The Annual Innovative Housing Technology Awards Honor the Best Providers of Technology for Home Building and of Home Technology Products and Services

With the continued increase in homebuilding starts and remodeling projects, the number of homebuilders and product manufacturers competing in the space is on the rise as well. That makes it harder to distinguish yourself for the excellent technology products you make, technology services you provide and tech homes you build.

But several companies are clearly ahead of the pack when it comes to technology products for homebuilders and home technologies for their customers. Those companies will be honored by the fourth annual Innovative Housing Technology Awards, which will be presented at the tecHOMExpo on Jan. 20.

The awards are intended to stimulate the development of innovative new products, materials and systems for residential construction that can improve the livability of our homes and make the process of building and improving homes more efficient and cost-effective.

The Innovative Housing Technology Awards are a joint program between the National Association of Home Builders Research Center (NAHBRC) and EH Publishing, the publisher of TecHome Builder, CE Pro and Electron-ic House. The awards are specifically aimed at recognizing significant advances by product manufacturers in technology development in the housing industry, and are the most prestigious housing technology awards for builders.

Categories in the awards program include IT products and home technology products. The judging panel for this year's awards includes industry editors and analysts, builders and academics. The identities of the judges will be announced at the awards presentation.

Home Networking

Greyfox Systems
Cat 5 Camera Module

This Cat 5-based structured-wiring camera solution breaks down the wall between the TV network and the computer network. Homeowners can view camera images on their TVs, over the Internet or both. Anchored by the Greyfox Cat 5 Camera module, the module supports up to four Cat 5 cameras and uses an onboard tunable sequencer to reduce the number of required subscriber channels used for viewing the camera images. Through the use of Cat 5 cable, the camera module enables power, video and audio to be shared on one wire, reducing the number of installed cable runs.

Greyfox Systems, Pittsburgh, PA, 412-920-6100, www.greyfox.com, MSRP is $85.

UStec
ProLAN24 tecCenter

The new ProLAN24 tecCenter delivers a full home systems platform that can integrate distributed audio and video, telephone, computer networking, lighting controls, security, broadband access and even file serving. It also features a new DC power distribution system designed to handle the demands of Power Over Ethernet, Power Over FireWire and Power for Distributed Audio Over CAT5. The Wire Management Kit has velcro tie-downs for organizing and managing cables and wires.

UStec, Victor, NY, 800-836-2312, www.ustecnet.com, MSRP is $4,000.

Leviton Integrated Networks
Compact Structured Media Center

The Compact Structured Media Center creates a distribution point for basic telephone and video within each individual housing unit. While it's ideal for MDUs (because of its small size), it also can be used in small homes requiring limited video and voice configurations. Installation is a snap, literally. It consists of two ABS plastic parts, a cover and a box, that simply snap together and require no tools or fasteners to assemble. The enclosure can be surface-mounted directly to a wall, or flush-mounted between studs, using only four screws.

Leviton Integrated Networks, Little Neck, NY, 800-323-8920, www.leviton.com/lin, MSRP is $65.35.

Home Automation & Lighting Control

Home Automation, Inc. (HAI)
OmniTouch

The OmniTouch is a "plug and play" touchscreen interface for HAI's Omni Family of integrated security and home automation controllers. OmniTouch facilitates control of lights and small appliances, monitoring and adjustments of security and temperatures, including outdoor temperature and humidity, pool and spa temperatures, ventilation, decorative lighting and other items under control of the Omni-family system. There is no programming, cutting down on complexity. Multiple OmniTouch screens can be used, up to the limit of the Omni-family system.

Home Automation, Inc., New Orleans, LA 504-736-9810, www.homeauto.com, MSRP is $799.

Vantage Controls, Inc.
TouchPoint C5

The TouchPoint C5 is a tidy, low-cost, full-color, active-matrix, high bright, sunlight-readable, quarter-VGA 5.5-inch diagonal LCD display. A proximity detector senses movement and activates the backlight. High-resolution graphics appear, and the user can navigate between hundreds of distinct pages to control any component connected to the Vantage system. An integrated IR receiver provides remote control of any device at any location in the home. It connects directly to Vantage's unique non-polarized, two-wire bus for both communications and power, making installation simple.

