News

May 16, 2023

Announcing AN’s 2022 Best of Products Awards winners

It is with great excitement that we announce the winners of The Architect’s

It is with great excitement that we announce the winners of The Architect's Newspaper's 8th Annual Best of Products Awards. With our strongest pool of applicants to date, finalizing these winners, honorable mentions, and editors’ picks was no easy task. Our esteemed jury arrived at the following lineup through careful conversations informed by their vast and varied experience in architecture and design practice, education, and publishing. From structural systems to design software to acoustic solutions to decorative lighting, AN's recognition represents the best in show across the broad spectrum of products that, when used well, work in harmony to construct our built environment. A connecting theme that unites these products is sustainability—in particular, manufacturers have re-engineered their product lifecycles to ensure that their production lines consider waste, scarcity, and emissions. As a result of this initiative, we’ve seen the advent of new, innovative materials as well as several reissues of classic designs that have been improved to meet today's green standards. In the outdoor products space in particular, which saw a sharp increase in demand during the pandemic, we noticed a push to deliver unique designs that performed at high levels of sustainability and durability.

We were also excited by the resurgence of workplace-related products. Although a big question mark has loomed over the future of the office since the onset of the pandemic, the quantity and ingenuity of commercial and contract furnishings, surfaces, lighting, and technologies seen during this jurying process made it clear that architectural products manufacturers are making renewed efforts to revive the workplace.

Overall, it seems that the grip of the pandemic over the design industry has eased considerably. Compared to 2021, the tone of this year's submissions was confident and forward-thinking, far less focused on urgent responses and more so on moving forward to a new, improved, and more flexible normal. This desire for flexibility has also driven a wide expansion of product options and increased customization capabilities. Flip through the following pages and you’ll find a treasure trove of new color palettes, textures, stains, and sizes.

Whether you’re on the products hunt for your next project or perusing the state of the industry, pay attention to the forces driving these designs and the momentum they’ve created.

Congratulations to all the manufacturers lauded in this issue. We look forward to seeing what's next.

—Sophie Aliece Hollis, Market Editor

You can find the full list of winners, honorable mentions and editors’ picks in the Best of Products Awards 2022 digital issue.

The Best of Products Awards Jury:

David Rockwell, FAIA

Founder

Rockwell Group

Alison Von Glinow

Co-Founder

Kwong Von Glinow

Melissa Brillhart

Principal

Brillhart Architecture

Igor Siddiqui

Architect/Associate Professor

University of Texas at Austin

Tal Schori

Co-Founder

GRT Architects

Lauren Rottet

Principal

Rottet Studio

Aaron Seward

Editor in Chief

The Architect's Newspaper

Sophie Aliece Hollis

Market Editor

The Architect's Newspaper

Categories:

ACOUSTICS – CUSTOM

Air Baffle

Kirei

The Air Baffle by Kirei is an innovative acoustic ceiling baffle inspired by the clean, modern lines of the Nike Air Max. Made from recycled shoes and water bottles, the Air Baffle combines the acoustic performance of its exterior PET felt and its interior recycled textile fluff to absorb and break down sound waves for a highly effective acoustic solution. The Air Baffle's exterior is made from over 60 percent recycled PET. The window in the baffle is inspired by the Air Max's signature window and is made of recycled acrylic. Each Air Baffle recycles over 100 shoes and 100 plastic water bottles. The Air Baffle is made in partnership with Nike Grind, a global sustainability program that recycles end-of-life shoes into new products.

"This product rises to the top because it tells the story of a lifecycle in relation to another industry. It's holistic—I like that that it has a story that goes beyond architecture." —Igor Siddiqui

APPLIANCES + PLUMBING – BATHROOM

Sailing

Fantini

Sailing's subtly horn-shaped faucet handles and sleek spout are a poetic reinterpretation of the most classic form of boat cleats, necessary fixtures for securing watercrafts by rope. The designers drew inspiration from Fantini's native Lake Orta in Northern Italy. In the care of the design team, the transformative power of a day on the crystal-clear water became the story of Sailing, and a functional naval shape was transformed into a sleek bathroom accent. As the collection is observed, the understated design reveals its enticing edges and thoughtful carve-outs, design undercurrents which emphasize water as both the brand's birthplace and spirit of their craft.

