FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

IBS 2010: The Model Home Gets a Reality Check

By Charles Bickford
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles
The age of the McMansion is rapidly coming to a close. Apparently, someone didn't get the memo.

The International Builders’ Show begins next week in Las Vegas. For those of you who’ve never been, it’s the largest annual gathering of the building world, a carpenter’s Woodstock minus the music. A million-plus square feet of floor space is devoted to every product you could imagine might be associated with homebuilding.

The show is also seen by the industry as a bellweather of sorts. For example, no one at the 2009 show was surprised that attendance was lower than in years-past, given the great hissing sound of air leaving the building bubble.

Model Home Falls Victim to Credit Crunch
This year’s indicator wasn’t intentional, but it sure is symbolic. The annual showcase home, built every year to display the latest in products and innovations, will only be accessible as a virtual tour for attendees inside the convention center, instead of the usual bus ride across town to the real thing. The reason? This year’s showcase house won’t be finished in time for the show, a victim of the credit crunch. According to NAHB’s website:

“The banking industry’s reluctance to make loans for acquisition, development and construction, coupled with the housing downturn in Las Vegas, made it difficult (for the builder) to find alternative financing for TNAH (The New American Home) 2010.”

Now, I’m not a fan of kicking someonewhen they’re down, but it seems to me that, given the state of the housing industry over the last two years, someone could have come up with a better model home. They might have seen this one coming.

For starters, perhaps a house that was smaller and more practical—this year’s 6,000 square-footer is touted to be the smallest model home yet, “a model of space efficiency in residential design.”

Yes, it’s a showcase, and there has to be room for all the sponsors that ponied up to have their wares displayed. And this house does have some interesting features—a novel approach to a concrete slab and an innovative insulated concrete block for the walls. But anyone with half a brain should be able to see that the days of McMansions and the Happy Deal are finished. There isn’t a market for these kinds of houses.

Instead, there are a lot of builders out there wondering how they’re going to meet next week’s payroll, and a lot more homeowners wishing that they could find a house of one-third the size that was both affordable and energy-efficient. Where’s the model for that?

P.S. If you have a question about tools, materials, or the future of the home building industry, let us know. We’re taking questions from readers and will hit the show floor with camera and notebook in hand in search of answers. Read more…

HEADLINES FROM THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDERS’ SHOW
Model Home? IBS 2010: The Model Home Gets a Reality Check
A case study in irony: Construction stops on 6,000-square-foot showcase home dubbed ‘The New American Home’ after falling victim to the credit crunch. Read more…
Schluter foam core tile backer board IBS 2010: Schluter Introduces new Foam Core Tile Backer System
Structural panels will ease the process of making tile partitions, walls, and structures for bathrooms and more. Read more…
Kohler low-flow toilet IBS 2010: More Bang for Your Flush in Kohler’s 1.28 gallon Toilet
With water conservation top of mind Kohler showed off its new 1.28 gallon one-piece toilet at the International Builders’ Show here in Las Vegas. Read more…

Generac_Guardian_Series_sqs.jpg

Generac Standby Generator is Smarter than Me
A tour of Generac’s booth left me wondering why more homes aren’t equipped with emergency power. Read more…
Touch n seal spray foam insulation IBS 2010: Spray Insulation Rigs for the Rest of Us
Looking to get into the spray insulation business but don’t want the huge investment? Here’s a new portable unit you might be interested in. Read more…
GE hybrid hot water heater IBS 2010: Promising new water heater
GE released the first Energy Star rated water heater that uses heat pump technology and smart controls for significant energy saving potential. Read more…
New Stiletto speed square IBS 2010: Stiletto to Introduce New Titanium Square and Knife
The maker of high-end titanium hammers and prys shows off prototypes of its upcoming speed square and utility knife, due out later this year. Read more…
IBS 2010 Recap IBS 2010: Day One Round Up of New Tools and Products
From entry-level spray foam applicators to a rainwater collection system to some smaller gadgets and accessories, here’s what caught our eye at day one of IBS. Listen to the audio slideshow…

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Reliable Crimp Connectors

These reliable, high-quality connectors from Wirefy work on 10-22-gauge wire have heat-shrink insulation to keep out water and road salt.
Buy at Amazon

Affordable IR Camera

This camera is super useful for tracking down air leaks in buildings. The one-hand pistol grip arrangement frees your other hand for steadying yourself while maneuvering tricky job sites.
Buy at Amazon

Handy Heat Gun

This heat gun is great for drying joint compound, primer and paint when patching drywall and plaster walls. Plus it can soften adhesive, get a very cold small engine to start, and shrink heat-shrink tubing.
Buy at Amazon

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

The age of the McMansion is rapidly coming to a close. Apparently, someone didn't get the memo.

×

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

View Comments

  1. DingusMcPhee | Jan 13, 2010 04:11pm | #1

    At least the unbuilt behemoth is copied from Wright's Fallingwater (built during the last Depression) and doesn't look like the mish-mash mcmansions sitting idle across the nation. Other than that, you said it all!

  2. iMarc | Jan 26, 2010 06:10am | #2

    "Copied from Wright's Fallingwater"? What photo are you looking at DingusMcPhee? Just wondered; What happened to the brick? Is that haphazard pattern a new style? Looks more like painted out graffiti. Wouldn't you think the IBS committee would have had enough foresight and imagination to build something more inspirational than this generic multi-gabled stilty-posted-entry McMansion? It looks like the first page from any 1995 home planning magazine. They must not read Fine Homebuilding.

    I just received some free promotional literature in the mail from James Hardie, along with a sample of their new Artisan siding, that included a surprisingly well done design book, "The Value of Design", by Marianne Casuto. Builders looking for some inspiration and what-to-do/what-not-to-do ideas can go to James Hardie's Artisan website to request a copy for themselves at: http://www.artisanluxury.com/request.shtml. Just fill out the form and check both literature request boxes.

  3. iMarc | Jan 26, 2010 06:15am | #3

    My mistake, DingusMcPhee. I was looking at the photo posted at the top of the article. I hadn't clicked on the underlined "showcase house" text.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Podcast Episode 685: Patching Drywall, Adding Air Barriers, and Rotted Walls

Listeners write in about running a profitable contracting business and ask questions about patching drywall, adding air barriers, and fixing a patio poured against the house.

Featured Video

Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by Brick

Watch mason Mike Mehaffey construct a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 685: Patching Drywall, Adding Air Barriers, and Rotted Walls
  • Podcast Episode 684: Masonry Heaters, Whole-House Ventilation, and Porch Flooring
  • Podcast Episode 683: Barndominiums, ERVs, and Radon Mitigation
  • Podcast Episode 682: Basement Flooring, Architectural Salvage, and HVAC Ducts

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

Video

View All Videos
  • Podcast Episode 678: Live from the Builders' Show-Part 2
  • Podcast Episode 677: Live from the Builders' Show-Part 1
  • FHB Podcast Segment: The Best of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast, Volume 8
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Larsen-Truss Retrofit to Existing Stud-Frame House
View All

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data