Net-Zero Energy Homes: Luxury Design Meets Environmental Responsibility
Net-zero energy homebuilding has become increasingly popular among luxury designers, who are pushing the boundaries of energy-efficient design to create cutting-edge performance homes for their clients. A net-zero home generates as much energy as its residents consume, while also enhancing occupant comfort and well-being.
The 2024 New American Home: A Showcase of Green Building
The 2024 New American Home is a prime example of green building innovation. Designed and built by Daniel Coletti, owner of Sun West Custom Homes, this showcase home incorporates the latest energy-efficient technologies to create a resort-like experience that blends luxury, ease, and inspiration.
Located in the upscale community of Ascaya in Henderson, the 7,722-square-foot residence features a series of motorized glass pocket doors that offer panoramic views of the Las Vegas Valley. The multi-paned glass windows and doors are manufactured with a low-emissivity coating and filled with inert argon gas, providing exceptional insulation and energy efficiency.
To further enhance energy efficiency, the home utilizes a combination of multilayer reflective Fi-Foil insulation with Holcim open-cell polyurethane spray foam and AeroBarrier air sealing material. The attic is also sealed with open-cell spray-foam insulation, resulting in an overall energy efficiency rating of 47 percent greater than a code-built reference home.
Solar Power and Smart Home Automation
The rooftop of the New American Home is equipped with 84 photovoltaic solar panels from Solaria, generating 31 kilowatts of electric power. This system, coupled with a Schneider Boost solar storage battery and a backup Kohler generator, can provide 100 percent of the annual electric energy needs for the residence, completing the net-zero energy equation.
Power generation and consumption are seamlessly managed through the Josh.ai home automation system. Residents can control and customize operational variables such as room temperature, air conditioning, lighting, appliances, water consumption, and entertainment systems using voice or touch-screen prompts.
Green Building Certifications and Leadership
The New American Home of 2024 is designed to exceed performance requirements for certification to the Emerald level of the National Green Building Standard, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star for Homes, WaterSense and Indoor AirPlus programs, as well as the U.S. Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Home standards.
This showcase home is the third version of The New American Home designed and built for the International Builders’ Show by Coletti and Sun West Custom Homes, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable construction and innovation.
Promoting Sustainability in the Las Vegas Valley
Van Diepen and GRN Vision, led by award-winning architect Rick Van Diepen, have played a significant role in promoting green building in the Las Vegas Valley. Van Diepen, a former president of the Nevada chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council and board member of the American Institute of Architects in Las Vegas, emphasizes the progress and potential of sustainable construction in the region.
Despite being a younger city, Las Vegas is adapting quickly to modern building and code standards, with local planning agencies and construction companies collaborating to enhance energy efficiency and resilience. Van Diepen’s own net-zero energy home conversion exemplifies the benefits of sustainable design and serves as an inspiration for others in the community.
