Show Village 2008: A City Within A Village

Sidebars:
11 Reasons to Visit Show Village
Comfortably Affordable
Project Profile
Not-So-New-Kid on the Block
Where Do I Find Show Village?
Sustainable Living
How'd We Do That?
Palm Harbor Homes: Comfortably Affordable Home and Sustainable Home
Nationwide Custom Homes: High-Tech Home
High-Tech Luxury
Now Appearing At Show Village
Still Can't Get enough?
A Word From Our Sponsors

NEW! The Money Pit radio show will broadcast live from Show Village on Thurs, Feb. 14 -- Find out more

The overriding theme for the 2008 Show Village is City Environments, which in most cases would translate to infill development. Within that theme, three concept homes are featured: the High Tech Home, Green Design/Green Build Home and the Comfortably Affordable Home.

Many times when builders or developers hear "infill" they think "problems." Over the years, well-regarded think tanks, including the Urban Land Institute and Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies, have tackled the infill development topic in depth. Findings from their thorough studies have put the infill myths verses realities in perspective.

There certainly are housing developers who are taking advantage of infill opportunities in both city and suburban environments across the U.S. A good example is Los Angeles-based CityView, which serves both as a direct developer and as a lending source for other established home builders. A majority of CityView's projects are focused on urban redevelopment.

And if there is any low-hanging fruit to be picked from the bare limbs of today's thorny housing market, it just might exist in infill development opportunities, according to CityView President Joel Shine.

"In many cities, the urban markets tend to rebound much stronger and faster since there is less competition," says Shine, who has been in the business long enough to have witnessed several housing cycles. "The urban markets also are places where people want to live." He adds that proximity to city amenities such as museums, theaters, restaurants and coffee shops can be a very desirable drawing card.

However, the challenges that have traditionally kept hordes of builders from converging on infill development still exist. "The NIMBYs are still there, and the political delays," says Shine. "But those are all significant components that work to keep the supply down."

Shine says that although builders and developers might complain about the challenges associated with infill development, they act as "a wonderful filter" for keeping competition in check.

Given widely published population data from the U.S. Census Bureau, it has been no secret that both large and small cities across the U.S. have been experiencing significant gains in population. According to the Urban Land Institute publication "Urban Infill Housing: Myth and Fact" the back-to-the-city movement has been "a clear trend that appears poised to continue well into the 21st Century."

For those home builders and developers that shy away from infill because of perceived problems, the ULI studies can serve as an eye-opening revelation. Take for example one of the objections cited in ULI's Myth and Fact publication that assembling land for urban infill is likely to be difficult and time-consuming, and land costs are likely to be prohibitive.

Digging deeper, the ULI authors found that although issues related to land acquisition vary from city to city, there are many city governments that offer developers assistance with the acquisition and assembly of land. Additionally, many cities are more than willing to work with builders on creative solutions in order to accommodate new housing development.

The ULI takes eight such myths associated with infill development and then reveals the facts along with case study examples, the end result being that infill isn't necessarily the prohibitive monster it sometimes purported to be.

As home builders visit this year's Show Village showcase homes they can keep in the back of their mind; the various elements of design, size and materials can work for them when they decide to tackle infill development.

11 Reasons to Visit Show Village

We know you can't wait to visit. In case you needed the extra nudge, we've concocted a list of 11 reasons why you'll want to visit our little village.

It's your big chance to break out of the Orange County Convention Center for some fresh air and – hopefully – warm sunshine.
It's an excellent environment for networking. Here's where you can strike up a friendly conversation in a relaxed, festive setting with other home builders, manufacturers and product representatives.
You can experience blues guitarist Albert Cummings and his talented band. Hand-in-hand with the live entertainment treat will be complimentary refreshments (you'll just need drink tickets). It's like a giant block party on steroids.
You have the opportunity to meet the editorial staff of Professional Builder, Custom Builder, Housing Giants and Professional Remodeler magazines. You'll also want to seek them out to get drink tickets (small-talk is optional).
Why not witness the end result of the amazing feat of homes that have been constructed on a parking lot in 10 days. See for yourself how the factory-built and system-built homes of today look with innovative designs and seamless construction.
You can observe how more than 53 products from more than 37 manufacturers work within the various Show Village homes.
Be among the first to see brand new products being introduced by DuPont, Microposite, Electrolux and Pittsburgh Corning.
You can win in a huge prize! And we mean huge, dude: A propane-powered Roush Ford F-150 Light Duty pick-up filled with propane appliances, including a Rinnai tankless water heater, Peterson Fire Magic grill, Guardian generator, and more will be raffled off at 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 16th. Who wouldn't want to win that!?
Wait, there's more! Prizes, that is. Fender Stratocaster Guitars will be given away at sponsor booths and Show Village.
You can check out the Green Built home that showcases both the latest green design and products. Check out all the cool gadgets that make the High Tech Luxury Home come alive. Discover what makes the Comfortably Affordable Home both comfortable and affordable.
If you don't go, then you'll be missing all of the above.