"I’m always a fan when somebody finds a timeless source of inspiration and makes it contemporary in a way that's not silly. This felt like a sophisticated interpretation of that source material. Also, sailing is a water activity, which is a nice reference point for a fixture collection." —Tal Schori

APPLIANCES + PLUMBING – HVAC

Inverter Heat Pump Water Heater

LG Electronics USA, Inc.

The LG Inverter Heat Pump Water Heater packages innovative inverter and heat pump motor technology into a sleek, energy-efficient, ENERGY STAR certified water heating solution. This heat pump water heater minimizes the need for supplemental electric resistance heat, saving on electrical consumption across a wider operating range and bringing state-of-the-art innovation and out-of-the-box thinking to something as familiar as water heating. Integrated with LG inverter heat pump technology, the LG water heater achieves an ENERGY STAR certified efficiency of 3.75 UEF (Uniform Energy Factor), a significant improvement over conventional gas and electric resistance water heaters that operate at 0.65–0.95 UEF. Supporting a first-hour delivery rate of 66 gallons and a first-hour delivery of 80 gallons when in "Turbo Mode," this water heater demonstrates powerful performance compared to market alternatives with first-hour delivery rates below 70 gallons.

"For residential projects, these are very visible products. It's nice to see the design so carefully considered." —Alison Von Glinow

APPLIANCES + PLUMBING – KITCHEN APPLIANCES

36" XT Induction Built-in Cooktop with Integrated Hood

Bertazzoni

The new 36" XT Induction Built-in Cooktop with Integrated Hood is designed with precision touch controls and digital-timed cooking functions to efficiently manage the cooking process and offers seamless style with its integrated down-draft hood, perfect for island applications. As new regulations limit the use of gas appliances in states like California and New York and consumers across the U.S. become more informed about eco-friendly alternatives, there is a tremendous demand for induction appliances. The new 36" XT Induction Built-in Cooktop has been able to answer this demand in real time by developing high-quality, beautifully designed induction ranges that align with the rich history of the brand while offering more eco-conscious solutions. With precision heating capabilities that reduce energy, the 36" XT Induction Built-in Cooktop is a revolutionary solution providing homes with a safer and greener alternative, without sacrificing on performance or style.

"Such a unique form factor for this sort of appliance, I was drawn to it. It feels like it is trying to solve the problem of kitchen ventilation in a way it hasn't been solved aesthetically before." —Tal Schori

APPLIANCES + PLUMBING – KITCHEN FIXTURES

Dometic DrawBar

Dometic

The Dometic DrawBar offers the functionality of a full-size wine cooler in a compact design that fits 5 bottles. For an effortless installation, DrawBar is easily installed above, below or adjacent to 24" wide standard cabinetry. Where dimensional constraints won't allow for a full-size wine cooler, DrawBar brings an expert solution that offers precision cooling technology and the option of a glass or custom paneling for integrated design freedom. This smart cooling drawer is also equipped with a humidity tray that works to reduce excess humidity. Dometic's DrawBar offers ingenuity in design and cooling technology, closing the gap in the market for compact wine storage solutions. Easily installed in kitchen and auxiliary entertaining spaces, DrawBar creates possibilities for a variety of spaces and lifestyles.

"This product is so adaptable; it doesn't require a whole freestanding unit to find a dedicated space for it. So, I think that versatility is nice, especially in a small space or apartment setting." —Shunyi Wu (on behalf of David Rockwell)

BUILDING MATERIALS – COMPOSITES

ACRE

Modern Mill

ACRE by Modern Mill, is a revolutionary building material offering the look and feel of wood. It is specified to replace ipe, cedar, or teak in a myriad of applications. ACRE is a sustainable, low-maintenance alternative to wood made from up-cycled rice hulls in a zero-waste manufacturing facility. It is also 100 percent recyclable. ACRE is a pleasure to work with on the jobsite. It's lightweight and easy to carry yet strong, rigid, and straight. ACRE works with ordinary woodworking tools—requiring no special equipment or training—and waste is minimal. It can be cut, curved, shaped, and molded to fit countless applications, both exterior and interior. ACRE takes paint and stain just like real wood. It's easy to care for and guaranteed to last. Once your project is complete, you can be confident ACRE will stand up to water, weather, and pests for years to come, backed by an industry-leading materials guarantee.

