Kohler to Host Nov. 4-5 Design Forum
KOHLER, WI — Kohler Co., the Kohler, WI-based manufacturer of plumbing products, tile, cabinetry, lighting and related products, will host “Kohler Living,” a forum aimed at exploring ways that “thoughtful design and innovative technology can add beauty, convenience and comfort to the home,” the company announced.
The online forum, scheduled for Nov. 4-5, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. CST, will bring together “the leading minds in design, entertainment, art, culture and business to discuss the future of the places we live, stay and work in (and) present a path toward a more beautiful and sustainable future,” Kohler said. The free event is being offered to consumers and trade professionals alike, the company added.
The first day of the two-day virtual event will be focused on topics that highlight wellbeing, design and innovation, Kohler said. The second day will emphasize smart home, sustainability and social impact, event organizers added. In addition to attending the various discussions and events, forum attendees will have the opportunity to connect with Kohler experts and other attendees in real time via a dedicated chat function in each session page.
For all individuals who register, Kohler is offering a chance to win an Ultimate Destination Kohler Getaway — including a stay at Kohler’s five-star The American Club resort hotel, plus spa and golf packages for two, according to the company.
A complete program of events can be found by visiting Kohler.com/Living.
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Residential Construction Continues Shift Toward Suburbs
WASHINGTON, DC — Residential construction continued its year-long shift toward the suburbs and lower-cost markets, a trend that’s especially pronounced within the multifamily sector, according to the latest Home Building Geography Index (HBGI) released by the National Association of Home Builders.
According to the HBGI, released last month, multifamily residential construction posted a 14.3% gain in small metro core and suburban areas during the second quarter of 2021, while large metro areas experienced a 0.5% decline for multifamily building activity.
“The trend of construction shifting from high-density metro areas to more affordable regions, which accelerated at the beginning of the pandemic early last year, appears to be continuing,” said NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke. “Lower land and labor costs, and lower regulatory burdens in suburban and exurban markets make it more appealing to build in these communities. And workers are increasingly flocking to these areas, due to expanded teleworking practices and lower housing costs.”
“There was a marked increase in new apartment construction outside large metro areas, as people have greater flexibility to live and work in more affordable markets,” observed Robert Dietz, chief economist for the Washington, DC-based NAHB. “Similarly for the single-family sector, the HBGI data revealed that construction growth occurred more proportionally in these more affordable areas as well, while declining in terms of market share in the most expensive counties.”
Dietz added, however, that overall single-family starts have slowed in recent months, “largely because of rising prices and limited availability of a broad range of key building materials.”
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Technology Use Up Sharply At Kitchen/Bath Firms, Survey Finds
CHICAGO, IL — The use of cutting-edge technology for project design, client relations, management and marketing has become far more prevalent throughout the kitchen/bath design community since the onset of COVID-19 and its impact on showroom protocols, client access and other business operations.
Tied to this overarching trend, kitchen and bath design professionals are apparently utilizing – and spending more on – an ever-broadening array of technological tools, as companies attempt to upgrade websites, conduct online meetings, enhance digital presentations, offer virtual showroom tours, provide internet purchasing options and implement virtual and/or augmented reality. At the same time, dealers and designers report they’re facing a handful of challenges in implementing the seemingly unending flood of high-tech tools becoming available.
Those are among the key findings of a nationwide survey conducted on behalf of Kitchen & Bath Design News by its exclusive research partner, the Research Institute for Cooking and Kitchen Intelligence (RICKI). The online survey involved a representative sampling of kitchen/bath dealers and designers, including those at firms that maintain a showroom as well as those who operate independently.
According to the survey’s findings, eight in ten dealers and designers polled currently use both a smart phone and a company website as the primary technology tools for their businesses. Design software, laptops, social media and Cloud-based storage are utilized by more than half the survey respondents. Other commonly used technology tools include business/design apps, online advertising, business management/ordering software and contact/email management software.
The KBDN survey also revealed that recipients’ top three technology-related activities revolve around conducting online meetings with clients and/or subcontractors, enhancing online communication to present designs or proposals, and using virtual and/or augmented reality to demonstrate design possibilities to clients. Moreover, a vast majority (between 59%-73%) of those surveyed say they are doing more of those things compared to pre-COVID – particularly when it comes to handling project drawings or designs – while a significant number say they anticipate adding those, along with other, technological capabilities in the future.
On average, surveyed designers and dealers report that they currently spend about 8% of their annual expense budget on various forms of technology, with 38% reporting that they are now spending more than they were prior to the global pandemic, and 56% saying they’re spending about the same. In contrast, only about 6% say they’re spending either “somewhat” or “much” less than prior to COVID-19.
When it comes to utilizing technology tools to market their business, surveyed designers and dealers said they primarily utilize their company’s website (82%), along with social media posts (53%). More than half of the surveyed design pros say they are now using LinkedIn ads, text/mobile ads and blogs/forums more than they were a year ago, though all of those tools are used relatively infrequently.
