History of TNAH

Builder: Gemcraft Homes; Architect: Fisher-Friedman Associates; Interior Designer: Stan Hura; Landscape Architect: SWA Group

Size: 2,000-square feet; Price: $350,000

A decidedly move-up home targeted to a wealthy family, the 1985 version grew to 2,200 square feet and a price tag of $350,000. More than its marketing scheme, however, was its approach to that buyer: a decidedly contemporary take that incorporated four “pods,” exposed concrete columns, and a long, arched skylight across its spine.

Builder: Williams Fine Homes; Architect: Berkus Group Architects (now B3 Architects); Interior Designer: Carey Berkus Designs; Landscape Architect: Matarazzo Design

Size: 3,600-square feet; Price: $600,000

The 1987 house made a dedicated effort to attract empty nesters with a well-appointed, contemporary approach. Angled to the street and revealing little behind its façade except a long peaked roof to the back, the 3,600-square foot, single-level plan features only two bedrooms. The 1987 house was ahead of its time technologically. A whole-house audio system, remote security monitors and a two-line phone scheme that enabled multiple communications functions were precursors to today's structured wiring schemes.

Builder/Landscape Architect: John Wieland Homes; Architect: Charles Moore; Interior Designer: Bauer Interior Design

Size: 5,400-square feet; Price: $600,000

The Builders' Show's first foray into the Deep South demanded a modern take on the traditional manor house. Set on a hill overlooking a neighborhood of red-brick move-up homes, the 5,400-square foot, grey stucco home showed a blank, curving, three-level end façade to those driving up to see it. Innovations ran rampant in the house. The blue base cabinets are set off by stainless steel appliances, a relative anomaly at the time, as were the electronic programmable thermostat, wireless security system, radiant-floor heating system and dual-pane windows.

Builder: The Plumber Company; Architect/Landscape Architect: Berke & McWhorter Architects; Interior Designer: Michael Foster

Size: 2,500-square feet; Price: $329,000

Within two years, TNAH had gone from an eclectic modern manor to a simple, yet elegant, interpretation of a Williamsburg Colonial. The architects eschewed what they called the "tacked-on details" of suburban housing in favor of authenticity, making a strong yet simple statement inside and out with rich, true materials.

Builder: Lewis Homes of Nevada; Architect: Johannes Van Tilburg & Partners (now VTBS Architects); Landscape Architect: S.W. Southwick & Associates; Interior Designer: Michael Foster and Charles Riley, New York, NY

Size: 3,000-square feet; Price: $360,000

The 1993 TNAH re-introduced the housing industry to the age-old yet forgotten concept of homes for multi-generational households under the same roof. Beyond simply a bedroom borne of a converted flex space, the house offered a dedicated in-law suite, located on the main level and set away from main living areas. Following its immediate predecessor, the house employed many of the same eco-friendly and energy-saving features and products, as well as recycled-content insulation, concrete and floor finishes, pressurized low-flow toilets and an integrate home automation and control system.

Builder: Emerald Homes; Architect: Looney Ricks Kiss Architects; Landscape Architect: Ben Page & Associates; Interior Designer: Michael Foster and Charles Riley

Size: 3,144-square feet; Price: $186,000

TNAH returned to Houston to showcase a budget-conscious break from the Texas norm: A red-brick, traditionally styled home with a deep and usable front porch, a set-back attached garage, an energy efficiency package, accessibility features and a 3,144-square foot, two-story plan that sold for a mere $186,000. That being said, there was also innovation: The main stair turned away from the entry to conveniently lead to the kitchen and other casual spaces, while the plan also offered a homework nook and the master suite on the main level.