Comfortably Affordable Show Village Over the Years

1998

"Behind the Walls" House

Professional Builder partners with APA on its "Behind the Walls" house at the 1998 Builders' Show. The home is positioned in the parking area across from the Dallas Convention Center.

2000

Two years; two homes

Still in Dallas, PB partners with APA to produce two homes: one behind-the-walls and one finished home built by Champion.

2002

Habitat and The Group Build

More than 1,000 people, including PB staff, help Habitat for Humanity build five homes in the Atlanta Convention Center parking lot. A tear-jerking dedication ceremony welcomes five families to their new homes.

Project Profile

Created and assembled by Palm Harbor Homes, the Comfortably Affordable home is a two-story home that sports a size and configuration that's conducive to affordability. The first floor consists of a living room, dining room, kitchen, butler's pantry and a family room. The second floor has a master bedroom with an attached master bathroom and two additional bedrooms and another bathroom.

Builder: Palm Harbor Homes

Designer/engineer: Bill Wright

Interior designer: Margie Wright

Consultants: Florida Solar Energy Center

Square footage: 1,766 total

First floor: 883 square feet (shown in drawing)

Second floor: 883 square feet

Not-So-New-Kid on the Block

Did you know that Show Village has also been dubbed the Builders' Show Party Central? Thanks to blues guitarist Albert Cummings, our neighborhood has become the place to be seen during our infamous block parties.

In 2001, Albert Cummings made his inaugural appearance at Show Village, which launched him onto the road of becoming a blues legend. Unfortunately, he fails to include this little-known factoid on his website www.albertcummings.com (but we at Professional Builder know the facts).

In all seriousness, Show Village has been extremely fortunate to have Albert and his talented band play at our block party for the past six years. His performances have help make the Show Village block party a "can't miss" event at IBS. Well, that and maybe the free drinks.

In addition to his blues guitar playing alter ego, Albert is also an award-winning custom home builder. It makes his presence at Show Village a perfect fit. Be sure not to miss Albert and his band this year where he'll be playing cuts from his latest CD, "Working Man."

If you'd like to see Albert perform, stop on by. Block Party hours are 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings.

2003

Vegas Baby!

Residing in the parking lot of the Las Vegas Convention Center, PB adds block parties for the first time. Elvis impersonators mingle amid the four show homes.

2005

Mickey's Modular Homes

Modular home builders Nationwide Custom Homes and Palm Harbor Homes team up with PB for the first time. Both homes are factory-built and shipped to Orlando via truck.

2006

A Theme to Build a House on

PB establishes themes for Show Village homes, using the theme to inspire designers and visitors. The first theme set is First-Time Home, Move-Up Home and Custom Home.

Where Do I Find Show Village?

You've heard about Show Village and always wanted to attend. Problem is, you could never find it. Put those bread crumbs away and follow our lead.

To get to Show Village, you'll first want to situate yourself in the West Hall; Hall D. Not sure where that is? It's in the neighborhood of the W1900 and W2100 aisles. Follow the carpet (and the signs above) to the Outdoor Exhibits.

Once outside, bask in the warmth of the sun and cross the street to the parking lot.

We're in the colorful cul-de-sac with bandstand.

Sustainable Living

It's one of the most frequently asked questions. Visitors who tour the Show Village homes are curious about what happens to the homes after the show is over. The answer, believe it or not, is that they are de-constructed and moved to wherever their new owner wants them.

That's right. These homes are already sold. They are meticulously pulled apart, loaded back up on the flat bed trucks that got them to their Orlando, Fla., location and taken to a new site. They will then be unloaded and put back together again.

The Green Home has been sold to Stalwart Built Homes and will head to Panama City, Fla., for its permanent location. The Comfortably Affordable Home has been sold to New Era Homes. That one will end up at The Oasis, which is a housing community located in Springfield, La. Palm Harbor Homes, the firm that manufactured those two homes and put them together on the Show Village parking lot site, says it will take only 2½ days to deconstruct the homes and have them ready to ship to their final location.

Nationwide Custom Homes' High-Tech Luxury home has been sold to an undisclosed builder and will be moving to a location about 40 miles northwest of Orlando.

Created and assembled by Palm Harbor Homes, this single-family home will showcase the latest in green design and products. The first floor includes a master suite with a large master bath and walk-in closet. The second floor showcases a second floor master suite with a master bath and a walk-in closet. The second floor includes a media room and wine cellar/wine tasting area.