Vantage Controls, Inc., Orem, UT, 800-555-9891, www.vantagecontrols.com, MSRP is $1,400.

Home Automation, Inc. (HAI)
Omni Pro II Controller

The OmniPro II now has integrated UPB lighting control support. UPB technology uses a new digital transmission format with the range and reliability required by professional installers in large custom homes. No additional wiring is necessary, and light switches can be installed at any point during or after the building process. The OmniPro II includes UL-listed security, temperature and lighting control for energy management, and the ease of telephone and Internet access and control. With the new 2.4 Ethernet firmware, an OmniPro II controller can be plugged directly into a home router using standard Ethernet (CAT 5) wiring.

Home Automation, Inc., New Orleans, LA, 504-736-9810, www.homeauto.com, MSRP is $1,000.

Vantage Controls, Inc.
Designer ToolBox

This software product provides a graphical, animated, colorful interface to home automation. The intuitive program requires little or no training and creates screens that will run on any Web-enabled device that will run Macromedia Flash, eliminating the need for expensive, proprietary touchscreens. Personal computing devices can be integrated with all classes of home equipment, so ordinary electronics such as Pocket PCs, touchscreens, Macintosh and IBM-compatible computers, tablet PCs, and even some cellular phones can orchestrate actions.

Vantage Controls, Inc., Orem, UT, 800-555-9891, www.vantagecontrols.com, MSRP is $500.

OnQ Technologies
Home Lighting System

The OnQ Home Lighting Controller is at the heart of this system, providing a scalable architecture that allows installers to pay for only those features they really need. The Home Lighting Controller provides high-speed, two-way communications with OnQ's Advanced Lighting Control (ALC) switches. Its flexible interface and control features enable it to function as a standalone lighting system controller for basic convenience and security lighting applications. Alternatively, the Home Lighting Controller can interface to personal computers and automation system controllers to provide fully automated whole-house lighting control functions.

OnQ Technologies, Middletown, PA, 800-321-2343, www.onqtech.com, MSRP not available.

Distributed Audio

OnQ Technologies
Gold and Blue Line Series Speakers

These in-wall/in-ceiling speaker lines feature a patent-pending pre-construction bracket design that aids in the alignment of the brackets, offers convenient flip out tabs, and spring clips for wire holding. Rubber gaskets are included on the speaker for secure, quick mounting. A foam gasket surrounds the mounting frame to form an air tight seal that helps to reduce vibrations. Efficient drivers aid low power amplifier distribution, while special mica-doped cones aid in the efficiency and sound quality of the speakers.

OnQ Technologies, Middletown, PA, 800-321-2343, www.onqtech.com, MSRP not available.

GE Security (as of Jan. 1, 2004, formerly GE Interlogix)
Smart ConnectionCenter Audio Series

The Smart ConnectionCenter Audio Series enables distribution of up to four separate audio sources to four rooms using Cat 5e cables. The amplification of the signal occurs after the receiver, at the volume control, which means that the system enables true individual volume and independent source control at each location. The system has built-in capabilities such as controlling the four audio sources from any of the four rooms via IR, as well as inputting sources locally. Four sources can be located in any room in the house and do not need to be placed in the same room.

GE Security, St. Paul, MN, 651-777-2690, www.ge-interlogix.com, MSRP not available.

Sonance
Architectural Audio by Sonance AVC (Amplified Volume Control)

This AVC system is an easy-to-install solution to pre-wiring new homes for multi-room audio systems. It puts the amplifier in the room with the speakers, the most efficient location for it in a new tract home building situation. It's a cost-effective solution for new tract homebuilders who want to offer multi-room audio to the homebuyer. The line consists of the AVC KP, an in-wall amplified keypad controller, AVC rotary and slider volume control units, AVC in-wall hubs, and a stand-alone AVC hub unit.

Sonance, San Clemente, CA, 949-492-7777, www.sonance.com, MSRP is $99 to $239.

