The Next Great American Homes

A project to transform home building. Architect Leigh Overland has worked on some news-worthy buildings in the past few years. Now he is combining his experiences to create another innovative project that he believes will prompt consumer demand for the Next Great American Homes. Overland realized that Insulated Concrete Forms, or ICF, is better than a traditional stick-built house in many ways. Along with cutting energy bills by up to 70%, the regulated and filtered indoor air flow make it healthier, and the concrete walls make it stronger and much quieter. The home takes any outdoor finish the owner chooses, and the interior welcomes any design. Overland is planning to break ground on a new ICF home, in Fairfield, Connecticut, later this month. In addition to the strength ICF construction provides, the home will feature designs -- to protect it from severe storms and floods. Unlike the usual home-building project, the public will be invited to witness the various stages of the build and learn about how to construct houses that save money and will adapt to climate change in an affordable way. The construction timetable will be fast-paced, fun and educational. “This project will offer a multilayered, sensory experience for everyone who visits the building site,” Overland said. “Every sense will be engaged, and it will enhance the experience of architecture that most buildings don’t have. We will demonstrate that, thanks to its progressive preservation approach, this home will transform the way we build and interact with the environment.” The property is located in an existing neighborhood on Ash Creek and Overland has created a community barn-raising atmosphere similar to the "Extreme Makeover" experience. More than 75 contractors and consultants have agreed to work with Overland to construct the house and provide customized finishes and features. The goal for the team is to make innovative connections to the home-buying public and the construction industry.