International-Builders-Show-2013-Oscar-Einzig-Photography

I am constantly amazed how the construction industry is transforming and changing through high technology. This year, as well as the last five, shows the industry’s advances in energy efficiency and systems, which promote and enhance sustainable design and building. The cost to design and build highly energy efficient homes and buildings is becoming easier, more attainable and more economical.

New products and innovations for building envelope systems, insulation products to high tech energy management systems are being proliferated by more manufacturers and suppliers. Increasing competition and innovation are driving prices down and performance up. Our own building experience is demonstrating that and being further validated by what we see at the annual IBS show.

Little doubt exists that the trend toward designing and building high-energy efficient homes and buildings will only accelerate. It is clear to us that this will become the single most important metric for future building and design. Here are some cool things that were spotted during the show which we are specifically interested in:

  • Roofing tiles that are not clay or concrete, but are made out of closed cell rigid foam board and encased with exterior polymers that make them look and perform like the real thing. They have all building code testing and rating approvals and are in early stage production. They offer an R5 insulation factor to aid interior heating and cooling efficiencies. Also added benefits — no need for expensive additional roof truss reinforcements and they are priced competitive to asphalt/fiberglass roofing products.
  • New and improved vapor barrier products from Dow, BASF, DuPont and others promise increased performance for wrapping the building envelope and improving air sealing and moisture management, further increasing the drive for overall lower HERS ratings.
  • LED lighting – WOW! New bulbs, strips, controllers and configurations for lighting products will dramatically decrease energy usage while finding increased applications. Pricing is dropping like a rock. It’s only a matter of time that awkward and hated CFLs will become a thing of the past in the not-so-distant future.
  • High efficiency, computer controlled mechanical systems and heat pumps are being increasingly integrated into whole house automation systems by major electrical manufacturers, security system providers and thermostat companies. Thinking that Apple’s I-Nest thermostat (recently purchased by Google) is the end all? Think again – there are plenty of competitors and upstarts vying for smart home technologies by transforming the lowly wall mounted thermostat. This is really exciting, and emerging technology that promises both energy savings as well as personal privacy controversy …  stay tuned.

All in all, it was another exciting year at IBS. Also, just as impressive is how the show’s education sessions and seminars are presented with interactive involvement with participant’s smart phones, iPads and tablets. It is all somewhat a bit overwhelming but very indicative as to what is happening in the overall construction industry.

We are finally coming out of the dark ages and truly adapting to the high tech internet world in every sense and function. It truly is an exciting time to be in the building business and designing and building one’s own custom home!

Photo courtesy of Oscar and Associates