The New American Home '96 opens it doors Jan.26-29 during the National Association of Home Builders' 52^nd Annual Convention and Exposition in Houston.

The 7,395 square foot house, valued at $1.95 million, is the largest in the history of The New American Home program.

"Luxury" is the theme of The New American Home '96, the 13th in a series of idea homes built in conjunction with the NAHB convention. Designed and built by Carmichael/Dame Builders, a Houston design/build firm that specializes in large, expensive homes, The new American Home '96 was designed for an affluent couple who entertain frequently and work from home at least part time.

Among the design, construction, and product features that cater to these discrimination buyers are:

• A grand 22-foot-high entry rotunda and living with spectacular rear-yard views, tailor-made for entertaining.
• A second-floor pub room and home theater with 80-inch rear projection TV, laser disc player and five-speaker sound system for more casual gatherings.
• A climate-controlled, sunken wine room off the formal dining room.
• A kitchen for two cooks with two sinks, two dishwashers and two refrigerators.
• A private pool terrace complete with screened loggia and two-way outdoor fireplace.
• A backyard exercise room with 32-jet shower for two.
• Three work-at-home spaces-for him, her and the kids.
• An above garage suite for live-in help, a parent or adult child or home office.
• A raised concrete-pier and grade-beam foundation to keep the house high and dry on its 100-year flood zone site.
• A hybrid steel and wood framing system.
• EIF-coated foam exterior moldings that cost a sixth as much as stone.

Carmichael/Dame Builders has been building houses for Houston's elite since 1986. In 1995, the firm closed 12 houses for just over $6 million.

The elegant, traditional interiors found in The New American Home '96 are by Michael Foster Design of New York City which has done the interior design home for six New American Homes.

The landscape architect is Foresman and Associates of Houston.

The New American Home '96 is sponsored by the National Council of the Housing Industry, BUILDER magazine and Ladies Home Journal.

The New American home program was established in 1984 to showcase residential design trends, new building products, and construction technology in conjunction with the annual NAHB convention.

Past New American Homes have introduced new and innovative building products such as engineered wood beams and studs, steel studs, foam-formed concrete walls, energy efficient windows and doors, zoned heating and cooling systems and whole-house automation systems.

The New American Home '96 is located in Enclave Lake at Parkway Villages, a 30-minute drive from Houston's Astrodomain. Free shuttle bus service will be provided every 15 minutes from the Astoarena main entrance.

The public is invited to the Exposition. For more information contact the Home Builders Association (476-0318).