Do solar panels conform to the Historic Chicago Bungalow Association's Design Guidelines?

Yes, and when combined with new insulation, solar heating can save homeowners thousands annually.

Design Guidelines

When making decisions about restoring and rehabbing bungalows, it is important to respect the architectural integrity of the existing building. It is the original architectural detailing and rhythmic streetscape that set bungalows apart from other homes and collectively make up the unique character of Chicago bungalow neighborhoods. Preserving or restoring original features maintains the integrity of the bungalow and the neighborhood, and will help to sustain property values. Regular maintenance and repair is the key to the preservation of these historic buildings.

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Decorative Features

The decorative elements that adorn most bungalows-such as stone planters and brackets, stone accents, exterior wood moldings and trim - add great architectural interest and make the design of each home distinct. These details should be preserved.


Do
  • Restore or replace the stone planter boxes when brackets exist on the front facade
  • Restore or replace cast accents at the historic locations
  • Restore or repair ornamental exterior wood moldings and trim to match the original
  • Replace stone planters located at the entrance stairs

Don't
  • Remove existing stone planter supports on building front
  • Use plastic or wood planters
  


 

Front Porch, Entryway & Doors

A front entryway may consist of a simple ground level entrance with an overhanging roof or a porch raised several steps from the ground and built into the corner of the facade. Particular entry configurations often defined the style of the homes on an entire block.


DO
  • Restore existing wood doors and hardware or replace with similar size and shape.
  • Add thin profile, wood or metal storm door similar in size, shape and color of existing door.
  • Restore or replace porch light fixtures with new or vintage fixtures that match the original.
  • Repair and restore porch steps to their natural buff color.
  • Repair or rebuild front porch wing walls with brick and mortar that matches the face brick and joint profile and color.

DON'T
  • Replace the original door with one that has a different shape.
  • Replace the original door with one that has a different shaped portal window.
  • Enclose front porches with windows, screens, siding or brick.
  • Remove front porch brick wing walls and replace with wrought iron railings.
  • Carpet or paint stairs and porch.
  • Paint address numbers on steps.
  • Remove original stone planters.
 





Windows

Windows are a key architectural detail of a home and help to define its visual character. Restoration is a viable option when historic windows may not operate as smoothly as they did when they were new. If restoring original windows is prohibitive, new windows should match the historic window as closely as possible.


DO
  • Retain and repair original frame whenever possible.
  • Re-caulk around the window frames and repair window hardware.
  • Replace damaged windows and frames of similar size and shape.
  • Maintain historic muntin/grille pattern.
  • Restore or recreate missing art glass windows.
  • Add thin profile wood or metal storm windows similar in size, shape and color to existing windows.
  • Install basement level security grilles inside (behind) the window.

DON'T
  • Remove art glass windows.
  • Replace existing double hung or casement windows with single fixed glass picture or slider windows.
  • Install glass block in-fill windows on the street facing elevations.
  • Enlarge or reduce window openings to fit a stock window frame or change the shape of the window frames.
  • Replace existing attic windows with a slider window on the street facing elevations.
  • Install window air conditioners or metal awnings on the facade of the bungalow.
 






Additions, Expansions & Garages

Before constructing or altering additions, carefully consider how the existing space may be reworked by modifying the interior walls or expanding into the existing attic space. If an addition is the best solution, it should respect the existing building and streetscape.


DO
  • Build expansions that are compatible to the original building in material, style and proportions.
  • Construct dormers and second floor additions to be set back a minimum of 20 feet from the front edge of the building.
  • Build second floor additions with a similar roof pitch as the original structure.
  • Match window openings, trim eaves and other details as close as possible to the original building.
  • Erect garages and rear additions that match the existing house materials, colors and details.

DON'T
  • Build attic expansions that are uncharacteristic of the period and style of the building and surrounding neighborhood.
  






Masonry

A wide variety of face bricks - with distinctive colors and textures - were used in the construction of Chicago's bungalows to provide architectural interest to groupings of homes along the street. Since most of a bungalow façade is face brick, it is one of the most important elements of the house to maintain.


DO
  • Tuckpoint masonry with mortar that matches the original in color, joint profile and strength.
  • Grind out old mortar 3/4" when tuckpointing to ensure an adequate bond.
  • Clean masonry with low-velocity water or steam cleaning.
  • Repair or replace damaged masonry with matching materials.
  • Remove existing building materials that do not match the original materials and characteristics.

DON'T
  • Tuckpoint masonry with Portland cement, concrete or masonry cement.
  • Use a mortar that is stronger than type N (1-1-6).
  • Over tuckpoint the mortar beyond the face of the brick.
  • Paint masonry.
  • Use masonry sealer.
  • Sandblast, high power water wash or use muriatic acid to clean masonry or remove paint.
  • Grow vines onto the building walls.
  • Use imitation materials such as "Dry-vit", vinyl or aluminum siding, stucco, pseudo stone or metal panels over masonry.
  






Roofs, Gutters & Chimneys

Routine maintenance on the roof and regular clearance of gutters and downspouts can prevent more expensive work becoming necessary in the future. Regular inspection is invaluable for the preservation of the bungalow.


