WOW! for the home

Andersen WindowCentrics Wall Planner

The Andersen WindowCentrics Wall Planner makes it easy for anyone to design a custom wall plan using Andersen windows and patio doors. Whether you’ve got the vision of Frank Lloyd Wright or don’t know a casement from a double-hung, you can create window and wall designs that reflect your personal style from thousands of possible combinations.

The easy-to-understand WindowCentrics Wall Planner, available at andersenwindows.com/design, takes users through the process of computer-aided design with the simplicity of point-and-click technology.

To use, simply:

• Choose a wall shape from the 16 available templates, which can be customized to your exact specifications.
• Select from one of six families of windows and patio doors to use.
• Drag and drop the countless pre-designed window and door combinations or individual units onto the virtual wall space. Then add, delete, group or resize the windows and patio doors until you discover your favorite layout.
• Personalize your design by selecting window trim stain and color options, and adding color and texture to the wall. You also can include ghost images of everyday household items such as furniture, people, pets and plants to demonstrate scale.
• Click on a link to toggle between the interior and an exterior view, which can be customized in the same way.
• Save a fully specified window plan as a PDF to share with contractors, friends or family.

For people in need of a little inspiration to get started, the Andersen Wall Planner offers a photo library that automatically generates window combinations inspired by real homes. The program also automatically adjusts the design options to account for the limits of product manufacturing and construction parameters. The end result is a representation of a wall plan that reflects your vision (of course, homeowners should always confirm the feasibility of their design with a professional contractor). Users can save their design on their desktop or share it with others via e-mail.

With all the possible choices and combinations, window selection can be an intimidating process. The free online program helps consumers visualize all the possible choices and combinations with windows and patio doors, and helps eliminate much of the guesswork with window and wall designs.

The tool also helps to engage people in their own homebuilding or remodeling process. By sharing their vision with contractors, interior designers and architects, consumers can spark conversations that lead to better collaboration.

Andersen also offers a professional window design program for architects and designers. Andersen Window Studio software is a stand alone Microsoft Windows-based application that can be downloaded. It provides elevations, detail and plan symbols for Andersen products.

For more information, visit www.andersenwindows.com or call 800-426-4261.

American Standard Deep Soak Bath Drain

A simple bath is transformed into a luxurious soaking experience with American Standard’s Deep Soak Bath Drain.

With a standard bath drain, the water in a bathtub can only rise as high as the bottom of the overflow hole, leaving a lot of wasted space and chilly shoulders. But the same bathtub installed with the Deep Soak drain adds over two inches of water depth for a more luxurious bath, courtesy of a uniquely engineered overflow design

This small, simple indulgence is available in a range of fashion finishes including White, Linen, Black, Chrome, Polished Brass, Satin, Bone and Blackened Bronze.

For more information or to locate a dealer, visit www.americanstandard-us.com or call 800-899-2614.

HotStop Anti-Scald Faucets and Showerheads

The HotStop line of products features tub spouts (with and without diverter), shower heads and a hand showers. All four products have the HotStop scald protection built into the fixture. Simply replace your existing fixtures with the appropriate HotStop products to protect your family from hot water scalding. If you move, you can take your Hotstop fixture with you. All HotStop fixtures feature a 10-year warranty. Each item includes easy-to-follow instructions for installation, operation, care and cleaning.

HotStop products all contain a Temperature Actuated Flow Control (TAFR) feature certified to ASSE Standard 1062. This feature is designed to reduce water flow to a trickle when water reaches unsafe temperatures, and automatically return to normal flow after the temperature is reduced. It still allows users to set water heater temperatures at a safe level to avoid Legionellae contamination. Because it is an end-point device, it can be installed in apartments and other areas where there is no access to behind-the-wall piping, and accommodates installations where different areas of the home require higher hot water temperatures.

HotStop Anti-Scald Tub Spouts include adapters for installation to both ½” IPS threads and ½” copper slip-on connection.

HotStop Anti-Scald Handshower features a flexible tip spray nozzles makes cleaning fast and easy; a push button pause control that allows you to cut off water flow without changing the temperature mix; and three spray settings.

HotStop Anti-Scald Showerhead features flexible tip spray nozzles that make cleaning fast and easy.