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NKBA Extends Free KBIS Registration for Members
HACKETTSTOWN, NJ — The National Kitchen & Bath Association has announced the extension of free show-floor registration for association members planning to attend the 2022 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show.
The extension, through Oct. 15, will provide NKBA members with complimentary access to the exhibit hall for the annual trade show and educational conference, scheduled for Feb. 8-10, 2022, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL, the Hackettstown, NJ-based NKBA said.
KBIS, which is owned by the NKBA and produced by Emerald Expositions, is the largest North American trade expo and networking opportunity for kitchen and bath industry professionals. The show is conducted in conjunction with the International Builders’ Show (IBS) as part of “Design & Construction Week.” The two shows are expected to feature more than 800,000 net sq. ft. of exhibit space and showcase more than 1,000 design and construction brands.
Registration information can be obtained by visiting the NKBA’s website at www.nkba.org.
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MyPlanet Living Center Opens Chicago Showroom
CHICAGO — Mayan Metzler, founder and CEO of German Kitchen Center, a multi-brand chain of showrooms for European-style kitchen designs in the U.S., has unveiled the newest branch of the “MyPlanet Living Center” chain of showrooms, the company announced.
The new site features 14,000 sq. ft. at the 900 North Michigan Shops in Chicago’s “Magnificent Mile,” an upscale shopping district known for its high-end retail outlets.
MyPlanet Living Centers are designed as showrooms aimed at exposing homeowners and trade professionals to high-end products for the kitchen and bath, among other areas of the home. MyPlanet, a nonprofit organization focused on housing and medical support for vulnerable populations, donates proceeds from the centers to community groups that assist the needy, according to the company. Partners include German Kitchen Center and MyPlanet Construction system, an energy-efficient home building system.
Each MPLC partner within the MPLC Chicago site will operate their own space, similar to that of a permanent trade show booth, with MPLC staff available for customer service, the company said.
“MPLC showrooms are fulfilling various needs currently lacking in the home renovation market for both customers and suppliers,” said Metzler. “Most importantly, however, this is an opportunity to also improve our communities.
“As the for-profit arm of MyPlanet, we can help rebuild communities affected by the recent pandemic, as well as communities that have seen a decline in residents due to lack of employment opportunities,” Metzler added, noting that the company will soon be announcing several locations in midsized cities, as well.
“I hope that this venture will serve as a blueprint for other companies to pitch in and help revitalize our cities,” Metzler said. “We’re only as strong as our communities are.”
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Sharp Growth Forecast for Green Building Materials Market
DUBLIN — The global green building materials market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of more than 12% over the next four years, due largely to “a growing awareness about environmental sustainability” that is driving demand, a leading market research firm said this month.
According to Dublin, Ireland-based Research and Markets, the global green building materials market is expected to increase from $238.9 billion in 2021 to $383.9 billion in 2025.
The green building materials market consists of sales of eco-friendly, durable structural, exterior and interior products that use less water, are easier to maintain than traditional building materials, and improve the sustainability and efficiency of a building because of a lower carbon footprint. The products are used in framing, insulation, roofing, exterior siding and interior finishing for both residential and non-residential structures.
“The introduction to environment-friendly products is gaining significant popularity in the green building materials market,” Research and Markets officials said. “Major participants in the green building materials industry are concentrating on launching new product lines that minimize the global warming potential (GWP) without compromising product quality.”
North America was the largest region in the green building materials market in 2021. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest region in the forecast period, researchers said.
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Kwikset, Baldwin Parent Company Acquired by Swedish Firm
STOCKHOLM — ASSA ABLOY, the Stockholm-based manufacturer of access solutions, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Hardware and Home Improvement (HHI) division of Spectrum Brands, a major supplier of security, plumbing and hardware products to the North American residential construction market, the companies announced.
HHI, headquartered in Lake Forest, CA, manufactures a product line that includes locksets, faucets and builders’ hardware, supplied through home improvement centers, wholesale distributors, home builders, online retail channels and home-automation providers. Brands include Kwikset, Baldwin Hardware, Weiser, Pfister and National Hardware.
“HHI is an excellent addition to the ASSA ABLOY Group and constitutes an important strategic step in developing our residential business in North America,” said Nico Delvaux, president and CEO of ASSA ABLOY. “This acquisition advances our strategy to strengthen our position by adding complementary products to the core business and it will further accelerate the transformation from mechanical to digital solutions.”
The transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2021, corporate officials said, adding that HHI will become part of the ASSA ABLOY’s Opening Solutions Americas Division.
