CB March 2005

The claim to fame of custom builders centers of two business fundamentals: the quality each brings to the craft of building one-of-a-kind homes and the connections forged with customers throughout the process. During the design phase, builder, buyer and architect learn one another and through this discovery process map a working relationship that results in a profitable project and a satisfied ...

Move over cookie-cutter architecture and taupe. It's time to make way for the latest exterior design trends for 2005. Read on to find out what trends had the experts at the 2005 International Builders' Show talking. Elevation Today's exterior isn't your run-of-the-mill, one-dimensional house. The trend in today's exterior is to use variety within architectural families.

Designed in 1935 and completed in 1939, Fallingwater is recognized as one of the most unique houses ever built in America. It is also one of architect Frank Lloyd Wright's most distinctive accomplishments. Indeed, its importance is singular; in a 1991 poll of members of the American Institute of Architects, Fallingwater was voted "the best all-time work of American architecture.

Nothing can change the atmosphere in a room like a fireplace," says Richard Ruvin of Ruvin Bros. Artisans and Trades, a custom builder in Wisconsin. "The fireplace is back in a big way." "Fireplaces, and their mantles and surrounds add unique personality to each room," Ruvin remarks. With the myriad of materials available, a style that compliments the room can be achieved.

DuPont Corian Solid Surfaces and Zodiaq Quartz Surfaces DuPont Corian works well in wet areas and in spaces that are difficult to keep clean and germ-free. Corian can be customized, allowing homeowners to add their own personal touches to traditional applications, such as wainscoting. Bathrooms are also ideal for a Corian vanity top or Zodiaq quartz surfaces in the shower and tub...

A creation of CBD Glass Studios, the waterfall sink is a work of art. Exquisitely handcrafted with translucent glass, its 3-D texture reflects the beauty and bubbling of a flowing waterfall. The sink can be mounted to the vanity or hung on the wall. This waterfall sink brings the beauty found in nature to your bathroom.

Miele's new five-burner cooktop features, one 5,000 BTU simmer burner, two 6,000 BTU normal burners, one 9,500 BTU high-speed burner, and one 15,300 BTU super burner. The signature ignition system operates on a small voltage generator that creates an electrical charge that can reignite a burner that has been interrupted.

East meets west in Diamond Spa's line of Japanese soaking baths. Fashioned with the spa-lover in mind these metal tubs are available in stainless steel or copper. These deep, compact tubs are ideal for small spaces come with a standard bench seat. It is offered in three different styles: Bamboo, rectangular and circular.

Whether you want cappuccino, espresso or plain black coffee, the Profi-Coffee Center by Kuppersbusch, can serve it up right away. This built-in, two-cup, coffeemaker is fully plumbed, self-cleaning and computerized. The computer system and the "touch" technology utilizes intuitive software and digital display to assist you setting the levels of the grounds, milk, water and temperature necessary...

Designed to keep you warm from beginning to end, Jacuzzi's Ambient Air Body Dry System can heat your shower to 190 degrees Fahrenheit. The Ambient System eliminates the chill bathers experience before, during and after showering. This two-person shower has dual showers with accompanying thermostatic controls for the water temperature and massage levels.