Sonance
Distributed Audio in a Box (DAB1)

It's true, Sonance has introduced Distributed Audio in a Box (DAB1), It's a four-source, six-zone distributed audio kit for the home under its Architectural Audio by Sonance brand. The new DAB1 system provides an integrated AM/FM tuner, 35-watt per channel power amplifier, system control unit, six in-wall keypads, and PC-based software program for configuring systems prior to or after installation. Speakers must be added separately. Additional sources, such as disc players and other A/V components, can also be connected to the DAB1 system. The heart of the Distributed Audio in a Box kit is the control unit, which routes all incoming and outgoing signals needed to make the system work seamlessly for the end user.

Sonance, San Clemente, CA, 949-492-7777, www.sonance.com, MSRP is $1,200

Leviton Integrated Networks
Spec-Grade Sound System Matching Module with AutoSurge Technology

Designer sound without the designer price tag. That's how Leviton is positioning Spec-Grade Sound System Matching Module with AutoSurge Technology. One of the most challenging aspects of multi-room system design is the matching of speakers, zones and volume controls to the amplifier. Past solutions employed power-hungry, impedance-matched volume controls (which needed to be individually calculated and set). Spec-Grade Sounds take a much more contractor-friendly approach. All impedance matching can be accomplished at the central wiring point where speaker and control wiring converge to interface with the amplifier (either inside a structured cabling enclosure or at a designated wallplate location). So no math required on the part of the contractor.

Leviton Integrated Networks, Little Neck Parkway, NY, 800-323-8920, www.leviton.com/lin, MSRP is $229.

M&S Systems
DMC1

M&S Systems' new DMC1 distributed media communications system is designed to provide full intercom and monitoring functionality along with an attractive new look. The system is based on CAT 5 wiring and offers privacy capabilities in each room. The DMC1 supports 15 room speakers and three door speakers. An optional, 6-disc CD player can be added to the system along with an optional power amplifier for stereo music distribution.

M&S Systems, Dallas, TX, 214-366-5600, www.mssystems.com, MSRP is $675.60.

Video/Home Theater

Salton, Inc.
iCEBOX FlipScreen

Designed specifically for the kitchen, this is a Web-enabled information, communications and entertainment center. It features television, DVD, CD Player, Internet access, FM radio and home video monitoring. Its touchscreen, quick-change mode buttons, washable wireless keyboard and remote make it a stand-alone product for kitchen usability. It can be mounted under a standard kitchen cabinet, and features a touchscreen LCD monitor that flips up and out of the way when not in use.

Salton, Inc., Seattle, WA, 206-381-8285, www.beyondconnectedhome.com, MSRP is $2,299.

Energy Efficiency

CertainTeed Corporation
MemBrain

The MemBrain is a patented smart vapor retarder made of polyamide film that breathes and allows excess moisture to escape from wall cavities. It changes permeability from less than one perm at low humidity (such as during winter) to greater than 20 perms at high relative humidity. MemBrain allows closed building envelope systems to increase their drying potential with seasonal climatic changes. It can help reduce the risk and liability concerns due to the excess moisture in homes and buildings that is so common today.

CertainTeed Corporation, Valley Forge, PA, 610-341-7000, www.certainteed.com, MSRP is $350.

Lennox Industries
Dave Lennox Signature Integrated Home Comfort Solution

The Dave Lennox Signature Integrated Home Comfort Solution attempts to solve the following areas: indoor air quality, comfort, efficiency, quiet operation, reliability, and environmental responsibility. The components—variable speed furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, indoor air quality products, and zoning controls—can be installed separately, or integrated together for maximum effect. The Lennox SignatureStat Home Comfort Controller ties the whole system together, making it convenient and easy to fine-tune indoor comfort levels.

Lennox Industries, Richardson, TX, 972-497-5000, www.lennox.com, MSRP is not available.

Home Automation, Inc. (HAI)
OmnistatB RF line

This communicating thermostat works with home automation systems to provide precise comfort while a customer is home, and energy savings while the customer is away. It can be programmed like a conventional thermostat, but its communication capabilities allow it to be remotely controlled by a cell phone or over the Internet. It gets the time and outdoor temperature automatically, so it's always set correctly, even after a power failure. The ease of installation eliminates the need to pull additional communications wires.

Home Automation, Inc., New Orleans, LA, 504-736-9810, www.homeauto.com, MSRP is $199.

