This is The New American Home — a project built every year in conjunction with the NAHB’s International Builders’ Show — in Orlando, Florida. The 4,000 square-foot home collected eight green building certifications, including LEED Platinum and NAHB Emerald, and is expected to consume 52% less energy than a standard home of similar size. Plus, a 4.0 kW solar array provides about 18% of annual energy needs.
Traditional home styles plus a net-zero building standard is a winning combination in the Homes at North Pointe development in Frederick, Maryland.
North Pointe was a dormant development whose design pattern was set when developer NEXUS EnergyHomes, Inc., adopted the project. Nexus took the existing set of plans for the project adjacent to Frederick’s historic district and proceeded to “energize” them, according to Mike Murphy, president of Nexus’ construction division, in order to achieve NAHB’s Emerald certification and reach the net-zero goal.
The ‘Power Haus’ by Josh Wynne Construction in Sarasota, Florida has achieved the lowest HERS rating on record in the U.S., a negative 22, with an elegant, well-crafted design. Earning 118 LEED points the home is just shy of also becoming the highest scoring LEED home in the country by 1.5 points to the Helenowski Residence in Chicago, which holds the highest known score at 119.5.
