PITTSBURGH – The beauty and performance of cypress will be in the spotlight on the "First to the Future Home" series, hosted by Ty Pennington for NextGenHomeTV.

The series showcases the building of an energy-efficient and smart home in Palm Coast, Florida. Highlighted are new products and technologies, as well as traditional building materials.

“There’s something special about the look and feel of wood that makes it appeal to homeowners probably more so than any other material,” said Paul Barnett, president and executive producer of NGHTV.com. “What sets cypress apart is its rich grain, natural durability, and flexibility with choosing a finish.

“When we began installing the cypress siding and soffit on the exterior of the home, we were blown away by the natural beauty and color of the wood. We liked it so much that we decided to carry it into the interior of the home for some of the ceilings,” he added.

The Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association and Atlanta Hardwood Corporation partnered with NGHTV on the series. Click here to watch episodes of the “First to the Future Home” series on NGHTV.com.