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

[Reader Service: June 2008 #200]

 

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

[Reader Service: June 2008 #201]
 

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

[Reader Service: June 2008 #202]

     

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

[Reader Service: June 2008 #203]

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

[Reader Service: June 2008 #204]

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

[Reader Service: June 2008 #205]