BUILDER’S Top 25 Products of 2014

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TimberTech DrySpace DrySpace secures between the deck joists to … Read More TimberTech DrySpace DrySpace secures between the deck joists to route water away from the space beneath. The system forms a ceiling made from off-white solid extruded vinyl, which the firm says lightens the area below. Designed for new or existing second-story decks with 12-inch or 16-inch on-center joist spacing, TimberTech also offers an optional gutter and downspout to ensure water is drained away from the usable space beneath. 

Paul Finkel

The mesquite flooring in this Texas home and Watermark Awards … Read More The mesquite flooring in this Texas home and Watermark Awards merit winner captures a pure, site-specific essence

Orbital Systems shower design recycles water to reduce water con… Read More Orbital Systems shower design recycles water to reduce water consumption by 90 percent. They are now installed in sports arenas, fire stations, and fitness centers around Sweden.

Natura Collection from Antolini

The Natura Collection takes natural stone in a unique direction … Read More The Natura Collection takes natural stone in a unique direction with patterns that evoke nature, the plant kingdom, and a wealth of exotic or native woods in elegant geometric, leaf and plant motif surface decorations that are perfect for floors or walls. The Italian manufacturer’s exclusive process etches patterns and colors onto the stone. Shown here is the Magnolia Design.

Courtesy Schumacher Homes

Freestanding tubs are catching on. This one, placed inside the f… Read More Freestanding tubs are catching on. This one, placed inside the frameless glass shower, offers a new twist on the wet room, complete with a rain shower head. Builder: Schumacher Homes, Charlotte N.C.

Ergodyne

The Ergodyne Arsenal 5843 Tool Backpack has two main interior co… Read More The Ergodyne Arsenal 5843 Tool Backpack has two main interior compartments and a tall tool holster on an exterior side panel.

Falltech Body Harness Safety harnesses are known for two th… Read More Falltech Body Harness Safety harnesses are known for two things: saving lives and being uncomfortable. Falltech hopes to eliminate the second part of that equation with Flowtech. The lightweight harness reduces heat discomfort by allowing air to circulate around the padded back shoulder and waist areas. It has quick-connect clips, twist-resistant straps, forged aluminum D-rings, and a nine-position belt to support tool bags. www.falltech.com 

The experimental bathroom, designed by Caltech engineers and fun… Read More The experimental bathroom, designed by Caltech engineers and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, runs on solar power to flush, disinfect, and recycle human waste into water for the toilet, urinal, sink, and “squat pan” that are part of the side-by-side restroom and treatment unit.

Perlick Refrigerator The 24-inch Signature Series Outdoor Dual-Z… Read More Perlick Refrigerator The 24-inch Signature Series Outdoor Dual-Zone undercounter refrigerator is the first of its size to feature two independently controlled temperature zones, according to the company. The unit features commercial-grade stainless steel doors, UV-coated glass doors with anti-condensation technology, a commercial-grade compressor, and full-extension pull-out shelves. 

Lea Ceramiche Designed by Diego Grandi, Type-32 is an exercise i… Read More Lea Ceramiche Designed by Diego Grandi, Type-32 is an exercise in creating a new graphic language for flooring design. It overlays detailed wood patterns in cool and warm tones with stylized oblique lines. When laid together, the porcelain tiles create a contemporary interpretation of traditional herringbone floors. The collection uses the firm’s Slimtech long slat sizing, 20 centimeters by 200 centimeters, with a 5mm thickness.

Quick Drain

Quick Drain’s new decorative channel drains have a lot to offe… Read More Quick Drain’s new decorative channel drains have a lot to offer: beautiful design, easy installation, ADA compliance, and a shower pan solution. The grilles from architect Michael Graves create an attractive curbless universal designed shower. They are an easy way to set your bathrooms apart with a product that is usually more of an afterthought than an asset, said the IBS Best Product Award judges, who named the drains the Best Bath Product of this year’s show. Choices include the fluid-looking Waves and contemporary Cosmo styles, both available in brushed and polished stainless steel and oil-rubbed bronze finishes.

trutankless

Celebrating its debut at the show this week and winner of Best o… Read More Celebrating its debut at the show this week and winner of Best of IBS 2014 for Best Home Technology product, trutankless from the Bolllente Companies claims its electric tankless technology eliminates issues with scaling and mineral build-up. The heat exchanger—actually four copper heat exchangers with ceramic insulation—comes with a lifetime limited warranty. The units are Wi-Fi compatible and have self-aware features that can detect leaks, automate service calls, and communicate directly with the installer. A user App, available for iOS and Android phones and tablets, allows remote temperature settings, calendar settings, and error notifications. www.trutankless.com

ISI Technology

The Heatworks Model 1 is compact enough to be installed at the p… Read More The Heatworks Model 1 is compact enough to be installed at the point of use.

Courtesy Bosch

Heated jackets allow for onsite warmth with fewer layers

Makoto Yoshida

Steel boxes measuring 18 inches high by 35 inches wide with a de… Read More Steel boxes measuring 18 inches high by 35 inches wide with a depth of 24 inches act as the house’s structure, exterior finish, and interior storage.