New American Home

Case Study

This year, 2016, marks the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) 33rd edition of their show home concept series, The New American Home®. Built to inspire architects, home builders and others in the building industry, this real-world laboratory demonstrates innovative concepts and best practices in energy efficiency, green building, building materials design and construction techniques that can be replicated. The ideas and techniques demonstrated in these projects encourage improved quality, design and efficiency in new building developments and remodel projects.

Problem

There are many design concerns when selecting a roofing product, particularly in areas exposed to high temperatures and prolonged exposure to sun and ultraviolet (UV) rays. For the 2016 edition of this project, the general contractor, Element Building Company, encountered challenges with the desert location and elevation of the home. To abide by building code, construction began four feet below curb level to allow for a second story to be built. Also, as it is located at the foot of Nevada’s Sloan Canyon on a sloped lot, additional considerations were made to avoid foundation cracking.

Solution

The New American Home achieved Emerald status – which is the highest levels of green building achievement recognized by the ICC 700 National Green Building Standard. In addition to MBCI’s metal panels, the building features other energy-savings qualities, such as solar panels, tankless water heaters, hydronic air handlers, intelligent fireplaces, sustainable buildings materials and a weather-sensitive irrigation system. The completed home offers outstanding views from every room including the Las Vegas skyline and Hillside Mountains.

The New American Home provides an advanced look at innovative and sustainable products, design trends and metal roofing construction technologies that will shape the building industry for years to come. The roofing contractor was Elite Spray Foam from Las Vegas, Nevada and the general contractor was Element Building Company of Henderson, Nevada.