HotStop Anti-Scald Showerhead and Tub Spout Diverter feature adapters included for installation to both ½” IPS threads and ½” copper slip-on connection. HSCP Diverter spout must be installed in conjunction with HSSH shower head to provide scald protection.

For more information or to locate a dealer, visit www.h2otstop.com.

ACP Onsia Concealed Flat Panel Speakers

ACP Onsia is a flat panel speaker system that achieves completely invisible installation. With no visual interference to room aesthetics, totally unseen speakers are made possible by high-powered, vibrational-element flat panels that produce high-definition sound. Entertainment systems can now be placed in any room in the home without the clutter of speakers or wires. And there are no grates, grills or covers. (A before and after picture is featured on the left.)

The speaker panels, using NXT transducer technology, produce sound waves through the electronic excitement of a flat panel, creating hundreds of simultaneous nonlinear vibrations instead of the traditional single-band pulses from conventional cone diaphragms. This technology offers improved dispersion characteristics over conventional speakers, making location and listening position far more flexible. A diffuse source creates a high-definition sound over a very wide area, ensuring that surround sound or stereo can be heard regardless of room size, shape or listening position.

The flat panel speakers permit homeowners, consumers, decorators, remodelers, specifiers and professional installers to equip high-quality, multi-room installations and home theaters without compromising the interior design of modern living spaces. Now it is possible to decorate around your creativity, not around your speaker system.

The line of Onsia speakers comes in three models: In-Wall, In-Ceiling and In-Frame.

In-Wall
The In-Wall concealed flat panel speaker is engineered to blend invisibly into any new or existing drywall surface, turning the entire wall into a sound source. Many configurations are possible: two In-Wall panels create rich stereo sound in a kitchen, or five speakers make for full surround sound in a home theater.

In-Ceiling
The In-Ceiling concealed flat panel speaker is designed to look like an acoustical ceiling tile and provides easy installation into any standard ceiling grid system. No special brackets or unusual installation is required. The In-Ceiling speaker panel blends into the ceiling by eliminating unsightly speaker grates or covers. The system is ideal for a finished basement, office or commercial space.

In-Frame
The In-Frame concealed flat panel speaker transforms artwork into an audio and decorating solution. The unique In-Frame allows the art, not the speaker, to become the focal point in any room. Whether it’s accenting a flat panel TV, bringing music to the apartment, or accessorizing an office, Onsia In-Frame speakers provide a truly invisible sound solution.

For more information, visit www.onsiaideas.com.

Bosch Vent Hoods

Bosch ventilation products offer streamlined design with impressive performance. Available in three distinct classes, they quickly remove steam, odors and smoke with ease.

Bosch ventilation includes a downdraft ventilation hood that can be combined with a recirculation module accessory to deliver efficient coverage in otherwise difficult-to-vent situations. The lineup is rounded out with undercabinet hoods, available with a 600 CFM blower for a powerful performance option; a collection of chimney-style hoods; and 30” custom ventilation inserts, which allow consumers to use Bosch’s ventilation in their own custom hoods.

Downdraft Ventilation
Simplifying downdraft ventilation installation considerably, Bosch’s downdraft recirculation module is the solution for any difficult-to-vent situation, including cement slab foundation homes and high-rise buildings. The easy-to-install system comes in one width to fit both the 30” and 36” Bosch DHD downdraft. The module is installed in the cabinetry below the cooking surface, attaches to the downdraft and integral blower, and simultaneously cleans and vents the air with a charcoal filter to remove virtually all odor and moisture.

The redesigned DHD downdraft ventilation system features a high 14” rise intake, positioned above most pots and pans for more efficient odor and steam removal. The downdraft is easy to operate – simply push the power button to raise the unit, and then slide the mechanical control up or down to select the desired speed option.

When retracted, the blower will shut itself off and automatically return to the previous speed setting the next time it is raised. The DHD’s screw drive system ensures smooth and quiet movement. Clean up is also easy with the dishwasher safe full-face filters featuring a combined splatter shield. The DHD downdraft is available with internal, inline and remote blower options, the latter of which can be placed outside the home for less noise in the kitchen.

Available in 30” and 36” widths, the downdraft complements Bosch’s redesigned gas cooktops.

