Building Products TrendsMay/June 2008

Showing Off

The Kitchen/Bath Industry Show moved to Chicago this year, bringing with it more than 900 exhibitors and a bevy of exciting new products. Green building was a hot topic, of course, with many companies introducing energy- and water-saving appliances, faucets, and fixtures. A variety of new high-tech products with advanced digital displays, useful LED lighting, or "smart" functionality were also on display.
But those weren't the only innovative products that captured show-goers' attention. Here are some other offerings that piqued our editors' interest.—Jeffrey Lee

Uponor. The Climate Control-Multifunction hydronic controller offers a streamlined, less time-intensive approach to installing controls for radiant heating and cooling systems, according to the manufacturer. Instead of creating specific individual controls for domestic hot water, mixing, snowmelt, boiler staging, and zone pumping, the programmable control can handle each of the functions. 800-321-4739. www.uponor-usa.com.	LG. The four-door refrigerator has dual doors at eye level and double drawer freezer compartments below, providing users with more convenient organization, according to the maker. The refrigerator is the first product with its configuration to include a built-in ice and water dispenser, the company says, adding that the dispenser also is the industry's tallest at nearly 1 foot high. 800-243-0000. www.lgusa.com.	GE. The Monogram brand introduced new lines of professional-style ranges, rangetops, and wall ovens with a more commercial appearance. The reinvented professional rangetops and ranges, for instance, use 304-grade stainless steel construction to create a refined appearance, with no exposed seams or screws. The large control knobs are illuminated with bullnose LED task lighting. 800-626-2005. www.monogram.com.
Kohler. The VibroAcoustic bath integrates sound and vibration to promote relaxation. In four preset programs, bathers hear and feel music streaming in sound waves through the water, helping them achieve slow, deep breathing as the body attempts to harmonize with the vibrations, the maker says. The tub also includes a control that allows users to play music from several sources. 800-456-4537. www.kohler.com.	Elkay. The Mystic Twist features a softened geometry that swirls downward toward the center drain. The distinctive curves provide a distinguishing design element that can enhance a kitchen or bathroom, according to the maker. The sink is available in "soft textured," a new stainless option that provides a more distressed, matte finish. It is also available in two lavatory sink options and two bar sink options. 630-572-3192. www.elkayusa.com.	Geberit. The PushControl bath waste and overflow cable drain is notable for its simplicity: Just a push on the new style's button opens and closes the drain. Critical working parts are outside the waterway and away from the flow of water to help prevent clogging, according to the maker. A smooth drain design improves drain rates, and a Teflon-coated cable delivers trouble-free service, the company adds. 800-566-2100. www.geberit.us.

New Products

First Look: Colorful Trim from Tapco

New from Tapco's Mid-America brand, IQm cellular PVC trimboards offer a bold design opportunity: color. While most cellular PVC trim products are available only in white or in a few light colors, IQm comes in 16 colors as well as white; an acrylic-based cap protects the colors from fading over time, the maker says. The colored foam core complements the product's exterior color, providing a professional appearance to exposed, miter-cut edges and eliminating touch-up painting, according to the manufacturer. An AquaFlex fin works along with the J-channel to direct water away from the face of the wall. 800-521-8486. www.midamericacomponents.com.

Smart Valve from Delta

Clean water and a durable valve are the goals of Delta's new Diamond Seal technology. The water delivery system eliminates contact with potential metal contaminants such as brass, copper, or lead, according to the maker, by using InnoFlex waterways made from PEX-C, cross-linked polyethylene, instead of copper or brass waterways. The system also provides protection against leaks and drips using a Diamond valve—an integrated ceramic valve cartridge featuring one ceramic disc and one diamond-embedded ceramic disc. The diamond-embedded ceramic disc polishes the uncoated ceramic disc during operation, preventing buildup of calcium and mineral deposits and ensuring smooth, long-lasting operation, the company adds. The system is currently available in the Signature pull-out kitchen faucet, and it will expand into the brand's most popular kitchen faucet lines this year. 800-345-3358. www.diamondsealtechnology.com.