Reclaimed Wood & Tile Interiors | Eco Residence, Chicago, IL

Reclaimed Wood, Factory Maple & Salvaged Tile for a Sustainable Home in Chicago

Urban Evolutions supplied cypress siding, Edison-era maple flooring, walnut shelving & 1,500 SF of salvaged convent tile for a Chicago home built with reclaimed and site-sourced materials.

From salvaged convent tiles and maple from a Thomas Edison factory to fallen trees from the yard, this home embraces so much that is good, possible, and sustainable in building today.

The homeowners had an embracing “all in” attitude toward using reclaimed and sustainable materials. The result imbued the house with personality and character while maintaining an easy contemporary feel.

Our materials included:

Cypress siding reclaimed from pickle tanks
Maple flooring and 4” treads reclaimed from a Wisconsin factory originally built by Thomas Edison
Reclaimed walnut for shelving and cabinets in the kitchen and living room
Reclaimed barn wood closet doors and cabinetry
Trees on the property were repurposed as fire fireplace mantel and countertops
1500sf of salvaged Villeroy and Boch tiles were used for the kitchen and bathrooms

Sustainable technologies include:

8,000 KW of Photovoltaic cells (solar panels) to heat the home’s floors, radiant system, and water
Green roof over garage
The first rainwater harvest system in the Wilmette community, including an 8,000-gallon tank under the driveway
Rain garden in the backyard and drought-resistant landscaping

The team of Scott Simpson Builders and architect John Holbert set high expectations, and all of us delivered without sacrificing passion and joy in the work.

We’d love to add a reclaimed touch to your next residential project. We would like the opportunity to work with you on your next project. Learn more about our residential capabilities and contact us today!