Undercabinet Hoods
Bosch offers three traditional-style wall hoods, in the 300/500/800 Series, in both 30” and 36” featuring seamless edges and dishwasher-safe filters. The hoods are differentiated by power level, style and height – with the professional-style 800 Series DPH model featuring a 600 CFM blower and standing in at 11” tall. The lineup also offers two DUH models with 280 or 400 CFM blower.

Chimney Hoods
Bosch’s chimney hoods feature modern European design that complements Bosch electric and gas cooktops. While the units are quiet in operation, they are also very powerful and feature dishwasher-safe filters for easy cleaning and bright surface lighting. The 300 Series DKE 93 is a pyramid style hood with a 400 CFM blower that operates on multiple settings via hidden controls. The 500 Series DKE 94 is a slim silhouette hood with a more squared look and a 600 CFM blower. For a more contemporary look, Bosch offers the 800 Series DKE 96 in stainless steel with a sophisticated glass canopy and 600 CFM blower.

All of these models are offered in 30” or 36” sizes. Additionally, a 40” glass island hood is available with two control panels for easy access and four halogen lights for illumination from all angles.

Custom Ventilation Inserts
Bosch’s custom ventilation inserts, featuring a 400 CFM dual inlet blower, is ideal for installation in custom applications that effortlessly blend in with the rest of the kitchen design.

Available in a 30” model, the insert features dishwasher-safe filters that are easy to remove and clean, a concealed slider control that is simple to operate, and halogen surface lighting that evenly illuminates the cooking surface. The custom insert can be utilized in hoods up to 36” wide.

Bosch Vent Hoods are available at:

Franke Atrium and Beach Range Hoods

Franke’s sleek and sophisticated Range Hoods prove that beauty, brains and quality are a winning combination. Franke Atrium and Beach range hoods both do what Franke does best by seamlessly uniting impeccable stainless craftsmanship, advanced control and operation, and a special talent for capturing high end style directions.

The curve of Atrium’s tempered glass canopy is artfully repeated in the narrow stainless steel panel directly below to give the whole area an unbroken grace and fluidity. This Franke Range Hood is available in either clear or black tempered glass, making it the perfect choice for drawing together the various parts of the kitchen by the use of color and texture. Even when viewed from below, the elegance continues with all edges welded and polished and never an exposed screw to be found. Atrium also includes 8/2 Electronic Control and an EZ Cube mounting systems with a post-installation leveling feature.

Franke’s designers have succeeded in translating to Beach’s larger proportions the same outward curves that extend from bowl to perimeter in the Franke Sink of the same name. Its low profile electronic controls are positioned vertically to play against the hood’s horizontal curves. Combining beauty with practicality, Beach includes Franke’s dishwasher safe Stainless Steel Mesh Filters that pop out for easy cleaning.

Franke’s seamless integrated liner facilitates designers’ creativity by providing a one-piece solution to specifying customized ventilation projects. The seamless integration of liner and power pack in a finished product offers an attractive value proposition. At 22-inches (four more than standard), its depth makes it a better match for today’s professional style ranges and its added front and back halogen lighting helps highlight a decorative backsplash.

Atrium and Beach Range Hoods include in their price 600 CFM motor, halogen lighting, ductless RecirKit conversion kit, 7-function electronic controls with filter clean/change reminder and available wireless remote control.

For more information or to locate a dealer, visit www.frankeconsumerproducts.com or call 800-626-5771.

American Standard FloWise Dual-Flush HET Toilet

The Dual-Flush FloWise two-piece High-Efficiency toilet from American Standard reduces water usage in a sleek striking profile that attractively conceals the snaking trapway under the bowl.

The WaterSense-labeled Dual-Flush FloWise allows users to decide whether to use 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf) or 0.8 gpf, potentially saving 30 percent more water than 1.6 gpf toilets. Independent testing has confirmed that the Dual-Flush FloWise performs in the best category for bulk waste removal. Available in an elongated bowl, the transitionally-styled HET may be purchased in either right-height or standard height.

Buy the American Standard FloWise Dual-Flush HET Toilet now! Model 3018.013: FloWise™ 1.28 Elongated Toilet In White

Salice Lift Wall Cabinet Opening Systems

Salice Lift is a range comprising four opening systems for flap doors, folding doors, swing-opening doors and parallel-opening doors, all resulting from the continual research and development effort that characterises Salice.

