Housing technology award

2000 the NAHB Research Center partnered with Popular Science magazine to recognize companies that are leading the charge in innovation and really having a positive impact on the way things are done in the residential construction industry

Tech Transfer Award:

Denver-based Cohen Brothers Homes captured this prize for their use of a specialized production facility that is built on-site for their large residential projects. With this innovation, the assembly line approach, which Cohen Brothers modeled after other types of manufacturing, is used to reduce cycle time, limit transportation needs, decrease labor, and, ultimately, improve the bottom line.

Problem Solved Award: :

J.M. Huber, based in Charlotte, N.C., produces a moisture-resistant engineering wood panel that eliminates edge swell and the need for sanding. The company's product innovation creates squeak-free floors-a major problem-solver for builders and consumers. Builders on the judging panel identified this as the most important innovation they've seen in years.

Wow That Was Easy Award: :

This award went to Owens Corning of Toledo, Ohio, for its Basement Wall Finishing System, which consists of PVC trim, fiberglass panels, and decorative coverings. The system snaps into place, which allows a basement to be remodeled in a much shorter timeframe. This system truly earns a "wow!"

Cool Home Award:

Home Director, Inc., of Morrisville, N.C., gets this "cool" award for all the "hot" technologies it has incorporated into a home in Plano, Texas. The company loaded the home up with the very latest digital wiring and components, including the "Intelligent Home" networking systems for Internet, entertainment, and communications applications, along with its structured wiring Network Connection Center.

Coming of Age Award:

As the name might imply, this award went to a company whose product is not all that new but has made big gains in recent years. Based in New Holland, Pa., Superior Walls' precast concrete wall system has been around for a while but has really caught on since 1998. The system resists moisture, is well-insulated, and allows builders to complete foundations in minimal time and in almost any weather condition.