Builder/Designer: Dave Presnell Builder; Designer: Clothier/Sullivan & Stevens Associates; Landscape Architect: Oasis Landscaping; Interior Designer: Michael Foster Design

Size: 3,587-square feet; Price: $419,000

As it had throughout its history, TNAH introduced new terms to the mainstream housing lexicon in 1997, namely universal design. The suburban house put all 3,587-square feet on one level to ensure complete access by the empty-nester couple and their family members and guests, providing an at-grade entry and covering the majority of that footprint inside with a plank-wood flooring. The house also upped the ante on outdoor spaces with a built-in grill and a fireplace within a covered, tiled patio.

Builder/Designer: Landstar Homes; Architect: Dahlin Group Architects & Planners; Interior Designer: Janet Lohman Interior Design and Michael Foster Design

Size: 3,878-square feet; Price: $489,750

A custom take on a production house, the 1999 TNAH brought a variety of ideas to bring style and convenience to the move-up family market. Combining an attractive stone and brick exterior with recessed garage doors set behind a colonnade that extended to the courtyard entry, the house upped the ante of suburban curb appeal. The diagonal floor plan was equally dramatic yet also smart; it was essentially a rectangle turned to the side, with only a few odd angles and an open floor plan.

Builder/Designer: Hedgewood Properties; Architect: Garden Houses of the 1920s; Interior Designer: Susan Orlie Designs

Size: 5,500-square feet; Price: $1.26 M

In the program's return to Atlanta, TNAH boasted 4,400 square feet and topped the $1 million price mark with an English-inspired Arts & Crafts home on a suburban infill site close to town. The house also put a label on the energy- and resource-efficient efforts the program had been evolving for years as it qualified under the regional Earthcraft Home standard. Instead of trying to cram a home theater, gym and conditioned wine cellar in everyday living spaces, the house took advantage of its lower level for those functions.

Builder/Designer: AmLand Development Co.; Architect: RNM Architects & Planners; Interior Designer: AVA Avery-Brooks & Associates

Size: Three Separate Town Homes: 2,775 / 2,950 / 3,151-sqare feet; Price: $825 - 975,000 each

TNAH program celebrated its 20th anniversary by once again breaking form, this time with a trio of attached townhouses in the renowned new community of Lake Las Vegas. The concept enabled the program to design homes for three market segments: singles, second-home buyers and young, affluent families. For instance, the C Plan suited an upscale single female buyer; the Plan B, a winter retreat for active adults; Plan A, provided for a young family. It was also the first in the history of the program to qualify under the federal Energy Star standards.

Builder/Designer: Goehring & Morgan Construction; Architect: BSB Design; Interior Design: Saxon-Clark; Landscape Design: Knight, Kincaid and Associates

Size: 5,900-square feet; Price: $1.55 M

The program followed the Builders' Show to Orlando and into one of the country's premiere urban revitalization projects, a formal Naval training center remade into Baldwin Park, for a luxury house that was decidedly introspective in its approach. The house was pure luxury, from the dual-island kitchen with its concealed pantry and pasta faucet to the massive master suite featuring a separate laundry room and a spiral stair to the office above. There was also a library loft, a computer niche, home theater, under stair wine storage and a tricked-out garage storage system.

Builder/Designer: Homes by Carmen Dominguez; Architect: BSB Design; Interior Design: Robb & Stucky Interiors; Landscape Design: Glatting Jackson Kircher Anglin

Size: 5,283-square feet; Price: $2.95 M

The program's legacy of innovative design, lifestyle and resource efficiency culminated in 2007 with a high-performance contemporary Craftsman-style house positioned on a prime corner lot that afforded a glimpse of the city's signature feature, Lake Eola. The home's true value was in its performance features. A system of insulated, precast concrete panel shell and floor system anchors the house, topped by a green roof containing an array of photovoltaic panels to offset the utility grid. The insulated windows featured an exterior coating that resists dirt and dust, while the stucco cladding offered a treatment to block pollutants.

