Buzz: Product News Roundup, High Fiber Edition

Inspiring fiber-cement siding, 13 luxury products, a promising solar spike, and other product news from the past week.

•  Need some exterior inspiration? Check out these stylish fiber-cement installations.

•  For a luxurious touch inside, here are 13 high-end, cutting-edge products from the upcoming Architectural Digest Home Design Show.

•  Sorry, energy-minded remodelers and homeowners: The U.S. Senate opted not to renew tax credits for efficient product purchases such as appliances.

•  On a brighter note, the U.S. Solar industry saw a spike last year, with PV installations more than doubling versus 2010.

•  Taliesin West is adding to this year’s solar count. PV installation at Frank Lloyd Wright’s historic school and studio began last week as officials aim to reduce the iconic site’s $200,000 annual energy expenses.

•  The humble commode is finding new life in Bellingham, Wash. The city is using “poticrete”—aggregate made with crushed-up toilets—for its sidewalks.

•  Vivid colors mixed with quieter tones is one of the door and window finish trends Jeld-Wen is predicting for 2012.

•  Speaking of windows: Are you incorporating them in innovative ways? If so, entries are open for the myMarvin Architect’s Challenge.

Image: modern exterior design by seattle architect DeForest Architects