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Sustainability Seen Shaping Housing, Remodeling Markets
INDIANAPOLIS, IN — A trio of emerging trends in neighborhood design and sustainable living practices should continue to shape the market for new housing and residential remodeling as the “mindset of consumers continues to shift in a dynamic social climate,” according to a new report from the Home Improvement Research Institute.
According to HIRI’s recently issued Future of Housing Trend Report, new and remodeled homes will likely be shaped by a growing homeowner passion regarding issues such as climate change, sustainability and minimalism, resulting “in an increased emergence of eco-friendly materials and 3D-printed technology to designs focused on cultural inspiration and reversible architecture.”
Among the key trends identified by HIRI researchers are the following:
n “Hyper-local neighborhoods”: Architects, developers and local governments are proposing neighborhoods centered on community building and local businesses. These spaces are intended to be car-free, with all necessities reachable via a short walk or bicycle ride.
n Flight from the cities: “As urban centers expand in size and population, consumers are recognizing that their quality of life is suffering — whether that be due to alienation, affordability issues, lengthy commutes or pollution,” HIRI said. As a result, many are moving away from city centers and turning to community-based neighborhoods that provide a sense of belonging while also satisfying the need for convenience and cleaner air.
n Sustainable Housing: With sustainability as a top priority, architects and designers are embracing different eco-friendly concepts, among them “reversible design” (the architecture of structures that can be easily deconstructed, that can be reused or with parts that can be removed and added easily) and 3D-printed housing (homes that offer sustainable and protective construction that avoids structural issues in the case of extreme weather).
“Contemporary consumers are wary of the impending consequences of climate change, and a large number are becoming increasingly aware that simply shifting their lifestyle and practicing ecological mindfulness are likely not enough,” HIRI said. “As a result, many are demanding that brands and creators take the environment into consideration.
n Simplified Living: Building off of the desire for more sustainable living, the emergence of simple, more minimalist design emphasizes homeowners’ functions and needs.
“Contemporary consumers in fast-paced urban centers are looking to balance the demands of their daily lifestyle with a comfortable home environment,” HIRI said. “Many are prioritizing minimalist designs and additional spaces that can optimize and elevate their living situation without compromising aesthetic appeal.”
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Cabinet Sales Post Gains Through August, KCMA Reports
RESTON, VA — Major domestic kitchen cabinet and vanity manufacturers continued to post sales gains through the first eight months of 2021, according to the latest in a series of monthly surveys by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association.
The KCMA’s latest “Trend of Business Survey” reflected a year-to-date sales increase of 16.9% through August, compared to the same eight-month period in 2020. Custom cabinet sales through the first eight months were reported up 20.4% over the same period last year, while semi-custom sales rose 14.9% and sales of stock cabinets gained 17.6%, the Reston, VA-based KCMA said. August sales were up 8.0% compared to the same month the prior year, the association added.
Survey participants include stock, semi-custom and custom companies whose combined sales represent approximately 75% of the U.S. kitchen cabinet and bath vanity market, according to the KCMA.
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EPA Ruling Caps Production of HFCs in Refrigeration
WASHINGTON, DC — In what officials are calling a major step in combating global climate change, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a final rule establishing a program to cap and phase down domestic production and consumption of climate-damaging hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), highly potent greenhouse gases commonly used in refrigerators and air conditioners.
The landmark program, announced today, will phase down the U.S. production and consumption of HFCs by 85% over the next 15 years, as mandated by the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, enacted in December 2020 as part of an effort designed to slow global warming, EPA officials said. HFCs are potent greenhouse gases commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, as well as foams and other applications.
The bipartisan AIM Act, backed by a coalition of industry and environmental groups, not only phases down HFCs, but also ushers in the use of more climate friendly and energy-efficient alternatives aimed at saving consumers money while protecting the environment, according to the EPA.
“Today, EPA is taking a significant step forward to tackle the climate crisis,” said EPA Administrator Michael Regan. “Cutting these climate ‘super pollutants’ protects our environment, strengthens our economy, and demonstrates that America is back when it comes to leading the world in addressing climate change and curbing global warming in the years ahead.”
“American companies are at the forefront of developing HFC alternatives and the technologies that use them, and the AIM Act provides these companies additional opportunities to continue to innovate,” Regan added.
EPA estimates that the cumulative net benefit of its action will amount to more than $272 billion from 2022 through 2050, and that the rule will yield cumulative compliance savings for industry. In 2036 alone, the year the final reduction step is made, the rule is expected to prevent emissions of the equivalent of 171 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) – roughly equal to the annual greenhouse gas emissions from one out of every seven passenger vehicles registered in the U.S., the EPA said. The total emission reductions of the rule from 2022 to 2050 are projected to amount to the equivalent of 4.6 billion metric tons of CO2 – nearly equal to three years of U.S. power sector emissions at 2019 levels.
EPA officials said the agency will work with the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security to prevent the illegal import and trade of HFCs through an interagency task force led by personnel from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations and EPA.
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