"I think it's remarkable that this product can be handled just like wood on a jobsite—same tools, same construction methods, no additional work or installation methods to learn." —Sophie Aliece Hollis

BUILDING MATERIALS – GLASS

Saflex FlySafe 3D PVB Interlayer

Eastman Chemical Company

Worldwide, countless birds are killed annual by colliding with glass windows and building facades. Many cities and countries require bird-friendly glazing in new buildings. Eastman, in partnership with SEEN AG, introduces Saflex FlySafe 3D polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer for laminated glass, a highly effective solution to avoid bird collisions without compromising on the view or beauty of glass facades.

"Saflex stood out because the bird-deterring element is integrated into the glass assembly, rather than simply etched on the outside." —Sophie Aliece Hollis

BUILDING MATERIALS – TIMBER

Accoya Color

Accsys

Accoya Color, the next generation of high-performance wood, combines the beauty of natural, real wood with advanced performance. Accoya Color is a natural product from FSC-certified softwood and is modified through acetylation, transformed into a building material with characteristics that match or exceed other man-made, intensely resource-depleting, and heavy carbon-polluting alternatives.

"The expanded color palette available with this product gives users the option to get that aged wood aesthetic right off the shelf." —Sophie Aliece Hollis

BUILDING MATERIALS – WEATHER, AIR BARRIERS & INSULATION

BLD723 Louver

Ruskin

The new BLD723 from Ruskin is an architectural louver that protects against wind-driven rain in a stylish design. The AMCA-certified BLD723 provides exceptional protection against water, air and wind penetration for projects that require extra aesthetic appeal. The BLD723 is a bold line, drainable louver designed with a 7-inch wind-driven rain accent blade and a 5-inch-deep wind-driven rain resistant blade for superior protection and architectural appeal. AMCA-certified for air-, water-, and wind-driven rain performance, the BLD723 is ideal for architects who want to make a statement without sacrificing function.

"This is an example of a product that is honest in its expression of form and purpose, but demonstrates the additional design consideration that so many louvers lack." —Sophie Aliece Hollis

FACADES – CLADDING

Oasis Metal Mesh

GKD-USA

This anodized aluminum metal fabric is meticulously engineered to ensure a consistent appearance of texture and tone throughout the entire panel, even under different lighting conditions. Most metal fabric weaves are made entirely out of stainless-steel wire. Oasis is set apart with a combination of stainless-steel multifilament cables and large-diameter anodized aluminum tubes designed to reflect specific colors. Architects and designers can achieve enhanced aesthetics without sacrificing the durability and performance qualities proven with GKD metal fabric. This concept, originally a custom solution, is now offered as a standard product in the North American market through GKD-USA.

"I appreciate that the product leverages different lighting conditions by using aluminum tubes instead of solely wire." —Lauren Rottet

FACADES – STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS

HITCH Cladding Attachment System

Longboard Architectural Products

The HITCH Cladding Attachment System is a patented modular device for rain screen and exterior wall assemblies offering a thermally broken and intermittent structural solution. HITCH is unparalleled when it comes to structural capacity, flexibility, and thermal performance. Building codes and high-performance energy standards like Passive House and Net-Zero are evolving to meet multiple objectives, including reducing energy consumption and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The most efficient methods of insulating a building's exterior walls are those that incorporate the principals of continuous exterior insulation with no or minimal thermal bridging to limit thermal loss. HITCH can achieve effective R-values exceeding R60 for various types of wall assemblies while supporting heavy cladding loads in high wind load and seismic conditions. The HITCH system can accommodate continuous exterior insulation thicknesses between 1" and 16" and is therefore suitable for use in all Passive House and ASHRAE climate zones across North America.

