The International Builders Show (IBS) and Greenbuild represent two of the most important gatherings for professionals in the construction industry. These trade shows bring together manufacturers, builders, architects, and researchers to showcase the latest innovations in building materials, energy efficiency, and sustainable design. For those unable to attend in person, understanding the standout products and technologies from these events can inform better decision making on their own projects. This article highlights some of the most noteworthy innovations presented at Greenbuild 2019 and IBS 2020, covering water-efficient plumbing, permeable pavement, advanced insulation, smart health devices, and emerging manufacturing techniques. What builders gain from visiting show villages consistently demonstrates that hands-on exposure to these products helps them stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
Plumbing Innovations For Water Efficiency
Among the most significant product launches at Greenbuild 2019 was the Niagara Stealth Technology toilet, which the company claims is the most efficient toilet on the planet. Unlike conventional low-flow toilets that rely solely on water pressure to clear waste, the Stealth system uses a vacuum-assisted mechanism to achieve a flush with only 0.8 gallons of water per flush. This represents a substantial reduction from the 1.4-gallon models that were considered best in class only a few years earlier.
The mechanism works through a sequential process involving air and water chambers:
- Water enters the inner tank chamber while air simultaneously fills an air transfer tube, pressurizing the trap-way
- When the flush is activated, water leaves the inner chamber and pulls air from the trap-way upward through the tube
- This upward air movement creates a vacuum that accelerates the force of water and waste flowing through the drain
The result is a flush that is both quieter and more powerful than gravity-fed alternatives while using significantly less water.
Landlords who have installed these toilets report a dramatic reduction in service calls related to clogs. Property managers managing multiple units particularly appreciate the combination of water savings and reduced maintenance. This kind of practical innovation shows how new tools and products unveiled at industry shows can directly impact operational costs for building owners.
Permeable Pavement For Sustainable Site Development
Porous asphalt was another highlight from Greenbuild 2019, demonstrated by Joseph Shacat of the National Asphalt Pavement Association. The material uses a coarse aggregate formula that creates an open-graded surface, allowing water to drain directly through the pavement and into a gravel recharge bed below. From there, water percolates naturally into the soil rather than running off into storm drains.
| Property | Porous Asphalt | Conventional Asphalt |
|---|---|---|
| Surface void space | About 16% | About 3% |
| Surface layer thickness | 4 inches | 2 to 4 inches |
| Drainage requirement | Drains through surface | Requires sloped surface |
| Sub-base layers | Stone fill plus geotextile fabric | Compacted aggregate |
| Maintenance needs | Periodic vacuuming | Standard repaving |
| Winter performance | Snow disappears faster | Standard plowing needed |
For developers, the primary advantage is the ability to create flat parking lots and roadways without the need for sloped surface drainage systems. This simplifies site grading and can reduce stormwater management infrastructure costs. Snow also tends to disappear from porous surfaces more quickly, reducing plowing requirements in colder climates. However, the rough surface texture makes it less suitable for cycling and pedestrian areas. Highlights from previous trade shows show how permeable pavement has evolved from a niche concept to a practical stormwater solution that meets environmental regulations.
Advanced Building Envelope Technologies
Some of the most exciting developments at IBS 2020 came not from finished products on the show floor but from research being conducted at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Diana Hun presented findings on several breakthrough technologies aimed at improving building envelope performance.
One of the most promising areas is vacuum insulated panels (VIP). These panels use vacuum fibers held in a matrix to achieve an extraordinary R-value of 40 per inch of thickness. This would permit thin wall assemblies to reach high levels of thermal performance that currently require much thicker insulation layers. The main obstacle to commercialization is durability: a single puncture from a nail or saw cut can compromise the entire panel.
