Equinox House Upgrade Tour: Rainwater | Solar | Smart Ventilation
September 30, 2026
12:00pm-1:00pm
Join us for an enlightening virtual tour of Equinox House, a remarkable net zero home located in Urbana, Illinois, built in 2010. During the tour, you'll discover the innovative features that make this house a standout example of sustainable living. Learn about the advanced indoor air quality management system, which includes a conditioning energy recovery ventilator that effectively monitors indoor CO2 levels, as well as indoor and outdoor VOCs and particulates.
One of the highlights is the home's rainwater harvesting system, which was the first of its kind approved in Illinois for non-potable use—supplying 50% of the home's annual water needs for toilets and garden use. You’ll also see the beautiful raingarden that holds 3,000 gallons of rain overflow, designed to reduce stormwater drainage and support the native prairie landscape that surrounds the property.
As we explore further, you’ll learn how the home is powered by an 8.5kW solar array installed in 2010, and how a second 8.5kW array, along with 32kWh of battery storage and an automatic transfer switch, was added in 2026. This upgrade not only provides energy for the home’s two electric vehicles but also minimizes reliance on the utility grid while ensuring backup power during outages. This tour promises to be a fascinating glimpse into the future of sustainable living—don’t miss it!
1 AIA HSW/LU credit available
1 BPI CEU available