Builder: Palm Harbor Homes

Designer: Bill Wright

Engineer: Cenovia Villa

Interior designer: Margie Wright

Consultants: Florida Solar Energy Center

Square footage: 3,610 total

First floor: 2,036 square feet (shown in drawing)

Second floor: 1,574 square feet

How'd We Do That?

At first, we contemplated sharing our construction timeline. The multi-step, year-long process is not proprietary — it's hardly even unique to us. However, we didn't want to ruin the fun for our visitors.

But then we thought about how many builders, designers, architects and product manufacturers have asked us about the process, and we reconsidered.

What you'll find on the next page is a step-by-step process that our builders — Palm Harbor Homes and Nationwide Custom Homes — endure as we gear up for the Builders' Show.

Palm Harbor Homes: Comfortably Affordable Home and Sustainable Home

Two months prior to the show

Day 1
Floor framed and decking installed
Cabinets built
Countertops built
Interior walls framed

Day 2
Drywall installed on interior walls
Interior walls fastened to the floor
Exterior walls framed, paneled and insulated
Exterior walls fastened to the floor
Rough plumbing installed
Rough electrical installed
Roof framed and drywall installed off line

Day 3
Drywall finished and painted on ceiling
Roof set on walls
Cabinets and countertops installed
Cabinet doors and drawers installed
Exterior sheathing installed

Day 4
Roof decking installed
Underlayment and shingles installed
Plumbing finished
Electric finished
Windows and doors installed
Exterior siding installed

Day 5
Tape and texture process begins

Day 6
Tape and texture finished

Day 7
Walls painted
Floor tile installed

Day 8
Interior doors installed
Trim installed
Wall tile installed
Floors gouted

Day 9
Electric and plumbing tested

Day 10
Final finishes (mirrors, shower doors, window coverings, etc.)

Day 11
Final Inspection
Punch out

Day 12
Function test

Nationwide Custom Homes: High-Tech Home

February/March 2007

Recap of 2007 show

Follow up with participating vendors for feedback. Discuss signing up as vendors for 2008.

March/April 2007

Determine the theme for 2008 show

Discuss impact of theme to design and potential vendors. Resolve the theme and scope of each home to support theme of show village.

December 19, 2007

Show home starts on line in the production facility
It will take 15 working days to construct in the plant. Due to holidays, the home will come off line on Jan. 17, 2008.

January 30, 2008

Transport begins
Start delivery of six trailers for home and four support trailers to the Orange County Convention Center. Delivery will take 2½ days. Arrive on Saturday, Feb. 2 and stage units near the site.

February 3, 2008

The Set-up

12:01 A.M. Nationwide Custom Homes and Professional Builder take possession of West Parking Lot D at the Orange County Convention Center.

4:00 A.M. NCH team arrives on-site with equipment trailer and foundation. Set up spotlights to light the parking lot. Set foundation; Crane arrives on site and is assembled for the set.

10:00 AM Crane on site; start the setting process.

2:00 PM All six modules of the home are set complete on foundation.

6:00 P.M. Home set complete on foundation. Roof components are raised in place and roof is dried in for the night.

February 4–10, 2008

On-site completion
Completion of roof; start on-site completion of home. Electricity is hooked to the home and the house is powered. Material received for the show home on site: siding, roofing shingles, stone, etc. Completion of home for the show. All vendors on site to assist in preparation of their products and ensure ready for the show.

February 11, 2008

Move-in Ready
Final touch up; move furniture into the home. Final placement of furniture; final touch ups: ready all facets of home for show opening.

High-Tech Luxury Show Village Hours

Wednesday

Show Village Hours: 8:30 a.m.– 6 p.m.

IBS Show Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Block Party Hours: 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Thursday

Show Village Hours: 8:30 a.m.– 6 p.m.

IBS Show Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Block Party Hours: 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Friday

Show Village Hours: 8:30 a.m.– 6 p.m.

IBS Show Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Block Party Hours: 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Saturday

Show Village Hours: 8 a.m.– 2 p.m.

IBS Show Hours: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Created and assembled by Nationwide Custom Homes, this home reflects fine city living for high-enders. The entry opens to a dramatic foyer with a curved staircase. The first floor has a master bedroom with a master bathroom and generous walk-in closet space. There is a separate dining room, and a spacious kitchen that opens to a family room area. The second floor features a home theater and a room that can serve as an office or bedroom. There are two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a utility room and a sitting room. The High-Tech home includes an elevator.

