Is This the Home of the Future?

The Future of Commercial Demand
In America, Optimism Trumps
Bad Times
Eminent Domain: Drawing the
Line on Property Rights
Are You Covered? Getting The Right Roof

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey | 08 September 2009 @ 08:26 am EDT

LAS VEGAS - How would you like to have a listing like this-an 8,816-square-foot energy efficient, technologically advanced show stopper? The 2009 New American Home, the latest in a 26-year series of demonstration homes, was unveiled here at the International Builder Show on January.

The contemporary-styled home displays energy efficient features, latest construction techniques, and new products and trends, from a calming rejuvenation room that overlooks the zero-edge pool to decorative water systems that capture rain water for reuse.

This home, on the market for $4.2 million, will be on display for the next 18 months.

The home is extremely energy efficient. The electric bill is estimated to be $467 per year and total utility costs for the home, which include electricity and natural gas usage, are estimated at $2,500 per year. Not bad for an 8,816 square foot home.

2009 American Home, Photo by James F. Wilson

The home mixes natural gas-powered heating and cooling systems, bifacial solar panels, roof-top solar water heating, horizontal louvers for shading, 90-degree corner windows, and sliding pocket doors throughout that transform indoor spaces to outside. The home's lighting, temperature, doors, and more can be controlled by an iPhone.

The home also features several dramatic outdoor spaces, from a basement-level subterranean courtyard showcasing a fountain spanning a wall with a fire burning underneath.

Watch the video below taken on a Flip video camera or peruse a slide show on the next page to see more images of all the details.