ORNL is exploring several strategies to overcome this limitation:
- Encasing the vacuum membrane within polyisocyanurate panels, creating a sandwich that reduces the R-value to a still-impressive R-12.5 per inch while protecting the vacuum layer from damage
- Developing self-healing films that weld almost instantly after a puncture or cut, restoring the vacuum seal
- Isolating vacuum elements into cellular structures, similar to closed-cell foam, so that damage affects only the perforated cells rather than the whole panel
- Reduced reliance on grid electricity during peak evening hours, lowering utility costs
- More efficient use of rooftop solar generation throughout the full day cycle
- Potential for emergency backup power during grid outages
- Lower overall carbon footprint for households with electric vehicles
A potential commercial application includes laminating VIP technology behind vinyl siding, which could provide builders with an insulating exterior cladding achieving R-13 per inch. This is several times higher than the R-2.5 average of insulated siding products currently on the market. Choosing the right materials for building components becomes increasingly important as insulation standards continue to tighten and energy codes demand higher performance.
Smart Health Monitoring Devices For The Bathroom
Two innovative products at IBS 2020 point toward a future where bathrooms do more than provide basic sanitation. The Wize Mirror incorporates sensors that check risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. By tracking facial signals related to health, the mirror aims to encourage users to reduce health risks through lifestyle improvements.
The Mateo smart bathmat takes a different approach to health monitoring. This device hides an array of computerized sensors within a washable towel-like cover. A 7,000-point sensor array identifies users by their unique foot imprint, while heat sensors monitor how weight is distributed across the mat to read posture. The system can track changes in foot size for growing children and provide tailored exercise recommendations based on posture scores.
Unlike a traditional bathroom scale that reports weight immediately, the Mateo stores information over time and only alerts users to meaningful milestones in weight loss, posture improvement, or changes in foot size. The high-end version, which includes body composition readings, is expected to retail for $179. Techniques and best practices for home improvement are evolving alongside these smart devices, creating new opportunities for integrating technology into bathroom renovations.
Additive Manufacturing, Renewable Energy, And Self-Healing Materials
ORNL researchers also presented work on advancing additive manufacturing for residential construction. Current whole-house 3D printers typically use a gantry system, where a large frame holds the extruder and limits the size of the building to the dimensions of the frame. ORNL has developed a crane-mounted cartridge system that replaces the gantry. This approach improves portability and removes size limitations, making 3D printing more practical for a wider range of residential projects.
Another area of research focuses on integrating renewable energy systems with electric vehicles. The experimental concept involves a home that charges an electric car during daylight hours through rooftop solar panels. The car battery then powers the home during the evening, effectively using the vehicle as a large-scale energy storage system. This approach addresses the fundamental challenge of solar power: the sun generates electricity during the day, but peak household consumption often occurs at night.
Key benefits of the integrated house-and-car system include:
ORNL is also developing self-healing materials that could transform how builders think about durability and maintenance. Self-healing caulking compounds, when cut or broken, expand and bond to reseal the crack automatically. This could address the persistent problem of shrinkage cracks in adhesives and sealants that compromise air sealing and water resistance over time. Another material innovation targets insulated concrete forms (ICFs). Scientists are working on thin-wall concrete formulations that achieve current structural strength with profiles nearly 50 percent slimmer than existing concrete sections, allowing more insulation within the same wall thickness. Innovative interior design ideas continue to incorporate energy-efficient features and smart technology as homeowners seek greater control over their energy consumption.
Together, these emerging technologies point toward significant changes in how homes are built and operated. Attachment methods and structural best practices will need to evolve alongside these new materials to ensure compatibility and long-term durability.
Conclusion
The products and research presented at Greenbuild 2019 and IBS 2020 demonstrate that the building industry continues to innovate across multiple fronts. From vacuum-assisted toilets that use less than a gallon per flush to self-healing materials that could extend the life of building envelopes, these advances point toward a future where homes are more efficient, healthier, and more responsive to occupant needs. Trade shows remain an essential platform for introducing these technologies to builders and designers who can put them into practice. As new systems become standard in residential construction, structural framing details around key building features will increasingly need to accommodate these emerging technologies and their installation requirements.