West Chesterfield, N.H. -- Foard Panel Inc. and KBS Building Systems, Inc. of South Paris, Maine are introducing the “R-Home” to the building market – the first home building system to marry modular home design and a structural insulated panel (SIP) frame.

The R-Home is essentially a quickly installed pre-manufactured home with state-of-the-art home efficiency technology. It’s up quick, economically priced and perfect for first time buyers or retirees getting ready to downsize.

This three-bedroom, two-bathroom colonial has 1,024 square feet of comfortable living area and will be ENERGY STAR ready. Foard will supply the 6-1/2-inch structural panel wall system that provides a thermal resistance measurement of R-23, exceeding energy codes. Owners can save between 35-50 percent on their fuel bills compared to conventional construction.

Foard structural insulated panels are commonly used in place of stick frame construction. They provide a more energy-efficient shell than standard framing and batt insulation.

“In order to sell in this economy, modular building manufacturers must develop high performance homes at affordable prices.” said Ray Atkisson, KBS General Manager. “Combining our pre-built home technique with a SIP wall and roof system positions KBS to compete with ENERGY STAR builders throughout the northeast.”

Additional earth-friendly features of the home include ENERGY STAR-rated doors windows and heating systems, low VOC paints and cellulose insulation in the attic. Indoor air quality will be maintained by a Venmar Energy Recovery Ventilation System.

“Foard’s partnership with KBS demonstrates how a blending of building techniques can create an improved product for an entire industry,” said Lisa Ford, Marketing Director at Foard.

The management team at KBS has been manufacturing affordable homes for 20 years. With the use of Foard SIPs, KBS can increase the energy performance of their already popular manufactured home product.

The first R-Home is scheduled to be built in March at KBS’s manufacturing facility. The home will initially be stationed in Maine where KBS builder distributors will become acquainted with their new product. Eventually, the first R-Home will travel to a town lot in Brattleboro,Vt. where it will be put on the market.

For more information about building your own “R-Home,” contact Mike Hamm at KBS Building Systems at 207-739-2400 or Lisa Ford at Foard Panel at 800-644-8885.