"Implementing exterior insulation seems to always be an uphill battle and finding smart easy ways to attach the cladding through three inches of exterior insulation like this is rare. I also appreciate the Passive House certification." —Tal Schori

FINISHES + SURFACES – HYGIENIC SURFACES

Copper Armor

PPG

Meet the first-ever, virus-killing paint, Copper Armor. Copper Armor eliminates 99.9 percent of viruses and bacteria, such as Staph, MRSA, E Coli, and SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces within two hours of exposure and for five years. It leverages copper, a naturally occurring element, to help keep interior surfaces (walls, doors, and trims) clean from pathogens. The novel coating solution contributes to customer demands for healthier and safer buildings, especially for high-traffic and high-touch areas. The product integrates the proven antimicrobial properties of copper for surface protection against disease-causing microbes and is a toxin-free additive to paint. The product uses a reputable organization's GUARDIANT copper technology. The mold- and mildew-resistant coating has low odor, zero VOCs, excellent hide, durability, and premium application properties in 600+ colors. The product received national EPA registration in 2021 and secured registration for most U.S. states.

"The way that this paint is able to harness the virus-killing properties of copper using such small quantities of the natural material is really impressive. It's a perfect product for this post-COVID era." —Sophie Aliece Hollis

FINISHES + SURFACES – INTERIOR FLOORING

BottleFloor

Shaw Contract

Bottle Floor is an innovative hybrid flooring product with a felted appearance that blends the best attributes of hard and soft surfaces. This unique platform solves many challenges found in the built environment—slip resistance, acoustic absorption, and comfort underfoot—while also having the durability to withstand heavy traffic and rolling loads like a traditional hard surface product. Every square yard of Bottle Floor contains an average of 61 recycled plastic bottles. This innovative construction is part of Shaw Contract's commitment to circularity—practicing a regenerative, closed-loop approach to sustainability. The felted visual creates a clean, elegant, and understated aesthetic that performs.

"Bottle Floor's lifecycle story was hard to beat. Also, the performance characteristics of a hard surface with a softer look and feel was interesting." —Aaron Seward

FINISHES + SURFACES – INTERIOR WALLS, COUNTERTOPS & SURFACES

Lagom Curvy

Stone Source

Fluidity and balance are at the core of this ceramic tile collection. This extruded ceramic body tile named Curvy has a round appearance emulating the look and feel of the prestigious Venetian palaces of the 1970s, as well as the residential homes of the time. Simplistic in style, this matte tile is available in an inviting and elegant range of six neutrals from white to charcoal. Curvy creates a retro contemporary aesthetic, appealing for today's modern interiors.

"This product is well designed without having too much of a signature. It's almost like a really beautifully interpreted, 3D Alvar Aalto tile." —Igor Siddiqui

FINISHES + SURFACES – OUTDOOR

ALUCOBOND PLUS

3A Composites

Enhancing a 97-year symbol of football tradition in Central Texas required a visually innovative design using durable materials capable of producing a one-of-a-kind branded look that seamlessly the University of Texas school colors. For this south end zone project, designers selected ALUCOBOND PLUS metal panels customized in a Pantone-specific color to create the signature UT burnt orange branded Longhorn icon that helps to motivate the crowd and is unmistakable from any distance. The adaptability of the ALUCOBOND PLUS cladding enabled its use for interior and exterior applications. Custom UT Burnt Orange clads the complex Longhorn silhouette seating bowl design — measuring 215 feet wide by 72 feet deep; ALUCOBOND PLUS in the Rusted Metal finish with Pure White accents clad the angled twin towers and Pure White panels clad the walls of the players’ football tunnel. The customization of the ALUCOBOND panels enabled true craftmanship that produced stunning results.

