
Light Material for Building: Sustainable Choices for 2026 Projects
When we talk about using a “light material for building,” we’re not just talking about reducing weight. We’re talking about a strategic shift toward smarter,
Green doesn’t mean you need to compromise convenience, nor quality. We know going green is easier and more affordable than popular perception. We always provide our clients with a myriad of choices about how to be more energy efficient from building to everyday use.

When we talk about using a “light material for building,” we’re not just talking about reducing weight. We’re talking about a strategic shift toward smarter,

Think of your building’s foundation like its winter coat. Without the right concrete floor slab insulation, it’s like trying to face a Chicago blizzard in

When we talk about high-performance building, the conversation has to start from the ground up—literally. Insulating a concrete slab means placing a continuous layer of

When you’re building a high-performance home, the insulated structural panels cost is a major part of the conversation. You’ll often see prices ranging from $7

The short answer is yes, but the reality is complicated. While biomass is officially classified as a renewable energy source because its organic materials can

So, is biomass a renewable resource? It’s a common question we hear at Hutter Architects, and the answer isn't a simple yes or no. The

As Chicago architects committed to creating beautiful, resilient, and net-zero buildings, we at Hutter Architects are often asked about the best renewable energy sources. Biomass,

When people talk about biomass, they’re really talking about the oldest form of energy humanity has ever used, just reimagined for a sustainable future. It's

The dream of a sustainable, high-performance home in Chicago isn’t some far-off fantasy. It's becoming a practical reality, and this guide is here to break

You’ve built or bought a modern, energy-efficient home. It’s a fortress of comfort, perfectly sealed to keep heating and cooling costs down. But that perfect

Learning to read architectural drawings is like learning a new language—one that translates your vision for a home into a buildable reality. At first, it’s

Discover passive house solutions: Achieve energy efficiency, superior comfort, and certification with airtightness, MVHR, and retrofits.
Hutter Architects provides architecture & design services from conception to completion while seamlessly partnering with contractors. Additionally, they offer a spectrum of options from conventional building to net zero homes.
Bin 36 Restaurant: Chicago, Illinois
Elevator modernization to bring elevator to rooftop deck included re-support of elevator equipment room and extension of existing elevator shaft. This project was challenging due to existing structural parameters in the vintage building.
Oak Park, Illinois
Hutter Architects received the Village of Oak Park’s 2012 Green Award, presented by the Environment and Energy Commission for the design of a residential garage rooftop vegetable garden. The awards recognize individuals, groups, and organizations that have demonstrated leadership as stewards of the Oak Park environment.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Living Room with Fireplace: The design’s boldness comes from removing the walls around the existing, which greatly expanded the kitchen and elevated it to the heart of the home.
Living Room and Kitchen: A tall bar area provides visual separation between the living and cooking areas, while still allowing the cook to be part of the main event.
Living Room and Kitchen: A tall bar area provides visual separation between the living and cooking areas, while still allowing the cook to be part of the main event.
Bathrooms: A warm, inviting and original color palette that avoids the tired and cliché southwest color scheme.
Front Entryway: The ambience, character and spirit of place drive a design that flows with color that is bold and warm, with correct proportions and with attention to texture and shadow.
Back Yard Living Space: The homeowners like to cook and entertain and with the spectacular outdoor setting, the indoor and outdoor living spaces are now seamlessly joined.
Highland Park, Illinois
Exterior: The building was crafted to be warm, inviting, and of the high quality synonymous with the programs for which JCYS is known.
Outdoor Recreation Space: From many competing goals, a versatile and vital space is created.
Interior: The building was designed to capture a camp’s rustic, woodsy, kinesthetic experience and so it mimics an exterior space with shingled siding on the walls and a concrete floor that is easily cared for.
Oak Park, Illinois
The goal of this project was to make the entrance of the Pilgrim Congregational Church ADA accessible by adding a wheelchair lift. Extra attention was paid to match the materiality and style of the original 1989 building and create a seamless transition between the old and new.
Chicago Public Schools: Zenos Colman Regional Offices and Training Center
Chicago, Illinois
The Colman Regional Offices and Training Center received an addition and renovations after the building was repurposed as an administration building from a former CPS elementary school. The addition consisted of a new elevator shaft and machine room. Other renovations included a new interior ramp and to meet ADA requirements, improvements to the newly designated ADA entrance, and painting and restoration of the existing auditorium.
Sewickly, PA
This residential addition included a new front entry foyer and wrap-around porch that completely changed the circulation pattern of the house. The elements were carefully designed to complement the character of the original Georgian style home and to provide space to hang out.
Chicago, Illinois
Photography by Mike Kaskal
The new owners of this Lincoln Park home wanted a total remodel of this historic home which required gutting and an addition commensurate with the historic qualities of the original home. The owners also wanted a connection to yard and decks to increase the entertainment area. The plan was opened, light in the home was increased, and significant attention was paid to the new and substantial trim and casework that reinforce the historic roots of this modern home. Niches and cabinetry abound in this home where each space is designed to be a special place.
On the first floor, the Living Room, Family Room, and Kitchen are arranged enfilade or open to each other in a classic line. In summer the view to the yard is reinforced by this axis that includes the island. Cased openings between each room remind you that you are in an older home and that there is the sanctity of smaller spaces making up the large. The kitchen with cabinetry and detailing designed by de Giulio adds to the modern look. The north stair halls provide areas for closets, powder rooms, and piano niche where you would not expect. A bridge for outdoor dining connects to a garage top deck.
The second floor also has a complete new floor plan with Master Suite, daughter’s suite, and Boy’s bedrooms and bath. Skylights bring more light and the north side of the home continues as the circulation and utility side of the home.
The Lower level includes a walkout to the yard, Mud Room, Family Room, Exercise Room, and Guest Suite. All the systems in the home are new and the master control area for these systems is on the north side of the home.