There is great interest in greener buildings today however there is also much “greenwashing.” These are processes and materials that appear to be environmentally friendly but on closer inspection are no better than current solutions. An example of this might be the tearing up a perfectly good oak floor, only to replace it with sustainably grown bamboo. How much better simply to refinish and update the existing floor! Hutter Architects is committed to designs that go beyond appearances to provide a long-lasting positive impact on the world around us.
There are many people, typically young families, who are faced with the problem of a growing need for more space who are also committed to sustainability, sticking to a budget, and staying in the city. Their preference for an urban location supports their green mission because its walkability, access to public transportation, proximity to work, shopping, and amenities adds to the family’s environmentally friendly mission.
One option is to purchase an existing city home and make it greener through upgrades with more efficient mechanicals, structural changes and superior insulation. While this can be an excellent solution it can be challenging to find the right property in a chosen neighborhood.
In response to this increasingly common need for a truly eco-friendly house in a specific neighborhood, Hutter Architects has designed a state-of-the-art “Green Home” to fit perfectly on a standard city lot. Many well-priced lots are currently available, and the couple first finds that perfect building lot in just the right neighborhood. Hutter then works with them to create a customized design tailored exactly to their budget, needs, and vision. Key features include highly livable yet efficient floor plans that provide inviting first level open spaces to encourage family gathering, and private, quiet bedroom spaces above. A masonry Trombe wall dramatically rises up the center of the house, radiating round-the-clock warmth throughout in winter while retaining an even coolness from the high-efficiency cooling system during summertime. A high-efficiency fireplace or wood stove may augment another heating system, and that heat would also be channeled through the Trombe wall. Skylights bring additional solar heat and brightness into the home.
Hutter Architects always takes a holistic approach to home design, and the green home is a prime example of this: Livability, sustainability, economics, and functionality are all in the very essence of the design, not an afterthought to be retrofitted later. The result optimizes all these critical factors and makes a Hutter Architects Green Home the house of choice for the environmentally conscious urban family.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.