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With the 2013 International Builders’ Show compressed to three days and the lure of the exhibit floor, educational seminars, and the Las Vegas Strip vying for your attention, it might be easy to blow off a half-day pilgrimage to tour The New American Home in nearby Henderson, Nev.
Make time.
It’s not a stretch to say that even builders of the most luxurious custom homes will experience something new with the 2013 version of this annual idea home program.
Forget what you think you know about floor planning, the integration of water beyond a fountain or a pool, livable basements in the desert, or sightlines that extend only across one or two interior spaces before they reach a window or a wall.
The New American Home 2013 breaks all the rules of convention without being wacky or unlivable. In fact, just the opposite—it is perhaps the most livable 6,721-square-foot, four-level home out there. And while its floor plan might be a little hard to discern on paper (even for astute builders … and editors), it makes perfect sense in reality.
The home’s 17,261-square-foot footprint features well-scaled and well-defined spaces, ubiquitous nature in the form of multidirectional views, landscaping, and water (lots of it, both recreational and simply aesthetic), and a successful combination of private and public areas. Its forms function to naturally cool the indoor spaces and allow them to remain open on even the hottest desert days.
As such, the house is an entertainer’s dream come true. The grade-level master suite is appropriately secluded, and there are two guest suites within the plan, but everything else is pretty much party central. In fact, you could conceivably have four self-contained events going on simultaneously—one on each level, including the expansive and partially open-air basement.
But that’s not in the spirit of this house. Besides, guests would be too tempted by views to other activities going on up, down, and across from where they are not to stray and investigate them. It’s hard to picture, I know. So don’t try. Just go.
OPEN FOR TOURS The New American Home 2013 is open for free guided tours during the International Builders’ Show, Jan. 22-24, in Las Vegas. The home is located in Henderson, Nev., about 13 miles from the Las Vegas Convention Center. Fortunately, there’s a nice, cool, and free shuttle bus service to and from the house during IBS exhibit hours. Stop by Booth #20 inside the Central Concourse to check the shuttle bus schedule and reserve your seats (it’s more fun with friends), then catch the bus in front of the Central Concourse of Hall “C” at your appointed time. Expect a 40-minute ride each way sandwiching a one-hour tour of the house. Driving on your own is discouraged.
Project Details
Project The New American Home 2013, Las Vegas
Size 6,721 square feet (conditioned space on three levels) within an overall footprint of 17,261 square feet on four levels
Bedrooms 3, plus an office and library
Bathrooms 9, including 5 half-baths
Lot size 0.66 acre
Builder, architect, and interior designer Blue Heron, Las Vegas
Producers BUILDER and the NAHB Leading Suppliers Council, Washington, D.C.
Websitewww.tnah.com
Read More
Be sure to read the complete story of The New American Home in the January 2013 issue of BUILDER, including exclusive photographs, a detailed floor plan, and a full list of the project team, sponsors, and contributors.
Learn more about markets featured in this article: Las Vegas, NV.
