When Central's H.H. "Hoot" Haddock spoke at the United Nations on Saturday, he wasn't that nervous.

After all, it wasn't the first time he has addressed a group of foreign dignitaries.

Haddock only had one real concern.

"I don't know where they will find enough translators that can translate hillbilly," he joked.

In fact, the reason Haddock addressed the U.N. is far from a joke.

Haddock and Henry Kelly, president of the Federation of American Scientists, made a presentation to the African National Congress about Haddock's insulated-panel method of building homes.

Kelly and the Federation of American Scientists have endorsed Haddock's method as the best way of building new homes, particularly in third-world countries and areas where lumber is scarce.

The system consists of polystyrene glued between two pieces of fiber or cement, eliminating the need for large amounts of lumber.

Haddock's method passed several rigorous tests by the Federation of American Scientists before earning the endorsement.

Homes built using the system use significantly less energy because polystyrene is an excellent insulator, and they can be built quickly with a short amount of training.

"This system is appealing to us because of its elegant simplicity and potential for low cost, and they materials used are widely available," Kelly said.

After his speech, Haddock and a crew planned to assemble one of his homes outside the U.N. in New York, before that home is moved to Africa.

Haddock already has a deal in Turkey to manufacture the homes, and he is negotiating with several other countries.

Because his houses can weather high winds and floodwaters, and are resistant to mold, Haddock is in high demand for rebuilding the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina.

The government has asked Haddock to construct at least 50 plants to manufacture his panels across the Gulf Coast.

Haddock, whose International Haddock System Network is housed at the Shoals Entrepreneurial Center at the Florence-Lauderdale Industrial Park, said he is churning out plants everyday, and sending them to the coast.

Haddock planned to meet with leaders from Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Emergency Management Agency in Washington this past weekend.

As part of his operations on the Gulf Coast, Haddock will travel to Houston and construct one of his homes with National Football League players.

Jeanne Gaskey, Haddock's executive assistant, said that shows how simple the homes are to build.

"If football players can build them quickly, then anyone can," Gaskey said.

Haddock said he can't believe how his system, which he developed several years ago while trying to save on fuel costs during cold Alaskan winters, has gained worldwide popularity.

"I can't believe how fast this thing has taken off," Haddock said. "I'm glad I'm getting to see it happen in my lifetime."

Ty West can be reached at 740-5720 or ty.west@timesdaily.com.