The New American Home Expands Technological Boundaries and the Imagination

Phil Kean is constructing the home of his dreams -- and, probably, yours and mine, too. The Winter Park, Fla.-based architect has been chosen to design and build The New American Home 2012.

The home is an annual highlight of the International Builders’ Show, which is co-sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders, and will be open to more than 50,000 visitors in Orlando, Fla., from February 8-11, 2012.

Each year, the New American Home is designed to showcase the latest “wow factors” in architecture and home furnishings—everything a buyer would want and then some -- including energy management, security, lighting controls, entertainment, household appliances, and creature comforts.

“The International Builders’ Show is truly unique,” said Bob Nielsen, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders. “No other event provides such … such a superb showcase of top-quality products for the home building industry.”

What will visitors see this year? The exterior of the residence will be a re-interpretation of the Classic White Box of the 1960s and 1970s, made popular by leading architects such as Le Corbusier and Richard Meier. Inside the 4,100-square-foot-square living space, set back on a 25,000 square foot estate, architect Kean wants to design the space for an “empty nest” demographic—but it will be anything but empty.

While honoring the architecture of the past, the New American Home will represent the priorities that are important to today’s lifestyle—details rather than size, leading-edge technology, and functional and transitional spaces that have a style and feel that evokes calm and serenity. 

Among the bells and whistles incorporated into the residence will be technology tools that are no longer reserved for the rich and famous, including:

Energy Management: Natural resources are not getting any less expensive and the demand for power is increasing at a faster rate than production. Using smart meters, the home will be equipped to automatically shift energy consumption to discounted rate periods and decrease demand during peak high-rate periods. The system also will be able to measure and display historical power usage and related costs, enabling homeowners to make immediate decisions that keep money in their pockets.

Home Automation and Control: Each of the electronic systems in the residence will be linked to an advanced, yet cost-effective, home automation and control system. Gone are the days of complex and proprietary touch panels and programming. If you have a smartphone or tablet, you already know how to control the 2012 New American Home – both in the home or anywhere with Internet access.

Lighting Controls: Energy efficient LED and fluorescent lighting have unique control requirements, and the lighting control system in the 2012 New American Home will facilitate the full benefits of this lighting technology – while still providing beautiful architectural and accent lighting. The lighting control system is linked to the Energy Management System, in order to ensure the home actively adapts to the demands of the smart grid.

Motorized Shading: Reducing sun glare is a very effective way to decrease energy consumption. The 2012 New American Home will take advantage of both exterior solar screens and interior privacy shades. These motorized systems can be preprogrammed to automatically adapt to the time of day and weather conditions.

Security: The residence will feature a complete home security system, with a few key advancements. All keypads are now touch screens, making the system simple to use. The system also will offer the ability to arm, disarm, and check status via the Internet, from any smartphone.

Video Surveillance: The empty-nester owners might want to spend time out of town. To ensure that everything at home is copacetic, the owners only have to check the home’s six high-definition digital video Internet-connected cameras, with automatic motion recording. The cameras can be viewed from any touch screen in the home or from any smart phone or tablet with Internet access. Additionally, the homeowner can set up alerts to notify them when activity is detected

Entertainment: Two media systems with digital surround sound will offer simple access to a variety of audio and video forms of entertainment, including streaming media from the internet. Twelve audio zones enable anyone in any area of the home to listen to their choice of music or information. Each room features a wall-mounted or wireless Apple (News - Alert) iPod Touch, iPad, or handheld remote.

Structured Wiring: An electronics system requires proper infrastructure to meet a modern homeowner’s expectations. Wireless technology will never replace the need for properly located wiring for TVs, built-in speakers, in-wall touch screens, and high-speed reliable Internet. The 2012 New American Home has a lean yet adequate offering of structured wiring for Telephone, TV, Internet, Audio, Video and Communications. In addition, almost every room is outfitted with an empty conduit routed to the equipment room. Additionally, an exterior service provider approved enclosure with space for future fiber-optics, including power and a conduit to the equipment room, will be installed, should any future services or cabling need to be added,

Central Vacuum: One of the most overlooked building technologies is the central vacuum. This technology, which has been available since the 1970s, has come a long way since it was first introduced. The system in the 2012 New American Home will enable the homeowners to take advantage of a short hose with built-in power and vacuum control, plus floor-level vacuum powered dust pans for quick cleanups. Additionally, because the vacuum system vents debris to the outside, it will help to maintain a healthy home.

The facade of the New American Home will comprise walls of movable glass panels and motorized screens; the floor plan was designed so that indoor and outdoor spaces flow into one another.  The use of abundant natural lighting within the volumetric and spatial design creates drama while also providing a comfortable and tranquil living environment.

The house will be displayed to appeal to the empty nester, but will have four additional rooms that could be converted to bedrooms, if needed. The two bedrooms, a master suite with private workout studio, outdoor yoga deck, private sitting room, and spa-like master bath will be accessible by public stairs or private elevator and will take up the entire second floor.  The guest suite is located on the main floor with an en-suite bath.  Additional public spaces include an art gallery, an artist studio, three second-floor decks, and a lower-level patio covered connecting to the pool and summer kitchen.

The latest green building products and methods have been factored into every aspect of the home’s design. Kean hopes the home will achieve "emerald" status under the green building certification process administered by the National Association of Home Builders Research Center and based on principles set forth in the ICC 700-2008 National Green Building Standard certified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

As NAHB’s official show home, The New American Home gives building industry professionals an opportunity to see design trends, construction techniques, and materials that can be used in any new or remodeled home. The products showcased in the home are provided by members of the NAHB Leading Suppliers Council.

Kean is building The New American Home 2012 on an infill site in an older neighborhood close to downtown Winter Park. Amenities within walking distance include shops, restaurants and a public library.