But Robert Lord didn’t stop there. The Ultimate Green Home He began designing the “Ultimate Green Home” in 2005—a vision that would be fully realized by the fall of 2008: 15,000 square feet of what can only be described as architectural alchemy. With geothermal systems, convection-reflective materials from DuPont (so advanced they blocked cell signals), paperless drywall, and space- age sealing techniques, the home became a living laboratory. "People walked in and felt like they were on another planet," Robert remembers. "Scientists from the Institute for Chicago Science and Industry came out.”
“We had 200 to 300 people attend open houses in midsummer, and the HVAC units didn’t even turn on. It sustained itself." The home drew national and international acclaim. It earned the National Innovation Award. Robert was invited to undergo a rigorous, year-long audit by the very first Hammers 20 Club—a prestigious benchmarking group within the National Association of Home Builders, composed of some of the most elite custom home builders in the country. The invitation alone was a rare honor. After an exhaustive review of his business model, systems, and building practices, Robert was invited to attend as a guest and ally. In a moment that underscored just how far ahead of the curve he truly was, they told him he didn’t need to join—he was already operating on their level. “Just keep doing what you’re doing,” they said.
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