Solar Homes LLC 

Pura Vida - Prototype Home

Solar Homes, LLC, has designed and built a home that is, quite possibly, the most energy-efficient home in Illinois.  We invite you to learn more about the objectives and results of this ambitious project.  Contact us via email, admin@solarhomesus.com or phone, 630.728.1107.

Attainable Sustainable HomesTM Design Development

We are currently working on designs for single-family homes based on the success of the prototype home's energy-savings results. The goal is to create designs for 1,000 - 2,000 square foot homes that meet the same energy-savings standards of Pura Vida, while adhering to a budget goal of no more than a 10% increase over the cost of building a custom "stick built" home.  Drafts and details of the designs will be published on this site in the near future.

What's New?

May 2009 - The Cul-De-Sac Syndrome, by John Wasik is released.  Profile of the Attainable Sustainable Hometm model included. 

June 7, 2009 - Sierra Club Tour of Pura Vida and Kickapoo Center

June 13, 2009 -   American Institute of Architects Northeast Illinois Day Trip, "Exploring Energy Efficient Projects."

August 8-9, 2009 - Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair, Oregon, IL, sponsored by the Illinois Renewable Energy Association.

2009 - Working with Oak Ridge National Laboratories and Department of Energy to instrument and evaluate the Kickapoo Center.