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Metropolis Editors, Natural Habitat, sustainability, sustainable architecture

METROPOLIS Introduces Natural Habitat, a Sustainable Homes Video Series

The series debuts with a tour of a tranquil upstate New York retreat designed with Passive House principles.

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March 27, 2025

7 Products for Better Building from IBS 2025

By: Nigel Maynard

The NAHB International Builders’ Show may not look like other design fairs and festivals, but it’s just as crucial—if not more so—because it focuses on buildings’ essential, often-unseen components. These include behind-the-wall systems, HVAC, electrical, structural elements, and siding—like Nakamoto’s Gendai heat-treated cedar cladding, shown on this page. Here are some standout innovations from this year’s show, held February 25 to 27 in Las Vegas.

Gendai

NakamOto Forestry

Nakamoto Forestry heat-treats its Gendai cedar cladding using shou sugi ban. The traditional Japanese technique enhances the wood’s durability and resistance to rot, insects, and fire. Gendai is now available in an Acrylic Black finish, providing homeowners with a low-maintenance siding solution that ensures the color remains vibrant. 
nakamotoforestry.com

Solstice Shingle

Certainteed

Solstice is one of the most technologically advanced solar solutions on the market, according to the company. These panels integrate with any asphalt shingles so they disappear from the street, producing energy at levels comparable to conventional rack-mounted solar panels without the bulky appearance.
certainteed.com/solar

Thermo Clear Radiata

Maximo Wood

A thermal modification process that increases wood’s dimensional stability and durability and an OPX antitermite treatment make Maximo’s Thermo Clear Radiata wood durable and weather-resistant for applications inside or outside. Available in 6- to 16-foot lengths, this clear, knot-free wood is ideal for walls, ceilings, and decking. 
maximowood.com

SmartSide Trim & Siding

LP Building Solutions

LP SmartSide Trim & Siding offers the look of wood without the maintenance drawbacks. Available in a brushed look that resembles natural wood, it features zinc borate for termite resistance, resins to combat freeze/thaw cycles, and waxes to resist moisture. It’s available in 16-foot lengths.
lpcorp.com

LevelUp

Bison Innovative Products

The LevelUp adjustable deck pedestal system eliminates the need for digging, pouring, and leveling concrete footers and posts. Ideal for building ground-level decks, the pedestals attach to wood joists to form the structure and can be installed over existing stable concrete slabs or pavers, as well as over compact soil or gravel. Each deck pedestal can adjust from 2½ inches to 5½ inches in height. 
level-updecking.com

Feeney LaserCut Collection

LaserCut Collection

Feeney

A collaboration with interior designer Kerrie Kelly, the Feeney LaserCut Collection is a series of design-forward metal panels with nine intricate designs inspired by architectural icons, global textures, and timeless patterns. Designed for indoor and outdoor applications, the panels can be used as decorative accents, privacy screens, or partitions.
feeneyinc.com

Bullnose Pavers

Aspire

Aspire’s Bullnose Paver seamlessly integrates with its paver line, eliminating the need for miter cuts when creating corners. Corner pavers are designed to form a 90-degree angle, providing a finished border with a rounded edge that conceals the grid below.
aspirepavers.com

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