First in safety; first in environmental design, first in efficiency; and first in the latest technology-that was the NextGen Demonstration home at the 2007 International Builders' Show, February 7 to 10, Orlando, FL. This year's home highlighted window treatment products from Sunland Shutters, Long Beach, CA, and Somfy Systems, Inc., Cranbury, NJ.

Presented as First to the Future, the NextGen home-a complete, 2,700-square-foot, two-story home constructed in the parking lot of the Orange County Convention Center-gave builders an up-close look at the future of home construction. Built by Anderson Construction, Seattle WA, in partnership with the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), PATH (Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the home followed the IBHS FortifiedŠfor safer living ® standard. With more than 103,000 building professionals in attendance at this year's show, the more than 21,000 who walked through the NextGen home saw up close the know-how and ability to build homes that will stand up better to whatever hazards they face, and that it can be done affordably and without compromising the beauty of the structure.

BEAUTIFULLY FITTING THE DESIGN THEME
With its themes of safety, green design and technology, the home's window treatment sponsors showcased their latest innovative products that fit the design in every way while meeting the needs and desires of today's homeowners. The impression made by these products is important with more than half of those viewing the home being builders or contractors.

Sunland Shutters' PolyCORE shutters were used throughout the home, and are ideal choices for any room including high-moisture areas such as bathrooms. They will not split, chip, warp, crack or discolor. They insulate three times better than wood, are easy to clean and maintain, and are moisture- and fire-resistant.

PolyCORE doesn't harm the environment because it is 100 percent recyclable; and because it is a poly, not a wood, it helps save trees. Sunland Shutters are quality custom-built and fully framed. They offer superb light, noise and temperature control, and boost the value of any home.

Likewise, Somfy Systems's Sonesse motors, used on horizontal blinds in the NextGen home's family room offer quiet precision and high-tech options and modern conveniences that homeowners want.

Somfy's new motor range features superior noise reduction technology. From a distance of three feet, it is barely heard, creating a peaceful environment for consumers to enjoy. Sonesse 30 is easily concealed within headrails and smaller pocket sizes so the technology completely disappears. Offered with a rage of Telis Radio Technology Somfy® RTS remotes, the blinds in the NextGen home were integrated into a whole home automated system. Either way, the controls provide either an individual automated window covering systems or groups of automated window coverings to be created.