The New American Home strives for energy excellence
The New American Home 2026, is the project of the NAHB International Builders’ Show, a model home that aims to defy the standard of energy efficiency and luxury living. At its conception the team strived for a -82 HERS rating, a striking feat for any homebuilder.A typical new home scores around 100, while a net-zero home rates at 0.However at its size, 9,200 square feet, the home is targeting -40.
The team adopted high-performance systems and a powerful solar array. With this, The New American Home 2026 exceeds net zero.
While solar is a significant contributor, it’s only part of the energy equation. “What we’re trying to do is make the home as energy efficient as possible before we start adding solar to the roof,” said Drew Smith, COO of Two Trails Inc., the project’s energy consultant.The home’s exceptional performance starts with its tightly sealed building envelope, made possible by integrating several of the latest energy-efficient materials.Key efficiency-boosting products include spray foam and Fi-Foil insulation, high-performance windows and aeroBarrier sealant.
The completed home will be available for tours during the NAHB International Builders’ Show on Feb. 17–19.
