Storm & Security

12 STORM & SECURITY PROTECTION / DIRECTORY & RESOURCE GUIDE 2014 IBS REVIEW continued Visitors toured a single module in the iModule home concept at this year's IBS and KBIS. Interlocking modules can be combined to construct high-performance, storm resistant and eco-friendly homes. Specified with high-performance, proven products from leading brands, iModules provide an 'excellent homeowner experience,' Barnett said. MODULAR HOME C O N C E P T offers the right combination . The NextGen Home Experience, Bellevue WA, launched its iModule™ home concept at this year's International Builders' Show (IBS) and Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS). The concepts presents homes as a series of interlocking modules that can be combined in a number of ways to provide a variety of floor plans with a variety of exterior looks. The homes are high performance, eco-friendly, storm resistant and flexible in design. "The new normal of regular severe weather events, combined with multi-generational housing needs, rising energy costs and the need to be more eco-friendly, make the iModule concept a good answer," said Paul Barnett, CEO, the NextGen Home Experience. The iModule concept uses resources more efficiently and will be constructed with Structural Insulated Panels or SIPs. Tests reveal that a room constructed using SIPs is five times more efficient than a comparable "stick-built" home, according to NextGen. The sheer wall design of the SIPs system adds strength to the home, combating the wind forces of severe weather events, it added. As an additional benefit, iModule owners can achieve up to a 40 percent savings in sizing an HVAC system just by using SIPs, NextGen stated. Combining the SIPs' advantages with the advantages of a system built home—a home built in sections, in a controlled factory environment—results in less material waste and better quality processes. The faster construction time onsite delivers labor savings, a direct benefit for today's homebuyer, it added. "All iModule homes are built to a NextGen high performance specification and specified with proven products from leading brands to provide an excellent homeowner experience," said Barnett. "We are not planning to be the least expensive solution in the marketplace, but a competitive solution delivering demonstrated high performance and ongoing value." Crowe cautioned, however, that builders still face several headwinds, including rising building material prices, persistently tight mortgage credit conditions, difficulties in obtaining accurate appraisals and limited availability in labor and developed lots. But the trend remains upward for now, and a crowded exhibit hall floor could be a sign of more good things to come. The success of collocating complementary shows that once were scheduled separately seems to point the way for trade show resurgence. NAHB's Strauss reports that plans are already under way to incorporate more residential construction suppliers and their trade shows into next year's Design & Construction Week, which is set for January 20 to 22, again in Las Vegas.

• Cover