Solar Homes LLC 

Pura Vida uses only 20%

of the energy of a

conventionally-built house.

There's no need for a furnace at Pura Vida, which is roughly 4,000 square feet.  The heating system is a heat-recovery ventilator that brings in fresh air through an "earth room" to temper the air throughout the extreme seasonal differences in the upper midwest.  A high-efficiency electric water heater with a 4.5 kilowatt hot water heater and 105 gallons of storage provides the heat source.  A high-efficiency air conditioner has been installed, but is only needed when temperatures climb above 90 degrees with high humidity.

Data has been collected each year and is available for review by contacting Solar Homes LLC directly.   The results have exceeded our expectations and provide ample proof that the design elements have been successful.

The Pura Vida Story:

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.

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.