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Orlando, FL — The 2007 International Builders’ Show gives attendees craving for new building and design ideas two for the price of one. For the first time in 24 years, not one, but two official showcase homes made their debut at the show here.
The New American Home (TNAH) has always been designed to serve as a real-life laboratory to introduce the latest theories and concepts in architectural design, product development construction techniques and lifestyles trends. This year, together TNAH and The Renewed American Home (TRAH) sat on adjacent lots in the Lake Eola Heights Historic District in nearby downtown Orlando to offer double the inspiration for builders, remodelers, architects and kitchen and bath designers attending the show at the Orange County Convention Center on International Drive.
Both are sponsored by the National Council of the Housing Industry (NCHI) and Builder magazine.
With a national movement toward urban revitalization, downtown Orlando was chosen as the site for the show homes in an effort to demonstrate how designers, builders, and other allied professionals could revitalize an older neighborhood. Both homes are built on an urban infill site overlooking Lake Eola. While TNAH adds a contemporary flair to the historic neighborhood, TRAH – which was moved from its original site in to be restored and updated here – shows what can be done with today’s technologies and building advances to update older homes.
Both homes offer the latest in Universal Design, energy efficiency and cutting-edge technology, including extensive integration of various low-voltage systems such as home-run structured wiring and whole-house lighting control, entertainment and security. Built with an eye toward the environment, both homes, have been certified “green” by the Florida Green Building Coalition and are ENERGY STAR rated.
For more news from the IBS, go to the Live Events section.

The kitchen in The Renewed American Home
	The kitchen in The New American Home.

 Two Show Homes Inspire Design Ideas at 2007 IBS: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The kitchen and bath industry’s biggest show is nearly upon us and the floor has been a flurry of excitement, as exhibitors prepare for tomorrow’s crowd of over 50,000 attendees. KBDN Senior Editor Barbara Capella Loehr has been exploring the exhibits, which are mostly complete or nearing completion, and has filed this audio report. Highlights include the NKBA’s 10,000-square-foot booth, featuring an ‘Idea Center,’ produced in partnership with Meredith Corporation, which features five vignettes described as “retro, zen and transitional” in feel.