'New American Home': Huge, But Green

"The New American Home" was unveiled at the 2011 International Builders' Show, the biggest trade show of the National Association of Home Builders that is now taking place in Orlando.

For 28 years, IBS showcases new products, the latest design innovations and building technologies by incorporating them all under one roof, and one theme, in a home that is typically put up for sale after the show. However, this year, due to the economy and the potential financial losses of building a home on spec, this year's New American Home (TNAH) is a 9,689-square-foot custom residence that is being constructed for specific buyers who were on board before ground was even broken. (Last year's home went into foreclosure before the project was completed, as we reported in "New American Home Goes MIA.")

The theme this year covers green technology, as the Greek Revival style home with an American Empire design has achieved "Emerald" status, the highest status under the National Green Building Standard. The home (pictured left and below) is expected to consume 42 percent less energy than if it were built to the minimum code standards, saving the homeowners about $2,085 in annual energy savings, says the NAHB. Overall, the two-story limestone-clad home uses 77 percent less energy for heating and 83 percent less energy for cooling compared to a similar home in the same climate zone.