I am interested in going green. Where should I start?

The HCBA has special energy$avers grants in place to help owners of Historic Chicago Bungalows offset the costs of energy-efficient rehab projects.  There are also pattern drawings available that clearly lay out all aspects of the permit and preparation processes necessary to complete a green building restoration project.

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Fairfield Green Bungalow Block: Four Ways to Renovate

The HCBA is pleased to showcase the rehabilitation process for each bungalow. Each bungalow was rehabbed for a particular lifestyle: the Classic Bungalow, an Accessible Bungalow, a Home Office, and a Dormer Loft.

In the spring of 2002, bungalow homeowners and professionals gathered to exchange ideas to create adaptable and energy efficient Chicago bungalows. Concepts and preferences exchanged in this open forum became a reality in the four model bungalows.


The Accessible Home

  • Green features
    • Geothermal heating and cooling system
    • Attic insulation
    • Energy Star appliances
    • CFL lighting
  • Lifestyle features
    • Retrofitted for wheelchair lift at side entrance 
    • First floor master suite and laundry
    • Wheelchair accessible kitchen and bathroom

The Home Office

  • Green features
    • Radiant floor heat in addition
    • Energy recovery ventilator
    • Energy efficient central air conditioner
  • Lifestyle Features
    • Home office addition with separate entrance for clients
    • Partially-finished basement connects with home office and contains own bathroom and kitchenette

The Young Professional

  • Green features
    • Solar photovoltaic heating system
    • Water conserving fixtures
  • Lifestyle features
    • Dormer addition with spacious master suite, bathroom and sitting area
    • Cathedral ceiling and open floor plan maximize space and light

The Classic Bungalow

  • Green features
    • Tankless water heater
    • Insulation made from recycled denim
    • CFL lighting
    • Programmable thermostat
  • Lifestyle features
    • Classical restoration of octagonal Chicago Bungalow
    • Original doors, trim and flooring add to historic feel