HBA

Bob Wilcke

 

 

 

Bob Wilcke
Bob Wilcke Construction
(President 2012-2013)

 

 

 

 

The 2012 NAHB Show Home Packs More Punch in Less Space

The New American Home (TNAH) is a showcase home built each year in conjunction with the National Association of Home Builders’ International Builders’ Show. The 2012 edition, in Winter Park, Fla., features more technologically-advanced and environmentally-friendly features than ever before — in a home that is one of the smallest in the 29-year history of the show home program.

At 4,181 square feet, the 2012 TNAH is less than half the size of the 2011 TNAH, which was also built near Orlando, Fla. and measured more than 9,000 square feet. This reflects the current trend towards smaller, more efficiently-designed new homes. Census Bureau data shows that the average size of a new home peaked in 2007, at 2,521 square feet. The average size in 2010 was 2,392 square feet.

But the 2012 TNAH has just as many, if not more, leading-edge green building technologies, innovative construction techniques and special features than ever before.

Builder Phil Kean of Phil Kean Designs designed the home as a re-interpretation of the Classic White Box of the 1960s and ’70s. It is displayed as a two-bedroom floor plan that will appeal to empty nesters, but with four additional rooms that could be converted to bedrooms if desired.

Green technologies being used include insulated concrete forms blocks, a solar HVAC system, LED interior and exterior lighting, and solar screens. The home also takes advantage of Florida’s friendly climate with movable glass panels and motorized screens that provide a seamless flow of air and foot traffic from indoor to outdoor spaces.

The home achieved “Emerald Status,” the highest of the four levels of resource efficiency achievement recognized under the National Green Building Standard, as well as other “green” certifications including the U.S. Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR, Florida Green Building Coalition’s “Platinum” certification, the U.S. Green Building Council LEED for Homes “Platinum” certification and the Florida Water Star “Gold” designation.

An integrated technology package with structured wiring and control systems will provide the home’s eventual owners with a high-end experience.

Each of the electronic systems in the home will be connected to an advanced, cost-effective home automation system that can be controlled with a smart phone. The home also includes structured wiring for telephone, television, Internet, audio, video and communications.

Other aspects of the high-tech home’s electronics systems include advanced lighting controls, motorized shades, a smart phone-controlled security system, video surveillance, two media systems and a central vacuum.

As NAHB’s official show home, TNAH displays design trends, construction techniques, and materials that can be used in any new or remodeled home in any price range. The products in the home are provided by members of the National Council of the Housing Industry, who are the leading manufacturers and suppliers for the construction industry.

To see photos of the 2012 TNAH and find out more information about the features and product manufacturers that were involved, go to: www.tnah.com.

 
 
 
 
 
 

MISSION STATEMENT: The Home Builders Association of Greater Siouxland promotes the professionalism of the building industry through educational programs and activities for the membership and the communities we serve. We strive to be proactive leaders and recognized as the voice of the building industry