 |
Where Does the Housing Industry Go From Here?
With the housing industry in the worst state it's been in since the Great Depression (according to at least one major bank CEO), it seems the market has nowhere to go but up. Yet industry observers and homebuilding executives seem to differ on where the economy is heading, and when a housing recovery will begin. As we begin 2008, here is a brief roundup on what various industry sources are predicting for housing.
[more]
Neighborhoods at a Glance
Photo by: John Linden, John Linden Photography |
| Location: |
Santa Monica, CA |
| Architect: |
Kanner Architects, Santa Monica CA |
| General Contractor: |
Alpha Construction, Van Nuys, CA |
| Type of Project: |
Infill |
American Institute of Architects Recognizes Low-Income Housing as "Ray of Hope"
A 44-unit affordable housing project in Santa Monica, California has received a 2008 Institute Honor Award for Architecture from the American Institute of Architects. The light-filled, Modernist structure, which uses white walls, colorful panels and HardiePlank™ siding, is "beautiful, in a clean-scrubbed way while creating a safe haven," according to the AIA jury panel.
[more]
|
 |
| Location: |
Houston, TX |
| Architect/Builder: |
Allegro Builders |
| Type of Project: |
Infill |
Award-winning Builder Helps Introduce HardiePlank™ with ColorPlus® Technology to Houston Market
Allegro Builders (www.AllegroBuilders.com) is a custom home builder specializing in new homes designed to beautifully blend into some of Houston's historic neighborhoods. James Hardie has teamed up with the 10-year-old homebuilder as it constructs the first home in the area using our pre-painted fiber cement siding with ColorPlus® Technology.
[more]
|
Industry Pro Q & A
 |
Marianne Cusato
Designer and Author
New York-based designer Marianne Cusato is the driving force behind Katrina Cottages, which first earned widespread acclaim as dignified disaster housing for the hurricane-ravaged Gulf Coast. In 2006, she was ranked by BUILDER Magazine as the fourth most influential person in the homebuilding industry in the publication's annual "Power on 50" list.
Cusato has just published two books, Get Your House Right and The Value of Design (a collaboration with James Hardie, debuting at the 2008 International Builders' Show on February 13), which strive to educate industry professionals, homeowners and municipalities on the importance of good community design, and practical ways to add value to new homes. The designer discusses her latest works, and a corresponding Continuing Education seminar tour scheduled to kick off this spring.
[more]
|
In the News
 |
James Hardie to Sponsor Continuing Education Seminars Highlighting The Value of Design and its Effect on Our Lives and Communities
Starting in March, James Hardie will host a Continuing Education (CE) seminar with several stops across the country. The AIA- and AICP-accredited course will feature top experts in community planning and residential architecture (including this month's Industry Pro Marianne Cusato, above). The panel will share techniques that help create better communities.
The first event, co-sponsored by the Congress for New Urbanism (CNU) takes place March 4, 2008 in Elgin, Illinois. Additional dates will be announced in future issues of Streetscapes.
[more]
|
 |
Architect Design Trends Survey: Homeowners Looking for Mixed-Use Development and Low Maintenance Exteriors
The latest American Institute of Architects (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey reveals that many homeowners are now seeking mixed-use residential projects that blend with retail, dining and public transportation options. Nearly three-quarters of the respondents also report a growing homeowner preference for durable, low-maintenance exterior materials, such as fiber cement or sustainable roofing products.
[more]
|
 |
Another Nod for Fiber Cement Siding
A newspaper advice column by "Ms. Builder," a syndicated column aimed at single-parent families and inexperienced DIY'ers, recently covered the topic of fiber cement siding. "Ms. Builder" (written by a team of women) offered an excellent overview of the product, and provided another testimonial to the strength and durability of fiber cement materials like James Hardie.
Source: The Clarion-Ledger
[more]
|
 |
Toolbase Services Provides Wealth of Technological Data on Fiber Cement and Other Building Technologies
Toolbase Services is a clearinghouse of information on building technologies, with assistance and funding provided by the NAHB Research Center, The Department of Housing and Urban Development's PATH program, and industry sponsors. The Toolbase Technology Inventory catalogs 170+ promising technologies and products for construction, field evalutions and more. Discover what technologies you might be missing—and check out the impressive entry on fiber cement siding while you're there.
[more]
|
Products
 |
Developing and Building Sustainably with James Hardie
Better buildings begin with durable exterior envelope systems. James Hardie fiber cement siding also plays an environmentally-friendly role by incorporating locally available raw materials that are low in toxicity, too. Our long-lasting siding products also reduce the frequency of painting and the need for siding replacement. Inside the home, our HardieBacker™ cement board flooring underlayment features recycled content and helps control moisture.
Download our "green sheet" (in PDF format) to see all the ways that James Hardie can help make your next project, an eco-friendly project.
[more]
|
Streetscapes
 |
A Tour of Neighborhoods Across America
Traditional neighborhood designs are finding a home in every corner of America. Click on the link below to read the online version of the James Hardie book, Streetscapes.
[Online Book]
If you'd like to submit a project for future Streetscapes issues, please click here.
|
| |