Builder: Nationwide Custom Homes

Design engineers: Donald Aheron and Cindy Ray

Interior designer: Margie Wright

Square footage: 4,747 total

First floor: 2,448 square feet (shown in drawing)

Second floor: 2,299 square feet

Now Appearing At Show Village

Show Village 2008 is the destination where several new products will be making their public debut. Be among the first to check them out.

Microposite will launch a brand new product that the firm says represents a major breakthrough in siding technology and introduces a totally new category for siding. According to Microposite representatives, the new product will give builders a "more durable, easy to install, energy efficient and attractive choice in premium siding." It will be used on the High Tech Home at Show Village 2008 during the International Builders' Show.

"For the first time in a long time, there's a new alternative for premium siding," said builder Dean A. Franchi, CGB, of Windmill Homes in Farmington Hills, Mich. "When you've been in the business as long as I have, any improvement in siding materials is a big deal. But a completely new category? That's a whole new ballgame for anyone ready to give their homes an edge on the competition. We're very excited to see its debut at Show Village."

DuPont Surfaces: As part of the largest multi-surface launch in their firm's history, DuPont Corian is introducing 13 new colors for countertops used in kitchens and bathrooms. According to DuPont promotional information, its new Corian colors represent a range of light neutrals with sophisticated, warm veining to sun-kissed yellows, silky blues and rustic stone and seashell grays. Eight of the new colors are part of the DuPont Corian Private Collection. They include Aztec Gold, Burled Beach, Cinnabar; Clam Shell, Egyptian Copper, Lava Rock, Sonora and Rain Cloud. Five of the new DuPont Corian colors are additions to the existing palette. These include Aloe Vera, Gobi, Medea, Raw Silk and Stone Harbor. DuPont's countertop surfaces will be used in the High-Tech Home at Show Village.

Also look for the DuPont Zodiaq-OKITE collection, introducing an aesthetic that blends the latest in Italian design with the elegance of quartz surfacing. Nine intricately marbled quartz colors range from rich terra cotta to deep lapis lazuli, all of which combine the look and feel of marble with the durability of a quartz surface. Two additional DuPont Zodiaq colors, a pure white and a black-gold fusion, are also being added to the palette.

"We've searched the globe to find the colors and aesthetics on the cutting edge of what U.S. consumers want right now," said Maureen McGeehan, marketing manager with DuPont Surfaces. "The collection is a considerable departure from the look and feel that Zodiaq is currently known for, bringing an exoticism that will turn countertops into conversation pieces for those homeowners who discover them."

Electrolux: Select appliances from the Electrolux ICON Designer and Professional Series will be featured in the High-Tech Home at Show Village 2008. Brand new products from Electrolux will be unveiled at Show Village, but the firm is keeping specific details under wraps until the event, giving you an even more compelling reason to visit Show Village to find out the big secret.

Pittsburgh Corning: Select patterns from the newly launched glass block Designer Select Bevel Series from Pittsburgh Corning will be featured in the Show Village High-Tech home. The Designer Select Bevel Series touts 11 new designer patterns that can be combined to create dramatic effects in any kind of project.

The Pittsburgh Corning Designer Select Bevel Series glass block combines their popular clear VUE pattern with the features of the crystal-like bevel design, providing a multitude of options for wall and window designs.

Still Can't Get enough?

Fast forward to the future. The Builders' Show 2008 hoopla is quickly becoming a memory, and the Show Village homes have magically disappeared from their special spot on parking lot D. How could it have all gone by so quickly? You can barely remember those cool products you saw used at the Show Village homes. You need more information. Now what? Not to worry. You can find everything you need to know and more at the Show Village pages on the HousingZone Web site, including:

Videos that capture the Show Village experience — start to finish
Insightful blogs authored by the key Show Village movers and shakers
Detailed information on each of the featured homes
Articles that relate to featured home themes
Information on and links to the Village home product sponsors

A Word From Our Sponsors

Many thanks to the sponsors listed below:

Beam Central Vacuum Systems

BHK of America

BlueLinx

Carrier

Contech Construction Products

Crane Performance Siding

Cultured Stone

Danze

Dow Building & Construction

DuPont Building Innovations

Electrolux

Fiberon

Fypon

Grandeur by Nostalgic Warehouse

Henkel

Honeywell Specialty Materials

Icynene

James Hardie Building Products

Koma

Lasco Bathware

Latitude

Lennox

Lennox Hearth

LG HI-MACS Solid Surfaces

LiteTouch

Maze Nails

Moen

Nisus Corporation

Open Joist

Owens Corning

Panasonic

Pella Windows & Doors

Pittsburgh Corning

PERC

Rinnai

Siemens

Tanza

Therma-Tru Doors

ThyssenKrupp Access

USG Corp.

Viega

VT Industries

Warmboards

Western Red Cedar

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