Builder magazine

No matter how many square feet you are planning for your new home, there’s things you can learn from what one architect is calling The Builder Concept Home 2010: A Home for the New Economy.

Take a virtual tour of what’s being billed as the most innovative home you’ve ever built and see what you think. It’s sponsored by Builder magazine. The 1,771-square-foot home also had the support of companies including Whirlpool, James Hardie, Sherwin-Williams, Crossville, American Standard, KraftMaid and Andersen Windows. And here’s a video from the designer, Marianne Cusato.

In today’s virtual world, this virtual tour may help spark some ideas, too.

The International Builders Show – the nation’s largest event for the homebuilding industry – has kicked off in Las Vegas and we’re already seeing reports of intruiging new products.

Early buzz-generators, according to the Wall Street Journal:

1. Stone-hearth ovens
2. In-home elevators with cherry wood trim
3. Leaded-glass ceiling dome
4. Wine racks that display the bottle labels

We’ll keep you posted on other interesting news coming out of this week’s event!

We are thrilled to announce our innovative new online presence that will allow you to interact with us in brand new ways and also to keep abreast of the latest trends and developments.

Much more than just a new website or blog, our new online presence will provide easy and convenient new ways to stay informed, shop, learn and network.

We’d love for you to jump right in and contribute! Got an opinion on something you read here or a related topic? Just click on “Leave a Comment” and share your thoughts — we can’t wait to hear from you.

The beauty of the area compels residents to think about the earth when building a home, and more and more homes are showcasing incredible ways to incorporate sustainable living into your new residence.

The winners of the U.S. Green Building Council’s 2009 LEED for Homes Awards are being spotlighted for incorporating solar-electric power, energy-efficient windows, and other green aspects from the inside out. The U.S. Green Building Council’s Nate Kredich says: “These innovators will help transform the market toward more healthy, high performing homes that are regarded as some of the best in the country.”

Naomi C. O. Beal Photography

Watch the EcoHome slideshow of award-winning homes and get inspired when making plans for your next home or renovation!