Integrating Tile and Stone into Efficient, Energy-Conscious Home
The New American Home Redefines Home Design, Construction for Today’s Needs
The 2016 edition of The New American Home. Image courtesy of The New American Home 2016.
One goal for those hoping to achieve the American dream is to one day build their own home. They will, of course, need some help from experts like Randy Jeffcoat Builders, but to be able to decide exactly what your home looks like and how it functions is the aim. However, trends in this field are changing all the time and it can be difficult to keep up when you’re already in the process of building your home. For example, conservation and sustainability are now on everyone’s minds (hello, I live in California where a four-year drought has yet to be broken), so it was no surprise when, as part of Modenus‘ BlogTourKBIS group, we were invited to explore how the technical and aesthetic traits of sustainability and conservation have evolved. Even the most efficient home needs to be a comfortable temperature so if you’re in the Idaho area, check out AC installation in Boise.
First up was the Bobby Berk-designed Responsive homes. You can read the full post here.
Following the visit to the Responsive Homes, we made our way to the 2016 The New American Home (TNAH). Sponsored by the NAHB as part of several International Builders Show events, the construction, planning and execution of this home was led by a group of professionals who subscribe to the highest levels of efficiency and expertise within their fields.
The New American Home 2016. Image courtesy of The New American Home.
While taking advantage of the behind-the-scenes look into the construction and certification processes, we were informed about the various performance ratings, the challenges of the lot’s design, as well as features contributing to resource, energy- and water-efficiency, and indoor environmental quality. If you are in the process of designing your dream home, inside and out, then you might want to look at these Landscaping Projects for more inspiration.
Interior installation of stone wall and energy-efficient lighting. Image courtesy of Tori Aston and Modenus.
By combining cutting-edge energy efficiency with contemporary design, the 2016 edition of The New American Home – the 33rd home in the TNAH series by the way, the latest in green and sustainable building materials, products, and construction methods were effortlessly integrated to reduce the home’s environmental impact while simultaneously providing the highest quality of life for the occupants. Phew! That’s a lot to ask of a home, isn’t it? That being said, it truly was an eye-opening experience to view this real-world demonstration of the latest concepts in architecture design and construction techniques available today.
A warm and inviting tile fireplace in one the many bedrooms in The New American Home. Image courtesy of Tori Aston and Modenus.
The 5,050-square-foot TNAH, which would normally take a builder 18 to 24 months to complete, was completed within a 10-month time frame! A one-of-a-kind home that can meet your needs as well as that of your extended family’s needs – what more could you want?
Functional, long-lasting and energy conscious materials were featured throughout the home. Most importantly, the flexibility of various living needs and scenarios were also showcased within multi-level living spaces, with considerations given to universal living and aging in place. Did I mention the breath-taking scenery from the outdoor living areas? On the clear and breezy evening we were there, you could clearly see the Las Vegas Strip. A stellar view, for sure! We had even ensured that we used energy efficient outdoor home security cameras to complete the property!
Stunning view from the outdoor living area. Image courtesy of The New American Home.
The pool area featured an abundance of mosaic and large format tile. Image courtesy of Tori Aston and Modenus
With so many suppliers and manufacturers coming together to bring this home to fruition, my eyes and attention were clearly focused on the design of the kitchen and bathrooms, the flooring, and of course, the Thermador appliances. Let’s just say I had to restrain my giddy self.
“Ultimate entertainers want to deliver a memorable, enjoyable experience for their guests, whether it is during a casual brunch, formal dinner or overnight visit, and integrating Thermador appliances in a variety of rooms throughout this luxury home brings that to life,” said Zach Elkin, Director, Brand Marketing, for Thermador. “After 100 years, Thermador continues to redefine, reshape and reignite inspiration for the design and function of today’s kitchens for the culinary enthusiast, and there’s no better place to showcase this innovation than in the 2016 New American Home.” I couldn’t agree more!
To enhance any gathering of friends and family outside of the kitchen, highly personalized Thermador Culinary Preservation Centers were incorporated throughout the home to provide added comfort for guests. Two of the bedrooms – including the master suite – feature Beverage Centers with Thermador refrigeration, built-in coffee machines and convection warming drawers to ensure a beverage or snack are within reach to start or end the day on an extra relaxing note. Pinch me!
Additional Thermador appliances featured within the home include:
- Frameless 36″ Freedom Induction Cooktop.
- Masterpiece Series Double Oven.
- Masterpiece Series Steam and Convection Oven.
- 36″ Professional Series Custom Hood Insert.
- Sapphire Dishwasher.
Thermador’s Sapphire Dishwasher with its signature glow. Image courtesy of Thermador.
- Masterpiece Series Convection Warming Drawer.
- Freedom Collection Culinary Preservation Centers.
Thermador’s built-in, fully automatic coffee machine pairs well with Daltile’s Urban Metals bronze brick mosaic tiles, don’t you think?
- Built-in MicroDrawer Microwave.
- Built-In Fully Automatic Coffee machine.
Last, but definitely not least, while touring Thermador’s KBIS exhibit, this gorgeous piece of art, also known as Thermador’s Culinary Preservation Center, had everyone talking. Actually, it was drool…we were all drooling! The custom ombre blue paint is similar to that found on luxurious high-end cars.
Thermador’s sleek Custom Culinary Preservation Center
As you can see, living in a home with a plethora of sustainable and eco-friendly options, as well as one that gives consideration to multi-generational use, is neither drab nor unattainable. What was your favorite part of The New American Home?