For residential and light construction, the International Builders’ Show is the largest there is. This year, more than 1,900 suppliers showcased their most innovative products in 1 million net square feet of
exhibition space. The focus: energy efficiency, the environment, performance—and design. - Linda C. Lentz
Nature’s finest
Authentically hand-scraped by Amish craftsmen, Amish Hand-Scraped Flooring is a collection of Character Grade hardwood planks available in prefinished or unfinished cherry, hickory (shown), oak or black walnut. HomerWood Hardwood Flooring Company, Titusville, Pa. www.homerwood.com
A grade above
A total cladding solution with the deep shadow lines of top-quality wood siding, Artisan Lap fiber-cement boards and trim are easier to maintain than the real thing and less prone to rotting, cracking, and weather damage. James Hardie, Mission Viejo, Calif. www.artisanluxury.com
Plug and play
Eliminating the need for extra power strips or adapters, the Acenti Surge Protective Sixplex Receptacle accommodates six three-pronged plugs and provides built-in surge protection for each. Leviton, Little Neck, N.Y. www.leviton.com/acenti
Rapid fire
Using catalytic converter technology, the wall-hung X-Fires gas fireplace simply connects to a gas line—no venting required. Aesthetically, this Modern hearth generates a ribbon of flame within a black granite or limestone surround. Lennox Hearth Products, Orange, Calif. www.lennox.com
Sunny forecast
Notable for seamless integration with rooflines and the company’s roof windows, Velux Solar Water Heating Systems deliver up to 100 percent of a home’s hot water with 2 to 3 rooftop collectors and 80- or 120-gallon holding tanks. Velux America, Fort Mill, S.C. www.veluxusa.com
In the name of comfort
Engineered to maintain pressure and temperature with near zero greenhouse-gas emissions, the Eternal hybrid water heater teams multipass heat-exchanger technology with a patented counterflow design. Grand Hall, Dallas, Tex. www.eternalwaterheater.com
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