Ranch REVIVE

NORTH BARRINGTON, IL

This mid-century ranch underwent a complete transformation, becoming the FIRST Phius REVIVE 2024 design certified retrofit (final certification expected Spring 2026). In line with REVIVE principles, the project focused on reducing embodied and operational carbon, enhancing resiliency (in the event of power outages and extreme weather), and improving the home’s durability against moisture through meticulous air sealing and water management strategies. Like all our decarbonization projects, this will be an all-electric house featuring highly filtered energy recovery ventilation. By reducing base loads through these design strategies, all annual energy can be offset by the new solar PV system being installed: this 1950’s house is becoming a modern net zero house for the future!

The interior layout remained similar to the original, with adjustments to improve flow and provide a more generous and connected kitchen. The breezeway between house and garage remained partly open, with a semi-conditioned space for use as a home gym. The property enjoys a southwest view over the large site (with prairie restoration in progress) and protected open lands, with a roofed balcony that connects the living spaces to the views while controlling late afternoon excess heat and glare.