Created as a reinterpretation of the classic white box-style design of the ’60s and ’70s made popular by such architects as Le Corbusier and Richard Meier, The New American Home 2012 (TNAH) will be greener, smarter — and smaller — than TNAHs of the past.

Now under construction in Winter Park, Fla., about 30 minutes from the site of the 2012 NAHB International Builders’ Show in Orlando on Feb. 8-11, TNAH 2012 is on schedule to be completed in December.

“At 4,181 square feet, it is smaller than previous TNAHs,” said architect and builder Phil Kean of Phil Kean Designs in Winter Park. “It will be displayed as a two-bedroom floor plan that will appeal to empty nesters and will have four additional rooms that can be converted to bedrooms if desired.”

In addition, the home will incorporate the latest advances in home technologies, green building and energy efficiency.

TNAH 2012 under roof

“This home will not just be a ‘smart house,’ it will be brilliant,” Kean said.

With an integrated technology package designed and installed by Architectural Electronics in Winter Park, the home will feature structured wiring and control systems that provide the home owner with a high-end experience at a reasonable price.

Builders and industry professionals touring the home during IBS will learn how to provide a custom technology package at a price and value attractive to their clients, he said.

Architectural Electronics is an active member of the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA), a partner and founding sponsor in the NAHB Home Technology Alliance (HTA), which brings together housing industry professionals to create the optimal home experience powered by technology. Architectural Electronics’ founder, Peter Shipp, serves on the HTA’s board of directors.

Kean designed TNAH 2012 to take maximum advantage of Florida’s friendly climate. When completed, movable glass wall panels and motorized screens will provide a seamless traffic flow from the indoor to outdoor spaces.

He also designed the 2012 show home to achieve “Emerald Status” under the National Green Building Standard. Kean said he is hoping to achieve additional green certifications for the home, including the USGBC LEED for Homes certification; the Florida Green Building Coalition’s Platinum certification; U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Star; the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods designation; the Florida Water Star designation; the Energy Home Advantage Program; and the DOE’s Builders Challenge.

Structured wiring and control systems provide the home owner with a high-end experience.

Green technologies being used include LOGIX insulated concrete forms with an R-value of R27, the Lennox Solar HVAC system, LED interior and exterior lighting, and solar screens.

Now in its 29th year, TNAH serves as a real-world laboratory demonstrating concepts, materials, designs and construction techniques that can be replicated — in whole or in part — in housing built in any place and for any price range.

Kean, as architect and builder of the home, is leading an extensive team of industry professionals. A list of team members can be found on the TNAH website, which . The website also features videos of the production process.

The home is being built on an infill site in an older neighborhood close to downtown Winter Park. Amenities within walking distance include shops, restaurants and a public library.

One of NAHB’s most successful and visible programs, The New American Home is produced and presented by the NAHB Leading Suppliers Council and Builder magazine. TNAH is built to showcase the NAHB Leading Suppliers’ products.

Registered IBS attendees can tour TNAH 2012 daily during the show. Free shuttle buses (tickets required) will depart every half hour from the Orange County Convention Center, site of the IBS.

Artist's rendering of the rear of The New American Home 2012