Aprilaire
Ventilation Control System

Without special attention to ventilation, indoor air pollutants cannot be exchanged for cleaner and fresher outdoor air. Builders and homeowners can benefit from the Ventilation Control System, which provides the benefits of fresh air, but it also has intelligence that can customize any home's ventilation needs, manage both the quality and quantity of the fresh air being circulated within the home, and introduce the fresh air at the right time. It knows when the HVAC equipment is running, which allows for fresh air intake while operating the HVAC and prevents the homeowner from noticing major changes in temperature.

Aprilaire, Madison, WI, 608-257-8801, www.aprilaire.com, MSRP not available.

Therma-Tru
Classic-Craft Mahogany Door

Therma-Tru's new Classic-Craft Mahogany Collection door system helps builders, remodelers and homeowners create a classic grand entranceway. It offers the look and feel of authentic Honduran mahogany grain with intricate detailing and a surface that can be finished to match exterior. The door is designed for thermal performance and lasting durability and won't warp, rot or crack.

Therma-Tru, Maumee, OH, 419-891-7400, www.thermatru.com, MSRP is $1,300 without installation

Back Office & Field Productivity

Evoco, Inc.
AECit!

The Evoco AECit! solution is a secure, dedicated project-collaboration extranet. With this online application, business partners are brought together in a central location to collaborate on projects such as new-home design and construction or renovations. Through effective use, residential homebuilders can expect increased productivity, reduced project cycle time, streamlined administrative procedures, automated workflow and file management. A key benefit of this online application is reduced risk and liability by capturing a project activity trail.

Evoco, Inc., Calgary, Alberta Canada, 403-232-6633, www.evoco.com, MSRP is $150 per home.

Construction Imaging Systems
Chameleon Imaging and Workflow for Builders

Chameleon Imaging and Workflow allows the small as well as the larger homebuilder to move to a paperless environment. It provides software, hardware, installation services and training to builders. Builders can scan their accounts payable invoices and electronically route them for approval to project managers, superintendents, purchasing managers, or others.

Construction Imaging Systems, Rocky Mount, NC, 252-937-2426, www.construction-imaging.com, MSRP is $1,400 per concurrent user.

Options Online
OMS 3.0 Online Back Office

This is a complete online operating system for communicating all options selections to everyone involved in the selection, processing, construction, and accounting of the building of new homes. Options selections are sent in real time by auto email at the time of selection, and available on demand by user role access online for construction, vendors, escrow, purchasing, accounting, sales and management. This accurate information is provided in multiple reports for each user by homesite, phase release, vendor and community.

Options Online San Diego, CA, 858-587-1011, www.optionsonline.ws, MSRP not available.

Robert Bosch Tool Company
Punch List 3

This software tool helps the user build standard processes for managing and delegating work by providing a central repository where all the information can be stored and distributed. It's intended to improve the accuracy of data and the relationships with trades, customers, vendors and the financial managers. By implementing Punch List 3, project managers are able to spend more time in their projects and working with their co-workers and trade partners. Punch List integrates with many back-office applications.

Robert Bosch Tool Company, Mount Prospect, IL, 224-232-2740, www.boschdigitalpowertools.com, MSRP is $299.

B2C Solutions

ALPHA VISION
Lifestyle Virtual Reality

Lifestyle Virtual Reality is a super-high-resolution 3D video animation software product intended to give potential buyers the look and feel of a residential project. The animation features a unique level of real-looking interiors coupled with real-life effects, such as a blazing fireplace or a movie playing on the television. It can deliver the virtual-reality video presentation in a variety of formats. It begins with uncompressed high-definition video. From there, Alpha Vision is able to deliver in a wide variety of formats, including DVD, CD Rom, Flash, and streaming video for the Web.

ALPHA VISION, Scottsdale, AZ, 866-556-2574, www.alpha-vision.com, MSRP is $50,000 to $250,000.

Options Online
OMS 3.0 Community Options Catalog

This catalog provides an interactive visual options presentation online as an order entry tool for options sales or design centers. The catalog is available online by user role access, and its functionality allows each user to use the system as needed to enhance the homebuying experience. The catalogs provide visuals as well as enhanced descriptions of every option offered by the builder. The homebuyer can preview and create personal wish lists from the available options for their home online.

Options Online, San Diego, CA, 858-587-1011, www.optionsonline.ws, MSRP varies.