ORLANDO, Fla.—This winter homeowners throughout the nation can expect their home heating bills to increase nearly 26 percent according to a recent Department of Energy forecast. The New American Home® (TNAH), debuting Jan. 11-14, 2006, during the International Builders’ Show® in Orlando, Fla., provides a solid solution to rising energy costs—concrete building products.

Unlike most Florida homes, the 9,506-square-foot TNAH boasts two-story-high insulated concrete masonry exterior walls. Normally, builders in Florida construct homes with a first-story masonry system and use standard wood framing for subsequent floors. The wall system used for TNAH effectively stops moisture penetration and allows the builder to construct a super- insulated house just by using a thicker insulation panel. All the concrete mass is on the inside, ideal for moderating temperature swings and storing heat or coolness. The show home is expected to receive an ENERY STAR® rating and use 61 percent less energy for heating and cooling than a comparable Florida home.

Concrete and cement-based products used in the home give it added protection from natural disasters. Debris driven by high winds presents the greatest hazard to homeowners and their homes during hurricanes and tornados. Tests conducted at Texas Tech University showed that concrete wall systems suffered no structural damage when impacted by debris carried by hurricane and tornado-force winds. The masonry walls, fiber-cement siding and concrete roof tiles provide superior protection from termites and fire.

Many of the home’s unique design features are constructed with concrete. Three decorative fireplace mantels are pre-cast concrete. The kitchen focal point, a decorative vent hood, is constructed from “cultured stone,” a cementious manufactured stone product. Tinted concrete pavers were used to lay out the patio and construct the retaining walls. The exterior of the home is finished with an acrylic texture with a portland cement base coat.

The Portland Cement Association and the Florida Concrete and Products Association played a major role in the official showcase house of the annual International Builders’ Show, coordinating product donations and providing technical expertise. PCA and FCPA join the National Council of the Housing Industry, a division of the National Association of Home Builders, in sponsoring TNAH.

About PCA
Based in Skokie, Ill., the Portland Cement Association represents cement companies in the United States and Canada. It conducts market development, engineering, research, education, and public affairs programs.

About FCPA
The Florida Concrete & Products Association, founded in 1955 is an association of 135 ready mix concrete, concrete block, concrete pipe, aggregate, cement, and other concrete-related product manufacturers dedicated to promoting the use of concrete.

Editor Note: Click on the following links to see more images of The New American Home. All images by Erin O'Boyle Photographics/Courtesy Portland Cement Association. Contact Patti Flesher to obtain high resolution images.

Patio fireplace view at night
Roof and finish
Interior fireplace
Rear view at sunset
Kitchen range hood
Rear staircase
Fiber-cement siding
Curb appeal
Retaining wall