Thermal Shell
- Unvented and air sealed attic with open-cell polyurethane spray-foam insulation (R-19).
- Ply Gem Windows with low-e coating, argon gas fill limits solar heat gain and optimizes air tightness (U-factor average .30 and SHGC average of .25).
- Exterior CMU walls insulated using injected core-fill foam insulation and Hy-Fi reflective wall insulation from Fi-Foil (R-12).
- Large overhangs to aid in protecting the home from the harsh Florida sun.
- Light colored exterior to assist in reflecting the sun.
HVAC Equipment
- LG’s Multi-V S 5-ton Heat Recovery outdoor units are connected to multiple LG Vertical Air Handler units to provide space conditioning.
- Mechanical ventilation provided by Broan-NuTone
- Space conditioning system located entirely within the conditioned space, minimizing any conditioned air leaking to the exterior.
Water Heaters
- Rinnai ENERGY STAR®-rated tankless water heaters with insulated hot water lines utilized throughout the project to reduce heat loss and increase efficiency.
- Enovative Group's AutoHot on demand hot water recirculating pumps.
Electrical Equipment & Innovation
- 100% energy-efficient LED lighting for all interior and exterior lighting
- Signature Kitchen Suite ENERGY STAR®-rated appliances.
- ENERGY STAR®-rated variable speed pool pumps.
Solar Array
- 13.68 kW solar array utilizing LG’s NeON2 360 watt V5 solar panels
Energy Efficiency and Innovation
As one of the NAHB’s official show homes, The New American Home (TNAH) 2022 is a symbol of energy efficiency and innovation. The home exhibits innovative products from manufacturers all over the world. TNAH 2022 exceeded the requirements for certification to the Emerald level of the National Green Building Standard™. Its energy-efficient features can be used in homes in a hot climate at any price point with similar energy savings. The home has received the EPA ENERGY STAR® for Homes certification as well as the EPA’s Indoor airPLUS certification.
Two Trails, Inc. worked closely with Envy Homes to ensure energy efficiency and innovation in TNAH 2022. Without the solar array, this home had a projected HERS Index of 61, it is designed to be 39% more efficient than the average new code-built home. The home incorporated, high-efficient LG solar panels to power its electrical systems, which will provide 100% of the annual electric energy needs for the home! The final HERS rating for this home is -15.
Water Efficiency Features
In addition to energy savings, this home was designed to achieve an estimated 50% reduction from baseline in water use. This remarkable water use reduction is made possible using low-flow water fixtures, natural indigenous landscaping, and a high-efficient irrigation system. Water saving features include:
- Kohler low-flow, EPA WaterSense certified 1.5 GPM lavatory faucets and an average of 1.28 GPF toilets provides the indoor water use reduction
- High-efficient micro spray, driplines and irrigation controller contributed to the outdoor water use reduction
Indoor Environmental Quality Features
Indoor Environmental Quality encompasses the conditions inside a home, and their effects on residents. The New American Home 2022 incorporates innovative strategies, creating an indoor environmental quality that enhance the lives of homeowners, protects occupants’ health, and improves quality of life. Indoor Environmental Quality strategies include:
- Sherwin Williams Low-VOC paints and finishes and low-VOC interior adhesives and sealants
- MERV 13 space conditioning air filters
- HVAC ducts sealed during construction to prevent pollutants from construction activities from entering the system
- Whole Building ventilation system configured to allow the correct amount of fresh air into the home
- Eco-Friendly cabinets – Formaldehyde free and material certified by the Forest Stewardship Council
Systems Engineering Approach
The systems-engineering approach unites segments of the building industry that have previously worked independently of one another. The concept is simple: systems-engineering can make America’s homes cost effective to build or retrofit and energy efficient to live in. Energy consumption of new houses can be reduced by as much as 40% with little or no impact on the cost of construction.
To reach this goal, the Envy Homes team worked with their building partners to produce a home that incorporates energy and material saving strategies from design through construction. First, the team analyzed and selected cost-effective strategies for improving home performance. Next, the team evaluated design, business, and construction practices within individual partnerships to identify cost savings. Cost savings could then be reinvested to improve energy performance and product quality. For example, a design that incorporates new techniques for tightening the building envelope enabled Envy Homes to install smaller, less expensive heating and cooling systems. The savings generated in this process can then be reinvested in other high-performance features to further reduce energy use. Proving the efficiency of the system-engineering approach to construction, this home’s HERS Index, without the use of a Photovoltaic system is 61, which is 39% more efficient than the construction of the average new home. The HERS Index is -15 with 13.68 kW of solar power.
The team assisted Envy Homes in designing TNAH 2022 in accordance to strategic design, modeling to maximize building efficiency of each system and directed the team to increase efficiency through cost effective decisions.
