[CHICAGO] Widler Architecture is proud to announce being a recipient of the 2022 LEED® Homes Award for Outstanding Single-Family Projects from the U.S. Green Building Council. Selected alongside Robyn Vettraino from Verde, LLC, A VCA Company, Widler Architecture achieved a Platinum LEED® Certification level for the 6,524 square foot 119-year-old home.

The Annual U.S. Green Building Council announces awards recognizing LEED® projects, builders, and developers committed to sustainable, healthy, and resilient homes. The Newman Residence became the first LEED® Platinum home designation in Chicago and was a spotlighted project for the LEED’s® Top 10 of 2021 campaign.

Focusing on Design, Functionality, and Sustainability in the Home

With so much emphasis over the last few years on being “healthy and safe,” creating a space that exemplifies this is important, considering how much time we spend living and growing in our homes. The Newman Family created a casual and comfortable home suitable for large family gatherings while maintaining a beautiful aesthetic. It takes complete buy-in from the homeowners to go above and beyond to pay attention to materials, efficiency, functionality, and sustainability as it creates a healthy and enjoyable environment that also reduces utility costs. 

Sustainable Living Is Accessible

During deconstruction, 80% of materials were diverted from the landfill through recycling or donation to a local reuse center. All new building materials – like stone and drywall – and contractors were sourced locally when available, and up-front carbon impacts for energy, water, and material sourcing were a priority throughout the project. This approach also earned the project 20% water savings.

“Creating a healthy and enjoyable environment that also reduces utility costs was the ultimate goal here, but gaining LEED® Platinum Certification status was the cherry on top,” said Widler Architecture founder Brent Widler. “And to be able to have the connection back to Iowa State University working alongside Robyn and (the client) Jackie Newman was so special considering we have been friends since architecture school.”

The 119-year-old Chicago home was honored during a plaque ceremony on December 1st, with the new Awards Ceremony taking place in November.