Las Vegas, Nevada — Polyurethane spray foam won a lot of attention in the US, in a showcase home for the National Association of Home Builders.
Underneath the decoration of this 7,400-sq ft (667m2) stone veneer house, which features five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, two powder rooms and a carriage suite, or garage, lies a liberal amount of polyurethane spray foam.
This year's house takes green building techniques to a new level, meeting the highest designations of emerald status for the US National Green Building Standard and platinum status for the US Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) program.
Drew Smith, president of green build consulting firmTwo Trails Inc, ensured green construction processes were followed in the house's construction. His firm specified Bayseal, an open-cell polyurethane spray foam insulation system made by Bayer MaterialScience.
"We're big advocates of the [polyurethane] spray foam industry because it really is the best way to tighten up a house and make it extremely energy-efficient. It has come a long way," Smith said. He added, "We're more of a fan of open cell because it allows a house to breathe a little more and doesn't trap so much moisture between the dry wall and insulation."
Architect Jeffrey Berkus agreed Bayseal was a good choice for the desert house, which will have to work overtime to keep out sand and dust as well as heat.
Polyurethane "spray foam insulation and roofing is the perfect solution to keep the inside of the home comfortable while helping to keep out pollutants and allergens," Berkus said in a statement.
The New American Home programme was founded in 1984 to showcase building and design innovation and best practices that can be replicated for any house in any price range.
