In Melbourne, FL, Mercedes Homes and the Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings (CARB) hosted an open house to introduce a line of EnergyStar-rated homes designed to reduce utility bills by 30% or more. CARB is one of five Building America teams sponsored by the Department of Energy.

Two production model homes were shown as part of three developments Mercedes has planned for Central Florida. According to those involved in the project, the models "represent a significant departure from the concrete block construction prevalent in the Florida market to a ‘poured-in-place’ concrete wall approach that uses innovative aluminum forms."

A total of 175 homes will be built in 2001 by Mercedes, using the new technology. In addition to the concrete approach, the homes include energy-efficient mechanical equipment.

Publication date: 08/06/2001