"Combining durability and performance with ultra-customizability is important for these high-traffic branded environments." —Sophie Aliece Hollis

FURNISHINGS – COMMERCIAL

Vaask

Vaask

The pandemic exposed the design failure of traditional hand sanitizer—constant messes and drips, foul-smelling gels that dry out hands, a reliance on single-use plastics, and always-empty automatic dispensers. With so many issues, it's no surprise that many people avoid hand sanitizer, even though our hands transmit 80 percent of illnesses. Introducing Vaask, the hand sanitizing fixture that is the superior solution for hand hygiene. Vaask makes hand hygiene desirable thanks to its minimalist design and elegant, cast aluminum construction that looks at home in the most sophisticated spaces. Vaask also helps sustainably minded companies achieve their goals. The U.S.-manufactured fixture is built to last, replacing the endless array of single-use plastic hand sanitizer bottles. Vaask's sanitizer cartridges are also extra-large— more than twice the typical dispenser—because it is less resource intensive to manufacture one large plastic container than numerous small ones.

"I think this is an elegantly designed solution to the new(ish) need for quick sanitation. It's far more architectural than a mess of squeeze bottles." —Aaron Seward

FURNISHINGS – OUTDOOR

Take-Out

Landscape Forms

Connected seat dining tables are beloved for their hallmark simplicity, but often lack the versatility to create dynamic, adaptable outdoor settings. This is where Take-Out comes in. Designed by Rodrigo Torres, Take-Out expands the scope of the connected seat concept, bringing modern refinement, simplified lines and—most importantly—adaptability to the category. Light enough to be picked up, arranged, and rearranged, Take-Out simplifies the creation of multifunctional outdoor settings, offering a multitude of ways for people to connect through a simple and elegant site furnishing—face-to-face or abreast, for an intimate chat or a large group gathering. Take-Out comprises five different yet compatible silhouettes: a single-seater, a double-seater, a triple-seater, and two triple-seaters with wheelchair access on either the left or right side. Take-Out modules are equally suited to stand alone or work together in myriad arrangements.

"I like how these tables can read together like a traditional picnic table but evoke a completely different aesthetic when separate, an almost outdoor workstation" —Tal Schori

FURNISHINGS – RESIDENTIAL

Boa Pouf by Sabine Marcelis

Hem

The donut-shaped Boa Pouf by Sabine Marcelis is perfectly sculptural; a bold graphic form that interrupts interior landscapes with its faultless chunky geometry. This piece of upholstered occasional furniture is rounded and soft, encased in a seamless outer layer that gives it an air-brushed finish: The smooth shape-knit textile that covers the Boa Pouf is a milestone in technologically innovative furniture making. Advancing sustainable design practice, the technique produces no scrap fabric, significantly reducing production waste. Boa Pouf is as perfect for perching on, propping up feet, and lounging against as it is for making a sculptural statement and is the ideal expression of designer Sabine Marcelis, whose work is characterized by resonating clear, single notes of absolute material, textile, and color.

"The color offerings are really fun, which makes sense as Sabine Marcelis is known for that. The shape seems nice and inviting. It can go anywhere." —Sophie Aliece Hollis

FURNISHINGS – TEXTILES

Chromalis by Bradley L Bowers

Wolf-Gordon

Chromalis by Bradley L Bowers is an exploration of color, shape, and movement, imparting dimension on three upholstery textiles and one wallcovering. Chromalis is produced via digital modeling software and creatively influenced by a variety of Bowers’ personal interests including art, gardening, and thermodynamics. The digitally printed wallcovering, Borealis, is a gradient pattern inspired by the spectacular color and light phenomenon, the Aurora Borealis, while Graffito, one of three upholstery textiles, takes references from impressionism and street art. The simplest, but no less striking is Phantom, the upholstery textile that creates a moiré effect through an algorithm that generates intersecting lines. And lastly Fauna—inspired by aerial shots of a landscape—where Bowers manipulated mediums to transform the pattern through perspective and geometry. The four patterns were accomplished through a series of conditions that Bowers was able to communicate and bring to life through his computer.