Builder: Blue Heron, Inc.; Architect: Danielian Associates; Interior Designer: Robb & Stucky Interiors

Size: 8,195-square feet; Price: $4.3 M

TNAH 2009 was sited to optimize solar resources and incorporates landscape design that helps limit water and energy demand. Soil erosion and disturbance was kept to a minimum with storm water pollution prevention plans and continued on-site monitoring and implementation of best management practices. To minimize the quantity of materials used and reduce waste, the builder employed advanced framing techniques including premanufactured trusses and floor systems and used building materials that didn't require additional on-site finish resources.

Design Build: Continental Homes / Continental Interiors; Architect of Record: Donnelly Architecture, Inc.; Architect of Design: The Studio

Size: 8,396-square feet house, 1,293-square feet carriage house; Price: $3.5 M

Unlike the previous homes, which were sold after the Builders' Show, TNAH 2011 was a custom residence that was constructed for specific buyers. It integrated state-of-the-art technology in an American Empire design with Greek Revival elements and combined an inviting layout with elegant style, eccentric interiors and easy classicism. In addition to state-of-the-art green building technology, it featured dynamic aesthetic design, including fountains, pools and solar elements.

Builder: Blue Heron, Inc.; Architect: Blue Heron, Inc.; Interior Designer: Blue Heron, Inc.

Size: 6,712-square feet; Price: $4.5 M

Cutting-edge energy efficiency and stunning desert contemporary design are the keywords for the 2013 edition of TNAH. The home incorporated the latest green and sustainable building materials, products and construction methods in order to reduce its impact on the environment and provide the highest quality of life for the occupants. The latest green building products and methods are factored into every aspect of the home's design.

Builder: Blue Heron, Inc.; Architect: Blue Heron, Inc.; Interior Designer: Blue Heron, Inc.

Size: 5,891-square feet; Price: $2.05 M

The 33rd edition of TNAH was built to showcase the latest technology in the home building industry. The 2015 home demonstrated how the most cutting-edge building technology, products and materials can be integrated in a production community. Designed and built by Blue Heron, the home was created as a production floor plan to be sold and built with various structural and finish options. The home was as breathtaking and sophisticated as any true custom home.

Builder: Phil Kean Designs; Architect: Architecture by Phil Kean, LLC; Interior Designer: CRT Studio, Inc.

Size: 8,753-square feet; Price: $5.9 M

The talented team at Phil Kean Design Group designed and built the 2017 TNAH. The home was designed on one floor in an international style. The net-zero home displayed a superb use of glass, openness and indoor-outdoor lifestyle to take advantage of the lake and golf views, along with the Central Florida climate.

Builder: Sun West Custom Homes; Architect: Sun West Custom Homes; Interior Designer: Sun West Custom Homes

Size: 7,134-square feet; Price: $6.5 M

The 2019 TNAH was distinguished by incorporating a wide variety of contemporary-modern design, characterized by minimal decoration, abundant glass and flat rooflines. The luxury-home community of Ascaya presented the ideal location to exhibit innovation in technology and design. Industry professionals were able to view the outdoor transitional entertainment which included a vanishing edge pool and a custom fireplace.

Builder: Phil Kean Designs; Architect: Architecture by Phil Kean; Interior Design: Architecture by Phil Kean

Size: 4,390-square feet; Price: $3.2 M

TNAH 2021 was centrally located in Winter Park's downtown corridor, giving it a very high score of walkability. This gorgeous, three-level single-family home showcased innovative technology and trends of the time in a high-end, sophisticated setting. This property featured three bedrooms, four baths with one half-bath, a showroom three-car garage, innovative exercise room, numerous ultra-energy-efficiency, net-zero features, astonishing fire features and a luxurious summer kitchen.

Builder: Luxus Design Build; Architect: Studio g Architecture; Interior Designer: By Design Studios

Size: 8,211-square feet; Price: $15 M

The 2023 exhibition home presented two-levels with a spa, game room, private office, outdoor fire features and a roof deck designed to capture Las Vegas and the scenic views of the mountain range. The 40th edition of TNAH was another example of how the program continues to be on the cutting-edge of innovation and energy efficiency.