Passive, Sustainable, Nature Infuse, Modern Architecture & Planning
Official site of renowned architect Mark A. Miller. Architect and builder of green, passive and sustainable homes through out the Chicago and Midwest regions. Also known as Zen Plus Architecture.
Mark presented at the 2nd Annual Residential Net Zero Conference, sharing highlights of his project, The Lakeside Net Zero Passive House in Michigan. Mark is joined by our builder Paul Abueva. “This is my most ambitious project to date and may possibly be the most energy efficient home in the state of Michigan !” Click here to watch.
The Popielarz Residence is now complete. The project scored a remarkable 42 on the HERS rating and met and exceeded energy star certification by 50 % ! Blower door testing came in at an impressive 1.5ACH@50 Pascals. A variety of new professional photographs can be seen in our PORTFOLIO.
Two years ago Mark was asked to step up and into the Executive Director position for the Passive House Alliance US. Part of Mark’s week was directing a member organization promoting the world’s highest energy efficiency standard. Mark will remain active in this vibrant community of pioneering professionals.
The Discovery Channel’s Planet Green station will feature The Matson’s Residence on their Renovation Nation Show. Former This Old House hot Steve Thomas spent the day filming at our project. He toured the house with both Al and Nancy Matson and with Mark. See portfolio for video.
Upon completion of the Matson Residence Project, energy consultant James Cavallo of Kouba-Cavallo Assoc. completed a final energy audit of the new construction, including blower door tests and infrared camera investigations. The home scored an impressive 63 on the HERS (Home Energy Rating System) Index. Not only did this indicate the home would receive Energy Star qualifications, it exceeded these requirements by 23 %.
See : Matson Residence in portfolio for images.
The Organization “Friends of the Park” (City of Chicago) has awarded Mark Miller with their Stewardship Award. Marks training with the TreeKeepers program inspired him along with fellow treekeeper Paul Whittaker to organize a neighborhood effort to mulch and prune all the trees in the Loyola Park area. The effort included the participation of 250 Chicago Waldorf Students at one event, caring for 3 entire blocks of trees that one afternoon.