"This was a strong example of the intersection between digital design and textile manufacturing, and the juxtaposition of this digital look against antique furniture is really choice." —Aaron Seward

HARDWARE – ARCHITECTURAL

PD97 Electrified Mortise Lock with Monitoring Switches

INOX

INOX reveals the PD97ES, a sensor-controlled electrified mortise lock for sliding doors equipped with built-in monitoring sensors that interact with any access control system on the market. The PD97ES is the only sliding door hardware solution for healthcare, institutional, and other commercial facilities that provides enhanced privacy and security while also supporting touchless opening. The PD97ES has an installation-friendly power transfer unit built directly inside the lock and strike. This feature provides builders and door manufacturers with the ability to install the PD97ES as an individual component within any access control system rather than replacing the entire configuration. The built-in power transfer eliminates the complicated door preparation required by electrified locks that are powered with wire chases installed through the door frame.

"Outfitting such a heavy-duty locking mechanism with touchless capabilities is no small feat. The ease of application is also a huge plus for large commercial projects." —Sophie Aliece Hollis

HARDWARE – DECORATIVE

Custom Hardware Collaboration – Door, Lever, Rose, and Pull

ASSA ABLOY in Collaboration with Centerbrook Architects and Planners

Designed by Charles Z. Kaulder in 1917, the Peabody Museum of Natural History is a three-story, French Gothic brick and sandstone building on Yale University's campus. In 2020, construction began on a 172,355-square-foot renovation with a 57,630-square-foot, four-story infill addition that will transform the institution and support scientific advancement. Inside, large fossils will be remounted in dynamic poses in new anthropological galleries; state-of-the-art, research/restoration labs and storage systems will improve lower-level collections; and new classrooms and labs will support the institution's mission to engage students. "Osteo-Architecture" inspired and informed the designs for the coordinating Door Lever, Rosette, and Door Pull that will trim the Museum's 200+ door openings. Organic in form, reflective of the Museum's collections, the Door Levers and Pulls have a sculptural quality, with a subtle "thumbprint" detail, that conforms perfectly to the hand.

"This is a nice reinterpretation of somewhat zoomorphic or skeletal inspirations, without totally hitting you over the head with it." —Tal Schori

LIGHTING + ELECTRICAL – ARCHITECTURAL & COMMERCIAL

The LittleOnes

USAI Lighting

What the iPhone was to the cell phone industry, the LittleOnes is to the home technology and lighting industry. Since LED lighting made its world-changing debut, the lighting industry has been working to minimize the size of fixtures, without sacrificing power, utility, and efficiency. In June 2021, USAI achieved an industry milestone and set the new standard for high-powered, tiny LED fixtures with the introduction of the LittleOnes—the first collection of barely noticeable, 1-inch-wide, architectural-grade, recessed light fixtures that can deliver over 1,000 lumens without glare. High levels of light are needed for circadian lighting and lots of light usually means lots of glare, but not so with the LittleOnes. This technology is revolutionizing the at-home lighting experience.

"This is the perfect product for projects where you’re not trying to draw so much attention to the fixture itself." —Alison Von Glinow

LIGHTING + ELECTRICAL – DECORATIVE

Plusminus

Vibia

Plusminus is a lighting system that provides architects and lighting designers the opportunity to customize light to illuminate all kinds of interior spaces. A specially developed fabric belt provides support and electrical conductivity, and the lights are attached in an intuitive way using a clip-and-connect system. Plusminus eliminates the differences between pendant, sconce, and floor lights because the various elements of the collection can be adjusted, attached, or removed as required. There are six different luminaires that give the lighting its specific aesthetic when attached to the fabric belt: sphere, semi-sphere, cone, spotlight, linear diffuser, and linear low UGR. A series of anchors and fixings maintain the desired configuration of the belt alongside the attached lights, which in themselves are an attractive addition to the overall installation. The common thread of the Plusminus collection can be easily adapted to create all sorts of lighting installations.

