.

This renovated end-unit townhome is approximately 15 minutes to Metra, and is unique from the other units within the development in that the design was able to accommodate an additional bedroom and an additional master bath along with a separate laundry room. The open plan complements an expansive cathedral ceiling in the living room and allows daylight to flow throughout the spaces. As this project is a slab on grade, the mechanical room has been reinforced to create a temporary shelter.

The main sustainable goal of the home was to provide the potential for a lower-cost of home ownership by reducing energy and water costs. Extensive use of continuous insulation on the outside of the exterior walls coupled with full cavity insulation and proper air sealing contribute to this home’s high-performance. Because the exterior is well insulated and sealed, the mechanical systems do not need to be as large as in conventionally built homes and they are much more efficient because they are sized properly. Other energy conservation features include Energy Star qualified and/or labeled lighting, windows, and stainless steel finish appliances. The home also has an on-demand high-efficiency gas water heater that also serves as the heat source for the small-duct high velocity forced air furnace.

The water conservation aspect of this project included the use of WaterSense® toilets, showers, and bathroom faucets. The landscape was also designed with reclaimed materials and native plants to eliminate the need for permanent irrigation. This project is a part of the Water Efficiency Rating Score (WERS) Pilot Program as a study on the performance of water conservation methods. For more information on the certification program, please go to: www.WERS.us.

Additional sustainable features that aren’t necessarily energy or water related but were selected to support better indoor air quality are the use of engineered bamboo flooring, green label plus carpeting, and low-VOC paints.

CERTIFICATIONS:
LEED for Homes (Pending Gold)
Eco Select (Pending)
WERS Pilot Project
HERS Rating: 52

ARCHITECT & HERS RATER:
LTLB Envirotecture
238 E. Bailey Rd. Unit L, Naperville, IL 60565
630-416-7115
http://www.ltlbenvirotecture.com/
Architect & HERS Rater owned firm focusing on third-party inspections, testing, and certifications for multiple green building programs and project types. Please see our website for more information as well as for a list of available green homes.

WEBSITES:
Home Site: http://www.ltlbenvirotecture.com//properties/12407.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LTLBenvirotecture
Twitter: @LTLBenviro
Home listing: http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/202-Robbin-Dr-Romeoville-IL-60446/5409434_zpid/