Highlights from Greenbuild 2012

Prefab builder Method Homes partnered with Bogue Trondowski Architects for their Paradigm model, a 722-square-foot home that features all the bells and whistles of a deep-green design: composting toilet, graywater system, high-efficiency floor-to-ceiling windows by Western Window Systems, solar panels, LED lighting, bamboo flooring, and more. We especially loved the integration of space-saving Murphy bed from Resource Furniture. The house has some mighty fine detailing on the exterior, namely a perforated Cor-Ten sun screen and wooden protrusions that make the facade more visually appealing than most modular construction. The full-scale prototype is on view at Greenbuild outside of Moscone North.

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Audi's A3 e-tron electric vehicle is in the pilot program stage and we took a quick zip around SoMA to test how it drives. It has an 87 mile range, which is great for quick local trips, and features the same stylings as its gas-powered cousins.

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Cosentino launched four new colors (shown here in Red Pine) to its Eco line, a surface that's 75 percent recycled material by weight. We tested the material in our green countertop Dwell Reports story and are thrilled that the line is expanding. Also of note is Cosentino's new Suede finish, a matte alternative to the typically glossy appearance.

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Kul's vertical gardening system made from recycled plastic was really eye catching. We loved the colorful array of planters, which really brightened the show floor.

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Lutron exhibited its dimmer that's compatible with LED, fluorescent, and halogen lighting. When connected to traditional dimmers, these bulbs have a tendency to shut down entirely when dimming or for the light to flicker. Not so with Lutron's Maestro dimmer.

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IndoTeak's line of FSC-certified flooring saw a few new additions to its offerings. The Herringbone pattern really dialed into the great trend we've seen in other home products.

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Suberra exhibited its cork surfaces, which were quite attractive. They require no sealant, just a bit of natural oil.

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GreenGrid's modular green roof system stood out among the other companies offering similar products.

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Indow Windows has a decidedly low-tech alternative for creating a more energy efficient home: custom window inserts that are just as efficient as double-pane winnows but at one-fifth the cost, says founder Sam Pardue (a bit of trivia: he's also one of the Lensbaby cofounders). Essentially an acrylic panel wrapped in a compression tube, the window fits pops into the interior of an existing window, forming an air-tight seal.

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