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PATH Unveils 2007 Top 10 Technologies
During the 2007 International Builders’ Show earlier this month, the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH) announced its 2007 Top 10 Technologies.
According to a recent release (02/08/07), these technologies, which were selected from among the PATH Technology Inventory, hold the most promise for improving the quality of homes. The latest Top 10 list, which was first introduced in 2004, alerts builders and homeowners to valuable innovations that are ready for adoption and implementation in their homes. The list includes mold-resistant gypsum, solar water heating, recycled concrete aggregate substitutes and admixtures, combined heat and power (CHP), horizontal axis washers and dryers, hydrophilic, impact-resistant windows, super-sized (vertical) insulated concrete forms (ICFs), induction cooktops, GPS for land development and permeable pavers and pavement. Technologies profiled by PATH are selected for their strengths in one or more of the following areas: quality and durability; affordability; energy efficiency; environmental performance; and safety and disaster mitigation. For more information, on these technologies, visit the ToolBase website.
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Construction Technologies on the Web: Finding the Best Sources
Shawn Martin and Carrie Conrad of the NAHB Research Center presented a session at the 2007 International Builders’ Show to help builders and remodelers find Internet resources for building techniques and technologies that help improve business practices, save time, increase efficiency, and improve durability. If you missed the presentation at the Show, you don’t have to miss the information – visit the ToolBase website for the tips and suggestions presented.
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NextGen Home Demonstrates Storm-Resistant Technologies
The NextGen Home at the 2007 IBS demonstrated how new homes can better withstand the destructive force of future storms as well as longer-term issues like avoiding moisture and mold, and promoting durability. The 2,700-square-foot “First to the Future” home, which was built in the parking lot of the Orange County Convention Center, showcased about 15 advanced technologies that were chosen by the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH), the home’s coordinating sponsor. The home’s second floor allowed visitors to see its hidden assets, like framing and insulation, through extensive models and cutaways. Learn more about the home on the PATH website.
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PEX Water Supply Systems Design Guide Released at IBS
The “Design Guide - Residential PEX Water Supply Plumbing Systems,” written by the NAHB Research Center, was officially released at the 2007 IBS, and is now available both as a free PDF download, and as a printed document for sale. According to a recent article in Nation’s Building News (01/08/07), the new resource aims to increase the acceptance and proper use of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) water supply plumbing systems, which can save on labor and materials. The guide is a resource for consistently and properly designing PEX systems, and provides comprehensive design concepts and installation guidelines. The guide was created in partnership with the Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI), the Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association (PPFA), and the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH). To learn more about the guide, read the complete article.
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‘Majap’ Innovations Introduced at IBS
A recent article in TWICE (Colleen Bohen, 02/12/07) provided some highlights from the major appliance—or majap—category at the 2007 International Builders' Show (IBS). BSH Home Appliance Corporation's Bosch brand introduced Integra Refrigeration units, which are Energy Star-qualified models that feature a customizable system of modular fresh, frozen, and wine units that can be adapted to fit a specific kitchen's size and shape requirements. GE Consumer and Industrial introduced the GE Profile-branded double oven freestanding range, which offers 6.5 total cubic feet of cooking space, allows users to simultaneously cook two different dishes at two different temperatures, and has specialized cooking features like pizza and slow-cook modes. The PB975 model also offers the PreciseAir convection system, a reversing-fan technology designed to improve heat circulation and temperature accuracy. To learn more about these and other majaps introduced at the 2007 IBS, read the article.
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EnergyValue Housing Award Honors Builders for Energy-Efficient Design, Construction, Marketing
According to a recent release (02/08/07), the NAHB Research Center announced winners of the EnergyValue Housing Award (EVHA) during a banquet held in conjunction with the 2007 IBS. Lorraine Bolsinger, vice president of Ecomagination for General Electric Company (GE), keynoted the ceremony. The 10 winners, who are at the forefront of energy-efficient construction, were honored for their integrated design approaches, environmentally-friendly practices, and advanced building techniques.
Now in its 12th year, the EVHA program also serves to educate the home building industry and the public about advanced technologies and successful approaches to energy-efficient construction that can be implemented by mainstream builders. Examples include selecting framing methods, insulation and appliances that result in high efficiencies and paying careful attention to air sealing, ductwork and ventilation. The 2007 EVHA winning homes also included high R-value insulation in ceilings and walls, photovoltaic (PV) solar power systems, fluorescent lighting, and solar hot water heating systems. To learn more about the winners and their winning practices and the EVHA program, read the release or visit the EVHA website to download a copy of the 2007 EVHA Winner Magazine.
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NAHB Research Center Seeks Participants for NAHB, ICC Green Building Standard Consensus Committee
To support a new effort of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and International Code Council (ICC) to create a voluntary green building standard, the NAHB Research Center is seeking participants to join the ANSI consensus committee for the standard development process. According to a recent release (02/09/07), this effort will develop a residential green building standard based on the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines (2004), providing a common benchmark for recognizing and rewarding green residential design, development, and construction practices in a manner that is transparent, verifiable, and meaningful to builders, product manufacturers, and consumers. Members of the consensus committee will play a pivotal role in the creation of this standard which will be adopted by local green home building programs and local building departments as a conformance guide. Applications for consensus committee membership must be received by March 10, 2007, in order to be considered. For more information, read the release or visit www.nahbrc.org/GBStandard for information related to the development process or to download an application for committee membership.
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Directory of Accessible Building Products Released at Builders’ Show
According to a recent release (02/07/07), the NAHB Research Center released the 17th edition of the Directory of Accessible Building Products (DABP) at the 2007 IBS. The DABP is a convenient, one-stop purchasing resource for building professionals addressing residential accessibility, and features over 200 commercially available products for aging-in-place and universal design. The DABP includes photos and illustrations of kitchen and bath products, appliances, and fixtures and features sections on home automation, climate control, stair lifts, ramps, accessible floor plans and easy-care products for exterior use. Featured products are not only functional, but also attractive, with choices in style, finish, color, and price range. Most are readily available for purchase and installation. For more information, read the release. To order a copy for $6.50 (for shipping and handling), visit the Research Center website or call (800) 638-8556. A free PDF download of the Directory is also available on the ToolBase website.
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Renewed American Home Demonstrated Big Changes for Tiny Older Home
According to a recent article in the (Southwest Florida) Herald Tribune (Harold Bubil, 02/10/07), the Renewed American Home at the 2007 IBS transformed a small cottage into a showplace of the latest and greatest features for 21st-century living, including universal design and energy-efficient innovations, such as the 18.5 SEER air-conditioning system. The home demonstrates that historic homes can still enjoy modern luxuries, with structural wiring, security/life safety, multi-zone audio, lighting control, and flat panel displays. As part of the renovation, a basement was added equipped with a wine cellar, exercise room, laundry suite, gift-wrapping station and game room. The home was renovated alongside the construction of New American home. The Florida Green Building Coalition rated each house "green,” and both are EnergyStar homes. To learn more, read the article.
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