Fairfield, CT - Architect Leigh Overland has worked on some newsworthy 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. Visit https://nextgreatamericanhomes.com/
Overland was the architect on an episode of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” in Bridgeport, Connecticut, designing and helping to build a home in under two weeks for a family in need.
More recently, he designed a home reminiscent of a Scottish castle, employing a construction technique called Insulated Concrete Forms, or ICF, which uses foam forms filled with concrete to create the exterior walls of the house.
During that project Overland realized that 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 by preventing entry to pollen and mold, 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 has tentatively scheduled to break ground on Earth Day, April 22, on a new ICF home, in Fairfield, Connecticut. It was scheduled for early in March and may now be conducted as a virtual event because of COVID-19. He and his wife will move in at the end of construction, expected in the fall.
More than 100 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.
In addition to the strength ICF construction provides, the home will feature designs -- which can be easily employed on other new homes -- 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 his Makeover experience.
“I believe you will find,” Overland said, “that once consumers learn about ICF construction, they will want to experience it for themselves.”
To interview Leigh Overland, or to participate in the project, email his office at Leigh@ldoverland.com. Visit his website at www.ldoverland.com.
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