DO
  • Replace or repair the roof with asphalt shingles or clay tile matching the historic color and pattern.
  • Replace or repair metal or copper gutters and downspouts where leaks are discovered.
  • Add insulation and vapor barriers in the attic and add vents to prevent moisture build-up.
  • Make sure all downspouts direct water away from the foundation.
  • Repair and tuckpoint the chimney as needed. If rebuilding is required use a similar brick and reconstruct it to match the historic design.
  • Keep the chimney flashing and cap in good repair to prevent water leakage.
  • Use metal flashing.

DON'T
  • Use roll roofing.
  • Use caulks, sealants or tar as a flashing material.
  • Locate satellite dishes or TV antennas within 30 feet of the front of the bungalow.
  





Mechanical Systems & Foundations

Mechanicals are defined as plumbing, heating, air conditioning and electrical systems. These systems regulate the comfort level of the home and should be updated to meet current code regulations.


DO
  • Replace the existing lead water-main to the house with copper.
  • Replace or repair any damaged or clogged drain pipes.
  • Replace interior water supply piping to kitchen and bathrooms.
  • Repair, replace, or install heating and cooling system.
  • Install central or high velocity air conditioning systems within existing walls and ceilings.
  • Install energy efficient water heater.
  • Replace existing fuse box with circuit breakers.
  • Replace electrical wires to meet the current city code.
  • Add floor drains in the basement floor.
  • Add drain tile around the house as needed.

DON'T
  • Add new electrical appliances and fixtures without increasing power capacity, enlarging wires and replacing existing fuse box.
 





Landscaping

The landscape of a Chicago Bungalow can be a defining feature of the overall design of the home. A good Arts & Crafts landscape design emphasizes the connection of architecture with the landscape. In any landscaping effort, good design can be achieved by following a few basic principles: scale, line, balance, repetition, contrast, color and seasonality.

Scale

The key to landscaping a bungalow is scale. Most bungalows occupy a sizable part of their lots, leaving a disproportionately small amount of land. This feature imposes clear limits on height and spread which affect plant selection, location, and layout.

DO
  • Select properly sized plants & shrubs that will accent architectural features of your bungalow.
  • Trim or remove overgrown or overcrowded shrubs and trees.
  • Consider smaller trees, pergolas or arbors as an alternative to large shade trees for the backyard.
  • Utilize original concrete window boxes and planters or replicas that are compatible with the style and period of the house.

DON'T
  • Use plantings that hide the approach to your door.
  • Use large plantings that conceal architectural features of the bungalow.
  • Plant more than one large shade tree in the back yard.

Lines

Lines in a landscape are created by hardscape or plantings. They can be straight or curved, horizontal or vertical, and each gives a different feel. Straight lines convey a feeling a formality, while curved lines feel more natural. Strong vertical lines suggest power or dominance, and may overwhelm a small bungalow garden.

DO
  • Use natural or curving lines when creating planting beds.
  • Limit hardscape in the front yard to necessary walkways.
  • Keep fencing in the backyard in scale with yard and house.

DON'T
  • Use only strong straight lines when planning your beds and walkways.
  • Use decorative planting borders such as plastic fencing which is not in character with Arts and Crafts design.
  • Remove the front lawn and fill the area with concrete or other pavement.
  • Use chain link fencing or other uncharacteristic fencing in the front yard.

Balance & Repetition

Balance refers to the distribution of plants in a landscape. For example, two or three smaller shrubs on one side of a door can balance one medium sized shrub on the other side. The design of a landscape becomes stronger and more unified when a plant is repeated periodically. In a bungalow landscape this becomes even more important, as too many plants in a small space can quickly look jumbled. Repetition creates a sense of order or rhythm.

DO
  • Create a natural balance with groupings of large and small plantings.
  • Create multiple groupings of a few kinds of plants to create a stronger, more unified effect.

DON'T
  • Make plantings too symmetrical or formal.
  • Use too many different kinds of plants, or plant too many varieties in one area.

Contrast

When different forms or colors are placed together, the element of contrast is created. This creates a much more interesting look. An upright evergreen such as a juniper, for example, rising out of a series of low rounded shrubs like spireas creates a pleasing contrast in the landscape.

DO
  • Use tall and short plantings for special accent.
  • Place contrasting colored plantings next to each other.
  • Consider the bungalow’s brick color when choosing flowering plants. Red flowers will not show up as well against a background of red brick.
  • Choose plants and trees with different shapes, sizes and textures.

DON'T
  • Use plantings that are all one height or similarly shaped.
  • Use plantings that are all similarly colored or plants with flowers that will be lost against the color of the bungalow’s brick.

Color & Seasonality

Color in the landscape is usually associated with flowers; but it also comes from foliage, berries, and even bark. In small yards, repeating a few colors rather than introducing many tends to be more effective. Color has a powerful emotional impact. Reds, yellows, and oranges (warm colors) tend to be stimulating. Blues, greens, and violets (cool colors) can help small spaces seem larger and calmer.

Although many homes are planted with only one or two in mind, well chosen plantings can make your landscape as interesting in winter as it is in spring or summer. Evergreens, bark, and berries offer winter interest, as do many perennials which once spent, present attractive silhouettes.

DO
  • Use plant colors to set the mood for your garden,- cool colors for a calming environment, and warm colors for a stimulating one.
  • Utilize plants, shrubs and trees with interesting and colorful foliage, berries or bark.
  • Choose a mixture of plants that will be attractive and colorful throughout the winter, spring, summer, and fall.

DON'T
  • Use too many colors in a small area.
  • Limit your garden to only one type of plant.