If you were one of the 47,000 industry professionals who attended the 2011 NAHB International Builders’ Show Jan. 12–14 in Orlando, Fla., you probably didn’t find time to visit all 1,135 exhibitors. Fortunately, AvidBuilder’s editorial team scoured the expo for the most intriguing products on display. The top 10 are included in our 2011 Best of Show video series.

Featuring interviews by publisher Paul Cardis, editor Bill Lurz, and contributors Clark Ellis and Jason Forrest, the videos highlight a wide range of innovative products, from new solar technologies and sales tools to smog-eating roof tiles and squeak-preventing subfloor fasteners.

The Best of Show products, in no particular order, include:

TetraGrip Subfloor Fastener from Paslode

Paslode introduced its revolutionary new fastener, TetraGrip. The subfloor fastener drives like a nail and holds like a screw. Plus, many builders have been able to eliminate glue during the initial installation, saving both time and materials.

TetraGrip fasteners are designed to work with a dedicated pneumatic coil framing nailer. Each coil holds 120 fasteners, which are basically 8 penny nails with a barb-threaded design that allows them to be driven with a spiral, screw-like motion. Because there are no smooth surfaces to rub against the subfloor panel, squeaks are eliminated, making for happier homeowners and fewer service calls. Be warned, however: TegtraGrip fasteners are difficult to remove if errors occur during installation.

Smog-Eating Roof Tiles from Boral

Boral Roofing showcased its smog-eating roof tiles. Smog is formed when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds combine in action with sunlight. Boral’s recyclable roofing tiles incorporate a photo catalytic agent, titanium dioxide,

break down nitrogen oxide molecules — thereby preventing smog from forming.

Nitrogen oxide is generated from every burning process and present in a high concentration in street traffic. It can cause respiratory diseases and permanent damage to plants and trees. However, over the course of one year, 2,000 square feet of smog-eating tiles can destroy about the same amount of nitrogen oxide as a car produces from being driven 10,800 miles — making them an easy way for builders and homebuyers to reduce their environmental footprint.

In addition, the long-lasting photo catalytic properties in the tiles come with the added benefit of destroying organic substances that come into contact with the tile, such as algae and organic dirt, which are simply rinsed off with the rain.

Major concerns about the tiles include how well they’ll hold up in real-life applications and whether there’s the potential for nitrogen levels to increase in run-off water, thus addressing one environmental hazard while possibly contributing to another.

Echo Solar System from PVT Solar

PVT Solar exhibited its energy- and cost-saving Echo Solar System, which allows homeowners to dramatically reduce their carbon footprint. Whereas traditional photo voltaic (PV) panels draw energy from a narrow spectrum of the sun’s energy to create electricity, the Echo system draws on a wider spectrum of the sun’s energy to also generate heat energy. This allows the system to not only supply part of a home’s electrical needs, but also to heat water, heat and cool the home, and even help heat a pool or spa.

While traditional PV panels capture about 15 percent of the sun’s energy, the Echo system captures about 50 percent, according to the company. And while a basic PV system might generate 27 percent of a home’s energy needs, the Echo system supplies 57 percent. Also, every Echo solar system comes with a web-based user interface that allows owners to see in real time how the system is performing and to set system controls via a computer or free iPhone app.

As with all new technology, the true test will be how well the system performs over time.

Green Series Air Handler from Unico

Unico exhibited its Green Series air handlers, which use less space and deliver greater capacity than traditional HVAC systems. Unico uses variable speed fan motors for energy efficiency and flexible tubing that is one-third the size of conventional ductwork, enabling it to be installed in tight places where conventional heating and cooling systems don’t fit. The system’s energy-saving, low-profile design eliminates drafts while quietly delivering consistent room temperatures and removing 30 percent more relative humidity than traditional HVAC systems.

Paired with a S.M.A.R.T. (Software Managed Air Rate Technology) control board, the system makes it easy to provide the ideal amount of airflow for cooling, heating or simple air circulation. Plus, the Green Series EC (Electronically Commutated) variable speed motor is 17 percent more energy efficient at full speed and 30 percent more efficient at low speed than Unico’s PSC motor. And, it’s up to 2 decibels quieter at low speeds. A variety of outlet fittings allow the system to blend with most any home décor or architectural design.

High velocity air handlers are not as energy efficient compared to the high SEER rated standard units, but this product is ideal for remodelers who are working in tight spaces and in very tight houses that can have problems with stale air. The real benefit here is for remodelers and perhaps builders creating tight houses that need strong air exchange. With the reinvention of wall designs that use polyurethane spray foam insulation, new houses may need higher velocity systems to keep “dead air” pockets from forming.

SalesTouch Interactive Sales Tool from CPS

Computer Presentation Systems showcased its interactive topographical table. Called SalesTouch, the unit uses touchscreen technology to create an interactive, real-time display that engages home buyers. In addition to a traditional topo table, the technology is available as a wall-mounted monitor or free-standing kiosk — giving home builders a variety of ways to use this touchscreen sales tool to present a community.

Users are encouraged to view site maps, choose custom options and even modify floor plans. Sitemaps are updated in real time to show availability and pricing, and users can filter information by the criteria they set, making it easier than ever to hone in on homes they will be interested in. The interactive floor plans allow shoppers to mix and match structural options. Other options and upgrades can be added to a personalized “wish list.”

