The 2026 New American Remodel

TWOTRAILS™ is serving as the Energy and Green Building Consultant for The New American Remodel 2026, working in partnership with Phil Kean Designs to transform a mid-century Winter Park home into a model of energy efficiency and innovation. Their efforts focus on a high-performance thermal envelope, including open-cell spray foam insulation, reflective wall insulation, and high-efficiency windows and doors, cutting air leakage by an estimated 100% compared to the original home. Mechanical upgrades feature serviced high-SEER HVAC equipment, duct sealing, MERV 13 filtration, and ENERGY STAR® appliances and lighting. The remodel also targets water efficiency, with WaterSense fixtures, drought-tolerant landscaping, and high-efficiency irrigation, projecting a 50% reduction in water use. Indoor air quality is enhanced through low-VOC paints, adhesives, and construction practices that protect occupants’ health. By applying a systems-engineering approach, Two Trails has helped achieve a projected HERS Index improvement from 91 pre-remodel to 49 post-remodel—demonstrating performance levels that exceed the Gold certification of the National Green Building Standard™. This project showcases how cost-effective strategies and innovative products can be applied broadly across homes in hot, humid climates to deliver sustainable living at any price point.