Solar Homes LLC 

In 2006, Victor Zaderej, President of Solar Homes LLC, built a leading-edge prototype home for evolving technologies in energy-efficient building, based on his life-long study of energy-related concepts that began at MIT in the 1980's. 

The energy-performance results of this home have exceeded all expectations.  Today, Pura Vida serves as a meeting place for Solar Homes LLC design clients, as well as an educational-hub for builders, architects and others interested in learning about the thought, design, and research-leading efforts of Zaderej and his associates. 

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Pura Vida, "pure life" in Spanish, is the term most often used to describe the experience of being in Costa Rica, where 100% of the country's energy needs are provided by reneweable resources. 

The following people helped make Pura Vida a successful reality:

Rick McCanse, of McCanse Builders (www.mccansebuilders.com), was eager to work with Victor on his ideas and was equally brave to take on a building project with so many newer building materials and unique design concepts.

Bob and Sonia Vogl, of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association (www.illinoisrenew.org), have been supportive and willing sounding boards.

Kent and Kathy Lawrence of the Kickapoo MudCreek Nature Conservancy (www.kickapoomudcreek.org) were instrumental in bringing the key players together.

Marko Spiegel, long-time friend and President of Conservation Technology International (www.conservationtechnologyinternational.com), provided expertise and feedback during the design and build process.