Even though my wife and I undertook a whole-house renovation of our 1909 Victorian a few years ago, we’re already thinking about our next project.
Home technology

The Lisa ranch is a model home Compo Builders uses to show prospective clients currently available home technology that can be controlled without a wired or centralized system (Photos: Courtesy of Compo Builders)
Compo Builders uses a model home as a smart tech showroom

Of all the technology features in a custom home, it's audiovisual equipment--TVs, projectors, and speakers--that clients most often want to have seamlessly integrated into the design.
There are plenty of solutions to make home tech devices unobtrusive in a custom home

Los Angeles-based Landry Design Group collaborates with structural and civil engineers on hillside homes to determine if the best seismic reinforcement is concrete caissons sunk into the ground, or a mat-slab foundation in which the home’s weight is evenly distributed across the foundation. Photo: Erhard Pfeiffer
Resilient design creates homes that can survive natural disasters and stay functional in the aftermath

This Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat from Lennox lets homeowners make adjustments through an app from any smartphone or other compatible device.

These dual-voltage programmable (FGS) and non-programmable (FG) thermostats are engineered to offer precise control of floor temperature via floor warming mats or cables.

Lutron’s Sivoia QS Wireless system offers convenient daylight control for new or
Lutron’s Sivoia QS Wireless system offers convenient daylight control for new or retrofit applications with ultra-quiet performance, precision shade alignment, and the elimination of communication wiring.

Toll Brothers and EchoFirst announced that Echo solar systems will be deployed as the state-of-the-art energy management system within new Toll Brothers communities in Arizona.

Lutron’s Sivoia QS Wireless system offers convenient daylight control for new or retrofit applications with ultra-quiet performance, precision shade alignment, and the elimination of communication wiring.
Lutron’s HomeWorks QS total home control system can reduce a home’s energy consumption by monitoring and controlling multiple systems in the home, including lighting, shades, HVAC, and even appliances.

Vroom central vacuum accessory, H-P Products, 101 best new products
Vroom central vacuum accessory from H-P Products is the solution for everyday cleanups in high-traffic areas, storing up to 24 feet of hose in a 3-inch space-saving box design.

BPI hits 25,000 home performance certifications
The Building Performance Institute Inc. (BPI) reached 25,000 active certifications this week, more than tripling its total number of professional certifications in the home performance and weatherization workforce in just 18 months

11 kitchen and bath design trends for 2011
Dark natural finishes, induction cooktops, satin nickel faucets, and LED lighting are among the top design trends for kitchens and bathrooms for 2011, according to a survey of more than 100 designers who are members of the National Kitchen & Bath Association. The survey identified seven kitchen trends and four bathroom trends.