Earlier this winter, members of the Hudson Valley Preservation team traveled to Orlando to attend the NAHB International Builders’ Show (IBS), one of the largest annual gatherings in the residential construction industry.
The three-day trade show is part of Design & Construction Week and brings together builders, manufacturers, designers, and innovators from across the country. The exhibition floor is filled with companies showcasing new products and technologies, offering a glimpse into where the industry is heading. For many startups and emerging manufacturers, the show is also an opportunity to introduce new ideas and get their products in front of industry professionals.
The scale of the event is impressive. Vendors from around the world fill the exhibition halls, representing nearly every area of residential construction. Waterproofing, insulation, adhesives, fasteners, interior wood products, masonry, siding, decking, HVAC, plumbing, roofing, drywall, paints, and hardware were all on display. The show also highlighted a growing number of engineered materials designed to replicate the look of wood while offering improved durability and performance.
At this year’s show, HVP’s Brian and Chris spent time exploring the latest developments in building materials and construction technology. Their focus was on identifying innovative products that could support future projects, particularly in areas such as energy recovery ventilation (ERV) systems, siding manufacturers, decking materials, and exterior waterproofing solutions.
Among the many exhibitors, a few products stood out. One was Architectural Grille, a Brooklyn-based company producing custom grilles and architectural elements. Another was Smartrock by Rockwool, a system designed to provide interior continuous insulation for masonry walls. The team also took note of the precision pocket-door hardware from Sugatsune, known for its high-quality architectural hardware.
For HVP, attending events like the International Builders’ Show is a way to stay connected to the broader building community and continue learning about the materials and technologies shaping the future of residential construction. Seeing new products firsthand and speaking directly with manufacturers helps inform the way we approach our work and the decisions we make on projects.