The New American Home 2026, the official showcase of the upcoming NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) taking place February 17–19, is setting a new standard in sustainable residential design.
Spanning more than 9,200 square feet, the exhibit home blends luxury aesthetics with groundbreaking energy performance. Project planners say the home is projected to achieve an extraordinary Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index of -40, far surpassing the efficiency of a standard new home (which averages a score of 100) and even outperforming typical net-zero homes rated at 0.
“This project demonstrates how far innovation in materials and design can go in driving energy efficiency,” said Drew Smith, COO of Two Trails Inc., the project’s energy consultant. “We wanted to make the home as efficient as possible before even adding solar power — it’s like building an above-ground submarine.”
The impressive efficiency results from a combination of advanced technologies and construction techniques, including spray foam and Fi-Foil insulation, AeroBarrier sealant, and high-performance windows. These systems create a tightly sealed building envelope that minimizes energy loss and optimizes indoor comfort.
While solar energy plays a key role in reaching the -40 HERS score, the design team initially aimed even higher, with projections of -82. However, they strategically reduced the number of solar panels to balance aesthetics, cost, and performance — while still achieving one of the most energy-efficient large-scale homes ever showcased at IBS.
Visitors to the 2026 Builders’ Show will get an up-close look at the technologies and strategies behind this achievement, offering valuable insights for architects, builders, and homeowners pursuing next-generation energy performance.