"Plusminus's strength is in its configurability: It can be a singular lamp, a pendant, or a chandelier. It is a beautiful object that has so many applications" —Shunyi Wu (on behalf of David Rockwell)

LIGHTING + ELECTRICAL – OUTDOOR

Profile

Landscape Forms

The Profile family of lights creates beautiful and intentional light emanating from a refined, minimalist design. Profile's palette of configurable options tailor Profile's aesthetic and performance to fit a variety of applications. The Profile line includes area, accent, and column lights and performance, wayfinding, and unlit perimeter bollards, making Profile a single family that effectively lights an array of spaces from large, open areas and narrow pathways to landscape beds and building entrances. Profile takes the familiar form of an I-beam column and reimagines the lighting category by introducing area lights, accent lights, column lights, foot lights, and a trio of bollards into its offering, giving Profile aesthetic and performance versatility. This versatility, along with Profile's modularity and scalability, addresses the range of public spaces, from concerts to playgrounds and fitness trails, and gives lighting designers and landscape architects a lighting family that appropriately illuminates for this variety of uses.

"I like that this product is not so designed that it would clash with your architecture. It's very subtle." —Lauren Rottet

OPENINGS – DOORS

MFU1200 Flush Sliding Door System

Sugatsune America, Inc.

Sugatsune's all new MFU1200 Flush Sliding Door System opens by pushing the door inwards with a sideways motion. To close, simply pull the door and watch it quietly disappear into the surrounding walls. The two-way soft closing feature creates an elegant experience that clients desire and, because it has been tested for 100,000 cycles, the product is guaranteed to last. The MFU1200 is designed to operate doors up to 106-5/16" (2700 mm) tall, 47-1/4" (1200 mm) wide weighing up to 154 lbs (70 kg) making it a perfect solution for wine cellars, walk-in closets or hidden rooms that are unique to every project. It's also a great solution for situations where space won't allow for a traditional swinging door.

"This sliding door system truly disappears into the wall. Very clean and very quiet, thanks to the soft-close mechanism." —Sophie Aliece Hollis

OPENINGS – WINDOWS

Hidden Screen

Pella Corporation

The Hidden Screen is a hassle-free window screen that appears when you want it and folds away when you don't, giving homeowners a crystal-clear view and improved curb appeal. Drawing on decades of screen design and innovation, the Hidden Screen is the industry's first and only hidden screen for vinyl windows among leading national window brands. Intuitively designed, the easy-to-use Hidden Screen allows 44 percent more natural light into your home when the window is closed than a standard screen. When the window is opened the screen engages effortlessly, keeping bugs out of the home and enabling airflow. The Hidden Screen is based on Universal Design Principles pairing function with design and delivering simplicity and ease of use.

"This screen solution is not like any I’ve seen before—it lets in plenty of light and conceals away so creatively." —Melissa Brillhart

TECHNOLOGY – DESIGN & BUILD SOFTWARE

Canvas

Canvas

Canvas is an iPhone and iPad app that saves architects hours on measuring and drafting as-builts. Instead of spending hours taking measurements with a tape measure or laser distance measure, architects can scan rooms with the Canvas app in about a minute and the average American home in about 20 minutes. Once they’ve scanned, they’ll have an accurate 3D model they can reference and measure from anywhere. Never miss a measurement again! The real time savings come from the Canvas Scan To CAD service, which generates detailed 2D floor plans and editable 3D CAD as-builts in formats like AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, Chief Architect, and 2020 in as little as one business day.

"This product seems like a big industry disruptor. It’ll be interesting to see how the process of surveying changes as it becomes more accessible with tech like this." —Alison Von Glinow

TECHNOLOGY – SMART BUILDING, SMART HOME, & AUTOMATION SYSTEM

H2Wise, H2Wise +

Kohler Co.

Plumbing expertise and Phyn's industry-leading smart water monitoring technology come together to deliver two smart, home water consumption solutions: H2Wise and H2Wise+. Conscious to both the environment and homeowner spending, these water monitors both monitor water usage and detect leaks, the awareness of which can lead to cost savings and water conservation for homeowners. H2Wise and H2Wise+ are accompanied by a smartphone app, where users can seamlessly view the details of their water consumption and receive real-time alerts. The technology of H2Wise and H2Wise+ bring forward a solution to understanding your water consumption. Both smart home water monitors allow for complete home protection under a single device, allowing you to see and control your water like never before.

"Water conservation is just so important and it's going to become a bigger issue as we go along, so well-designed, intuitive products like this one are going to become all the more necessary." —Aaron Seward