In 2009, Farr Associates completed the LEED Platinum certified Zero Net Energy House, the first residence of its kind in the Midwest. The design includes a photovoltaic array that generates all electricity, solar thermal evacuated tube panels for domestic hot water, radiant floor heating, and geothermal heat pumps that facilitate both heating and cooling. Rainwater is harvested for 100% of all irrigation, making the Yannell Residence the first single-family home in Chicago to rely on harvested water and to be permitted a grey water system.

The landscape design incorporates zero turf, all native plantings, 100% permeable paving, and a rain garden (water from downspouts, drained to a low point on site, slowly permeates the ground and provides a planting area for varieties that thrive in wet environments.) Two green roofs and a Certified Backyard Habitat incorporate elements of permaculture design into this urban home to ensure all systems mutually benefit each other, working together as a unified whole. McKay Landscape Architects succeeds in creating a landscape not only beautiful and elegant but also thoughtful and sparing in its use of resources.