The various Lift systems were created to offer alternaitve ways to open wall unit doors, giving greater design flexibility while offering better space utilization. Their mechanisms are simple to assemble. Perfect for kitchen wall cabinets, they also lend themselves to cabinets with restricted depth, like bathroom cabinets, adding design originality and high perceived value.

Lift for flap doors can be used for doors with a handle or alternatively without a handle, using the PUSH self-opening system.

All Lift systems are suitable for wooden doors or aluminium-framed doors and they all incorporate the Smove decelerating system; moreover close attention has been paid to aesthetic factors of the systems. The mechanisms are neatly concealed by a cover which gives the interior of the cabinet a streamlined and elegant finish.

For more information, visit www.salice.com.

ACP Fasade Tin-Style Ceiling Panels

ACP Fasade Tin-Style Ceiling Panels are a decorative thermoplastic ceiling panel system that provides the classic look of traditional tin ceilings for about half the cost. The ceiling panels feature quick and easy direct-apply or lay-in installation with almost unlimited design options.

The Fasade panels offer 19 finish selections and 16 embossed designs. Finishes range from Bermuda Bronze to Cracked Copper, replicating the full range of finishes seen in traditional tin ceilings. Three designer wood-grain finishes are also available. Panel designs include traditional Victorian patterns, Art Deco and modern contemporary styles to add character or drama to any decor. Matching grid systems, grid covers and trim are available in each color and style to provide a unified, integrated appearance.

The ceiling panels are manufactured from composite thermoplastic and are water and corrosion resistant for extreme durability. Thermally infused color finishes look identical to classic patinas.

The lightweight ceiling system is about half the cost of traditional tin panels, and can be cut with a snip, scissors or utility knife for a quick and easy installation. A typical residential glue-up installation can be completed using a direct surface mount application with a recommended adhesive, dramatically changing the look of any room in just a few hours. Fasade panels also insert with ease into any existing or new suspended ceiling grid.

For more information, visit www.acpideas.com or call (800) 434-3750.

Custom-Bilt Metals Vail Titan Select Shingles

Vail Titan Select shingles represent one of the most environmentally-friendly building choices available today. Vail Titan Select shingles keep homes cool and energy costs down while maintaining performance in harsh weather and bringing style to the home’s exterior. Durability, aesthetics and green attributes make Vail Titan Select Shingles ideal for any climate, including those with the harshest of temperatures and weather conditions.

The Titan Cool Roof Reflective Paint System is a premium, two-coat system featuring BASF and Kynar 500 reflective pigmentation technology. This material delivers a highly energy-efficient cooling performance by reflecting up to 70 percent of the sun’s total radiation. Less heat in a home’s attic means a decreased demand on the home’s air conditioning system. Most homeowners see an approximately 30 percent drop in their energy bills after installing a Cool Roof from Custom-Bilt Metals. The U.S. EPA corroborates this figure, which can translate to upwards of $450 in annual energy saving. When Vail Titan Select shingles are used in larger, localized quantities, such as in a subdivision or new neighborhood, their properties can help to reduce the urban heat islands that contribute to the accumulation of smog.

Vail Titan Select Shingles are Energy Star compliant, and not only help to keep roofs cool, but are 100 percent recyclable and include recycled content. Roofing life cycle is increased because of lessened expansion and contraction of the roofing material. Additionally, because the metal itself is longer-lived than composite shingles and roofing materials, the cost of re-roofing a home is virtually eliminated over the life of the home and more roofing material is kept out of landfills. Many homeowners can enjoy lower fire insurance premiums after installing a metal roofing material like Vail Titan Select shingles.

Cool Roof products from Custom-Bilt Metals contribute up to 24 points in a LEED certification level. A cool metal roof is eligible for one point in Credit 7.2 of the Sustainable Sites category. It will also contribute to points in other credits where recycled content, recyclability, energy optimization, and water collection properties are included in a whole-building, weighted-average approach. For example, a cool Kynar 500-based prepainted metal roof can qualify for one point in Credit 7.2 of the LEED Sustainable Sites category if it covers at least 75 percent of the roof surface area and meets certain criteria for Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) values.

For more information or to locate a dealer, visit www.custombiltmetals.com and click on LOCATIONS at the top of the page.