Yet another trip to Vegas this month, this time for the NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) and NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) annual joint trade shows that encompasses the entire Las Vegas Convention Center. These are international shows and I have to say that the quality of the attendees was exceptional and quite diverse. People were there for work, booths were packed and everyone I talked to said it was a massive success.
I talked with Suzie Williford, Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Vice President of Industry Relations for the NKBA, and she was really upbeat about the attendance figures and the quality of the booths and presentations.
“We’re here to connect people and to form relationships. We have been establishing domestic and international industry relationships in order to expand the reach of NKBA as a brand in North America and abroad. Thanks to all of our exhibitors and attendees for a wonderful show.”
Here’s my rundown on a small sampling of the products, services, technology and people that caught my eye:
Doors
Panoramah! and Oknoplast were showing off their sliding glass doors and they both had similar features we are going to want to report on vis-a-vis passive design – double and triple-pane glass, with an incredible degree of perimeter sealing when shut. Both have automated versions and the quality of the fit and finish was abundantly clear.
I had a great conversation with Jose Maria Martin de la Leona of Puertas Sanrafael, one of the most prolific door vendors I saw at IBS. He showed me their line of energy efficient products, airtight doors, UL approved products, and secure doors that are as varied in usages as they are in finishes. Tour their website if you are interested in seeing a company at the top of their game.
Shades
Phantom Screens talked to us about their line-up of outdoor screen products. You can choose from fabrics, mesh and vinyl that can provide insect protection, solar heat control, natural ventilation, climate control or increase privacy. We’ll be featuring them in our Spring issue of TD Magazine in a series of articles on outdoor living.
Air Quality
Lennox and Trane and Carrier were showing off their impressive clean air strategies and our own Steve Panosian will be reporting on them for TD Magazine in the months to come. I think we’re close to where the price point of mini-split heat pumps and zoned climate control can be justified against the ROI of a healthier environment. I was also really impressed with Aprilaire’s clean air stategies and their product mix. You’ll be hearing more about them in the future in TD.
Water Purification and Conservation
Sprite Showers had their full line-up of filtered shower head products on display and if you aren’t using one currently, check out this basic product pitch: unfiltered water you’re currently using has lots of chlorine in it. Chlorine makes your hair all dried out and your skin feel yucky. But worse than that, chlorine vaporizes at 76 degrees F. That means you’re inhaling chlorine every time you shower. Double-yuck! Look, I’m a customer (but not a paid customer) – do yourself and your family a favor and get smart about how you shower.
Niagra, Toto, Moen and Kohler all were showing off water conservation products. It was a major talking point at the show, which was really great to see. Steve Panosian will be covering water strategies in upcoming issues of TD Magazine, so stayed tuned as we deep dive into the subject matter.
And a quick shout-out to the folks at Viega who were showing a really cool in-wall flushing system. Aesthetically elegant.
Kitchen appliances
As a cook, I reveled in the opportunity to check out some eye candy and see the latest in kitchen tech. Of note were our pals at B/S/H and their family of Bosch, Thermador and Guggenau products. They continue to expand their connected footprint and we’ll be visiting with them again this spring.
Our good pals at Sharp were showing off their latest kitchen products as they expand their product portfolio. I still think their Microwave Drawer™ Oven allows a kitchen designer to focus on not only the design of the space, but workflow scenarios by offering flexible installation options in an island or peninsula or below the wall oven.
Sustainability
Did you know that sustainability is the new sexy? That’s right. My new BFF, Jenny Edwards, Marketing Specialist at Rise, explained their business platform. “We connect homeowners who want to remodel or design a home with contractors and vendors who practice sustainability.” Think of it as Angie’s List, only all of the contractors, architects and designers are committed to sustainable practices. Now you can turn any home improvement project into a sustainable one. Very cool. But it gets better! They also have a wicked sense of humor. Rock on, Rise!
Energy
Panasonic was showing off their upcoming solar and storage solution. It’s not quite soup yet, but when it is, we’ll be weighing in on their ideas about solar/battery deployment.
Jeremy Brown from Swidget showed me their line of customizable 15 amp outlets. You can now make your home smart with something as simple as an outlet. It can be paired with one of their Wi-Fi or Z-Wave Inserts to control whatever plugs in – and, monitor energy consumption without any clutter.
Cool Stuff
Patrick de Ledebur from PVE (Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators) showed off an amazing elevator that uses air pressure to raise and lower the lift. I mean, if Air-Driven Home Elevators aren’t the cat’s meow, I don’t know what is.
Katerra gave us an impressive tour of their full array of sustainable building materials and is putting modern technology to work at all levels of building design and construction to help address some of the industry’s most entrenched challenges. We will be featuring them in the Winter issue of TD Magazine, so stand by to be amazed.
The Living in Place Institute was in full force in their quest to make all homes accessible, comfortable and safe. At the core of the Living In Place Institute education strategy are three training programs, or what are called, “The Pillars of Living In Place.” Each Pillar, or education program, is designed to meet the needs of the specified professional groups and encourage collaboration among all other Living In Place Professionals. The core principles are the same, just the specific information is tailored to meet the needs of each Pillar.
Dinner
I had the pleasure of dining with colleagues at the newly remodeled Gordon Ramsey’s Steakhouse at Paris. Exceptional. And I also had the pleasure of dining with colleagues at Morels French Steakhouse at the Palazzo. The Iowa corn-fed, 28-day aged filet mignon melted on the tongue like butter. At both destinations, the day’s grind begins to fade as the first drinks and appetizers arrive at the table. Conventions are a tough business, so it’s important – IMO – to treat yourself to a good meal and a good night’s sleep.
There was more good stuff to be had, but we’ll save those for another time and place. Overall, quite a lovely show. Next year the show moves to Orlando, so if you are in the design-build world, make plans to attend this excellent trade show event.
