CB January 2005

As years roll one into the next, successful businesses evolve to reflect changing market conditions. The December issues of the newsstand business magazines all include articles — most likely cover stories — on how to prepare for prosperity in the New Year. The message: what worked in 2004 must evolve — change — into a new business strategy to ensure the same level of su...

Some people can't help but take their work home with them. Take, for instance, Charles Page, who trades in his house every five years for a new one. For this Chicago architect and builder who has been creating dream homes in Chicago's North Shore suburbs for more than 40 years, the thrill isn't just that of reinventing himself twice a decade; it's business as usual.

From its postcard-perfect vantage point overlooking Puget Sound, this striking custom home in Blaine, Wash. is a dream fulfilled for its active retiree owners who plan to enjoy their dramatic surroundings and ultra-accessible floor plan with family and friends for years to come. Designed by Seattle-based architect, Nils Finne, the home is remarkable not only for the extraordinary team work that...

An extraordinary open-air courtyard inspired by the charm and character of an old world village square defines this Mediterranean-style luxury residence in Naples, Fla. With a magnificent two-tier swimming pool as its focal point, flanked by an intimate outdoor kitchen that resembles a quaint street-side café, the home's outdoor entertaining space is as functional as it is beautiful.

The data on mold in homes in the last few years created concern among home builders, fear among their customers and cash for many businesses — home inspectors — that didn't exist before the mold threat. Trouble is, all of the data on mold in houses and all of the related news stories stem from homes that experienced significant water damage.

Color Blox, Corssville's next generation of color tile is a porcelain stone tile that saturated through with a choice of 20 colors. Color-infused neutrals and darks, such as silvery Slinky, ivory Sand Box and bluish-black Night can be combined in a multitude of combinations with Yellow Brick Road, Limeade and Caboose red.

Nearly half the consumers considering a new home purchase or a significant home — that responded to a recent NAHB Research Center survey — say they would incorporate green products into their homes, especially if they save them money. For those respondents who don't plan on investing in green or energy-efficient products, 56 percent attribute that response to a lack of awareness of ...

DSI Architectural Products fabricated this four-level, copper stairway system. All four levels are constructed of copper pipe with an applied patina finish giving the system an aged appeal. This particular stairway was designed for a home buyer looking for an alternative to traditional stairway construction materials.

In Sacramento, Calif., home owners can generate their own electricity on cloudy and cold winter days. On sunny day, these same home owners generate nearly all the power needed to meet their home energy needs. Local builders have partnered with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District to develop Zero Energy Homes, which feature the latest in energy efficiency equipment, tighter building standar...