With the lifestyle display functions, SalesTouch shows prospects where all of the schools, dining, recreation and shopping hot spots are, while the amenities display showcases pools, parks, trails and other points of community interest.

SalesTouch includes on-demand printing, which allows builders to print customized plans and brochures as they’re needed. Plus, SalesTouch software can be integrated with office systems to reduce the need to rekey information, and the entire system can be added to a builder’s website to engage online shoppers.

Unity Home Automation System from Legrand

Legrand showcased its Unity home automation system. Controlling more than just lights, the scalable system uses multi-room audio, intercoms (with voice messaging), thermostats and camera technologies to meet a wide range of home automation needs. The system also includes the ability to view local weather, enjoy Internet radio throughout the home, and set timed events — everything from turning on lights at a specific time to playing “Happy Birthday” throughout the house to wake up a child on his or her birthday.

Because the Unity system is wireless, it can be integrated into a home for as little as $1 per square foot — making it an affordable upgrade for many home buyers. And with Unity Mobile — available via any web-enabled computer or smartphone — users can control lights and music from anywhere inside or outside the home.

Do home buyers really want this level of home automation? We’ll know for sure when AVID Rating begins tracking this technology in its annual Design Driver study beginning in 2012.

Electric Car Charging Station from Eaton

Eaton impressed attendees with its Level 2 electric car charging station, which breaks ground with its ability to be used in a multi-family setting with credit card processing.

The Level 2 indoor/outdoor unit can be mounted on a wall or pedestal and can charge most electric vehicles in four to six hours. It can be used as a solo power station, or several can be networked together and operated by a single entity.

Priced at $1,600–$1,800 each, the charger can be used for single-family homes, multi-family units, homeowner associations and even commercial businesses. A display panel indicates the unit’s availability to charge, whether the charger has been connected properly to the car, and when the car is fully charged.

A qualified electrician can easily install the charger. The wall-mount design is much like the installation for an electric stove circuit, and the outside pedestal is comparable to the installation of a lighting bollard circuit. Eaton manufactures all products that may be needed to support an electrical system upgrade, if it is required for installation. For residential installations, Eaton’s Certified Contractor Network (ECCN) can handle installation and any upgrades needed to the home’s electrical system.

Operable Acrylic Block Windows from Hy-Lite Products

Hy-Lite Products revealed its diverse line of operable, acrylic block windows, which provide the look of glass block while allowing for fresh-air ventilation. The windows are ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, basements and any other room where fresh air is desired. And the translucent designs permit light while preserving privacy, thereby eliminating the need for window dressings. Hy-Lite acrylic blocks are 70 percent lighter than glass block, so casement windows are easy to open and close.

New construction windows are available in fixed sizes, but retrofit windows can be built to specs. Covered by a 10-year warranty, the windows come in a choice of seven glass block styles, three frame colors, and eight muntin finishes. And the lightweight acrylic makes them cheaper to ship than glass windows.

Solar Shingles from Dow Solar Solutions

Dow Solar Solutions unveiled its photovoltaic shingles, which integrate seamlessly with asphalt shingles and can be installed by any roofing contractor using conventional tools and techniques. Once the solar shingles are installed, the roofer simply feeds an electrical harness through the roof, and a qualified electrician makes the final connection to the inverter box and home wiring.

Unlike traditional solar panels, Dow’s solar shingles address concerns about aesthetics, cost, installation and warranty. However, the shingles still use traditional photovoltaic technology, which captures only 15 percent of the sun’s energy, while other solar systems are designed to capture more energy.

Currently, Dow is working with a few building partners, but it plans to make the solar shingles available in select U.S. markets by mid-year.

Large-Scale Exotic Pattern Laminate from Formica

Formica showcased its expanded line of large-scale patterned laminates. The 180fx line takes advantage of new four-color printing technologies that make it possible to produce 5-foot sheets of non-repeating patterns, allowing the company to mimic exotic materials such as petrified wood, marble and travertine.

According to the company, these eye-catching lookalikes can be had for one-fourth the cost of real materials, making them affordable solutions for counter tops and vertical surfaces. All together, there are now 16 patterns available. To help home buyers envision what each pattern looks like, Formica offers 12-inch square chips as well as letter-size printable PDFs.

Some people say that laminate counters are dead, but these new patterns may put an end to those rumors. A rebranding effort might not hurt, either. AVID’s 2010 Design Driver study showed that laminate counters were the lowest rated type of counter desired. So some education and marketing is needed. Either way, every builder should take a closer look to see if these large-print laminates are right for their homes.

iPad Apps from Aareas Interactive

It seems like there’s an app for everything these days, and now Aareas Interactive has made it possible for home builders to be onboard the technology bandwagon. The company has unveiled an iPad app that enables sales agents and consumers to tour homes virtually. This technology even includes the ability for buyers to choose options and sign sales contracts online.

What makes this technology different from others is the photo realistic quality of the digitally rendered images. However, one of the factors keeping these new technologies from taking hold has been price. For example, a complete home presentation system using photo realistic imagery can range from $30,000 to more than $150,000 per model, presenting a big financial challenge for most builders. That said, high-rise builders would find this price quite cheap compared to actually building a speculative project. Using virtual technology, a high-rise and perhaps a multi-family builder could pre-sell homes before making the investment to actually build.

When it comes to using technology to improve the customer experience, the housing business lags sorely behind many other industries. That’s why we think companies such as Aareas are key the industry’s future success.