The results are in! We deliberated over hundreds of entries, covering everything from residential furnishings to smart home systems and facade products. Our superb team of judges evaluated entries for innovation, aesthetics, performance, and value. In addition to selecting a winner and two honorable mentions for each category (there were too many amazing products to just select one), we included some standout products in our “Visionaries” section, highlighting the year’s very best designs.
The Jury:
Becca Blasdel: products editor, The Architect’s Newspaper
Rafael de Cárdenas: founder and designer, Architecture at Large
William Menking: editor-in-chief, The Architect’s Newspaper
Jean Sundin: founder and principal, Office for Visual Interaction
Marc Tsurumaki: principal and founding partner, LTL Architects
Bob Williams: co-founder and president of design, Mitchell gold + Bob Williams
Finishes + Surfaces
Winner:
Krion Solid Surface Material
Porcelanosa
Krion can be used for a number of applications, including facades, washbasins, countertops, shower columns, and cubicles. It is a nonporous, uniform material, made of one-third organic material (high-quality acrylic resin) and two-thirds natural minerals (alumina). Krion can be joined and thermoformed together to meld curved pieces into one seamlessly smooth surface.
(Courtesy Sherwin Williams)
Honorable Mention:
Paint Shield
Sherwin Williams
The first of its kind, Paint Shield not only inhibits common microbial growth but kills bacteria within two hours of exposure and continues to kill 90 percent of bacteria for up to four years. It eliminates 99 percent of Staph, MRSA, E. coli, VRE, and Enterobacter aerogenes on painted surfaces even after repeated contamination. It is also available in 550 colors.
(Courtesy Walker Zanger)
Honorable Mention:
Studio Moderne: Century Suite
Walker Zanger
Inspired by ’70s glamor, the Century Suite line incorporates design elements rooted in the mid-20th century (hence the name), with glaze colors inspired by iconic California architecture. The simplicity allows for design flexibility as well as longevity.
Facades + Structural
(Courtesy Huber Engineered Woods)
Winner:
Zip System Stretch Tape
Huber Engineered Woods
Now available in a 10-inch width, this wide tape helps projects with deeper window assemblies. The tape provides speed and ease of application with a single-piece installation solution that stretches in all directions for an air- and water-tight seal.
(Courtesy Kreysler & Associates)
Honorable Mention:
Fireshield 285
Kreysler & Associates
Believed to be the first product to pass the stringent NFPA 285 test, this ultra-lightweight fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) cladding system allows architects to create large and high-rise facades of almost any shape, contour, and texture. Plus, the incredibly versatile FRP offers the added bonus of fire safety.
(Courtesy Shildan)
Honorable Mention:
Fabrik
Shildan
Fabrik functions like a textile for exterior architecture. It consists of a steel framework that allows materials (including terra-cotta, glass, wood, etc.) to be woven into a flexible architectural mesh. In addition to facades, Fabrik can be used for pavement, roofing, and shade screens.
While the complete roster of winners can be found in our just-published print edition, AN will be publishing the results daily over the coming weeks. View all of the published categories here.
