When the International Builders’ Show opens next month, a demonstration house on the show floor of the Las Vegas Convention Center will give attendees a glimpse of what the future of home building could look like—one in which houses are built in a factory and assembled on site in mere days as opposed to months or years.
The house in question will be Builder’s LivingHome show home, a 2,000-square-foot contemporary house that was, in fact, built in a Southern California factory, transported to Las Vegas, and assembled on the show floor. Though the home will be a radical departure from what most builders are accustomed to, it will provide an intriguing case study of a process that takes advantage of the automation and assembly-line process of manufacturing.
Because the home was built in a factory, it is tighter, stronger, and more uniform than homes built on site. Controlled factory conditions mean components were never exposed to rain, and walls and floors will be truly plumb, level, and square. It also means the process of building generated less waste than conventional construction.
The products in the home are an important part of the green equation. Products were picked for their ability to maintain clean indoor air, conserve water, and save energy.
For example, an automatic ventilation system from Broan will monitor moisture levels in the bathrooms and activate automatically when needed; a Beam central vacuum system will allow residents to clean up while keeping airborne dust to a minimum; and HVAC mini-duct air distribution and ventilation systems from Goodman and Hi-Velocity Systems will keep the indoor air fresh.
Energy Star appliances such as the Whirlpool Duet laundry pair with steam will save energy, while a variety of ultra-low-flow and dual-flush toilets from Kohler will save water.
Turn the page for a look at some of the home’s other sustainable products that can help you green your houses.
Air Out: A SmartSense Ventilation System will create integrated moisture management using the company’s Ultra Silent fans installed throughout the house. The system monitors manual usage of the fans and automatically activates when there is a need. The Energy Star–rated fans use less than 35 watts during ventilation cycles and operate at 0.3 and 0.7 sones. Broan-NuTone. 800-558-1711. www.broan.com.
Paint Can: Harmony latex paint contains zero volatile organic compounds and produces little to no odor. The environmentally friendly product offers long-term durability and anti-microbial properties to inhibit the growth of mildew. It comes in primer, flat, and semigloss options. The Sherwin-Williams Co. 216-566-2000. www.sherwin-williams.com.
Flushed Away: The manufacturer’s list of water-saving toilets in the home includes the Saile dual-flush, the San Raphael Pressure Lite 1-gallon-per-flush, and the Persuade dual-flush (shown). Persuade allows users to select a traditional 1.6 gallons or 0.8 gallons. The WaterSense-certified product has a two-piece design with a skirted bowl for a clean look. Kohler. 800-456-4537. www.kohler.com.
Grand Openings: The manufacturer’s new 100 Series windows feature 43 percent pre-consumer recycled content. The windows are made from Fibrex, a structural composite of recycled sawdust and polymer, and are outfitted with SmartSun glazing that prevents unwanted heat gain. Four exterior colors are available. Andersen Windows and Doors. 800-426-4261. www.andersenwindows.com.
Clad Tidings: Environmentally responsible biocomposite EcoClad is made from 50 percent bamboo and 50 percent post-consumer recycled paper, bonded with a water-based resin. Free of volatile organic compounds, the cladding is strong and highly resistant to weathering. Panels measure 48 inches by 96 inches and come in 10 wood grains and eight stock colors. Klip BioTechnologies. 253-507-4622. www.kliptech.com.
Clean and Free: A central vacuum system will help the house maintain a dust-free environment. Consisting of a Serenity IQS power unit and Q Power Team hose, handle, electric power brush, and cleaning tools, the system will allow users to remove dirt and allergens from the living area and deposit the collected items in a central canister. An LCD screen indicates how efficiently the system is performing. Beam. 800-369-2326. www.beam.com.
Grain Game: Lyptus engineered and solid wood flooring is made from fast-growing eucalyptus trees on managed plantations. The single-strip engineered flooring comes in 3 1/4-inch and 5-inch widths and can be stapled, glued, or floated. Harder than oak, the solid wood flooring measures 3/4 inch thick and measures 2 1/4 inches, 3 inches, or 4 inches wide. Lyptus by Weyerhaeuser Co. 800-320-9720. www.lyptus.com.
Wash and Wear: The Energy Star–rated Duet Steam laundry pair helps keep utility costs low. A steam feature helps the washer handle tough stains without pre-treating and allows the dryer to get rid of wrinkles and odors. The washer saves up to 73 percent of the water and 77 percent of the energy used by conventional washers manufactured before 2004. The pair comes in three colors. Whirlpool Corp. 800-253-3977. www.insideadvantage.com.
Watch Your Glass: Echo recycled glass tiles will grace the home’s bathrooms and kitchen backsplash. The cast, translucent glass tiles are textured on the front and back and contain a recycled content of 10 percent to 100 percent (depending on the color). They’re available in 15 colors—including white, black, red, and soft pastels—three finishes, and five sizes. Crossville Inc. 800-221-9093. www.crossvilleinc.com.