We are thrilled to announce the winners of The Architect’s Newspaper 8th Annual Best Product Award. With our strongest pool of applicants to date, identifying these winners, honorable mentions, and editors’ picks has been a daunting task. Our esteemed panel of judges has formed the following line-up through careful dialogue based on their extensive and varied experience in the fields of architecture and design, education and publishing. From structural systems to design software, from acoustic solutions to decorative lighting, AN’s recognition represents the best showcase for the wide range of products that, when used correctly, can frame our built environment in harmony. One theme that these products have in common is sustainability, especially as manufacturers have changed their product life cycles to ensure their product lines account for waste, scarcity, and emissions. As a result of this move, we have seen innovative new materials as well as several re-releases of classic designs that have been improved to meet today’s environmental standards. Particularly in the area of ​​outdoor products, which has seen a surge in demand during the pandemic, we have seen a drive to offer unique designs with high resistance and durability.
We are also excited about the resurgence of products related to the workplace. While the future of the office has been in big question since the start of the pandemic, the volume and ingenuity of commercial and contract furniture, surfaces, lighting and technology seen during the inspection process clearly show that building product manufacturers are resuming production efforts. revitalize the workplace.
Overall, the impact of the pandemic on the design industry seems to have eased considerably. Compared to 2021, the tone of this year’s submissions is assertive and forward-thinking, much less focused on emergency response and more on moving towards a new, improved and more flexible normal. This desire for flexibility has also led to a wide expansion of product options and increased customization options. Flip through the following pages and you’ll find a treasure trove of new palettes, textures, colors and sizes.
Whether you’re looking for a product for your next project or keeping an eye on the state of the industry, pay attention to the forces driving these projects and the incentives to create them.
Congratulations to all vendors featured in this issue. We look forward to what will happen next.
You can find the full list of winners, Honorable Mentions and Editors’ Choices at the 2022 Best of Products Awards digital edition.
Air Baffle by Kirei is an innovative sound-absorbing 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 properties of outer PET felt and inner recycled textile down to absorb and break up sound waves, providing an effective acoustic solution. The exterior of the deflector is made from over 60% recycled PET. The bezel windows are inspired by the iconic Air Max windows and are made from recycled acrylic. Each Air Baffle can recycle over 100 boots and 100 plastic water bottles. The Air Baffle is produced in partnership with Nike Grind, a global sustainability program that recycles end-of-life shoes into new products.
“This product is at the top of the list because it tells a lifecycle story in relation to another industry. It’s holistic – I love that it has a story that goes beyond the architecture” – Baza Igor Sidi
Sailing’s original flared handle and sleek spout are a poetic interpretation of the most classic boat cleat shape, an essential device for securing boats to ropes. The designer drew inspiration from Lake Orta, Fantini’s hometown in northern Italy. Under the watchful eye of the design team, the transformative power of a day on crystal clear water becomes the story of a sailboat, while the functional dark blue shape becomes a stylish bathroom accent. When looking at the collection, the discreet design reveals seductive facets and thoughtful sculpture, while the hidden design emphasizes that water is the birthplace and spirit of the brand’s craftsmanship.
“I always love it when someone finds a timeless source of inspiration and makes it modern without being silly. It’s like a sophisticated interpretation of that source material. Also, sailing is an activity on the water, a great reference for gadget collections.” – Tal Shori
The LG inverter heat pump water heater combines an innovative inverter and heat pump motor in a stylish, energy-efficient ENERGY STAR certified hot water solution. This heat pump water heater minimizes the need for additional resistive heat, saves electricity consumption over a wider operating range, and brings state-of-the-art innovation and out-of-the-box thinking to everyday things like medium water heating. Combined with LG’s inverter heat pump technology, the LG water heater achieves an ENERGY STAR certified efficiency of 3.75 UEF (Unified Energy Factor), a significant improvement over traditional gas and electric resistance water heaters operating at 0.65 to 0.95 UEF. With a first hour flow rate of 66 gallons and a first hour flow rate of 80 gallons in “turbo mode”, this water heater delivers superior performance compared to alternatives on the market with first hour capacities of less than 70 gallons.
“These are highly visible products for a residential project. It’s great to see such an elaborate design.” – Alison von Greenough.
The new 36″ XT induction cooktop with built-in extractor features precise touch controls and a digital timer for efficient cooking control, while the built-in pull-down hood is ideal for island applications. With new regulations restricting the use of gas appliances in states like California and New York, and consumers in the US becoming more aware of greener alternatives, the demand for induction appliances is huge. The new XT 36″ Built-in Induction Cooker addresses this real-time need by developing a high-quality range of beautifully designed induction hobs that are in keeping with the brand’s rich history and offer a more sustainable solution. The XT 36″ Precision Heat Low Energy Induction Built-in Cooktop is a revolutionary solution that provides a safer and greener alternative to the home without sacrificing performance or style.
“The shape of this appliance is so unique that it attracted me. It seemed to me that he was trying to solve the problem of kitchen ventilation in a way that had never been done before from an aesthetic point of view.” – Tal Shor
The Dometic DrawBar offers the functionality of a full-size wine cabinet in a compact design that holds 5 bottles of wine. For ease of installation, DrawBar can be easily installed above, below or next to standard 24″ wide cabinets. Where size restrictions preclude a full-sized wine cooler, DrawBar provides an expert solution offering precision refrigeration technology and glass or custom panel options for integrated design freedom. This smart cooling box also comes with a moisture tray that reduces excess moisture. DrawBar by Dometic offers ingenious design and refrigeration technology, closing a gap in the market for compact wine storage solutions. DrawBar is easy to install in the kitchen and in additional entertainment spaces, creating opportunities for a wide variety of spaces and lifestyles.
“This product is very adaptable; it doesn’t need a completely self-contained unit to find a dedicated place for it. So I think the versatility is great, especially in a small space or apartment.” – Wu Shunyi (representing David Rockwell)
ACRE for Modern Mills is a revolutionary building material that looks and feels like wood. It is designed to replace ipe, cedar or teak in countless applications. ACRE is a sustainable, low-maintenance alternative to wood made from recycled rice husks in zero-waste manufacturing facilities. It is also 100% recyclable. ACRE is a pleasure to work locally. It is lightweight and easy to carry, yet durable, rigid and straight. ACRE uses conventional woodworking tools – no special equipment or training required – with minimal waste. It can be cut, bent, molded and molded to suit countless outdoor and indoor applications. ACRE uses paints and stains such as hardwood. It is easy to care for and is guaranteed to last a long time. Once your project is complete, you can be confident that ACRE will withstand water, weather, and pests for years, backed by an industry-leading material warranty.
“I think it’s amazing that this product can be handled like wood on a construction site – same tools, same method of assembly, no need to learn additional working or installation methods.” – Sophie Alice Hollis.
Around the world, countless birds are killed each year by striking glass windows and building facades. Many cities and countries require bird-safe glass in new buildings. Eastman has partnered with SEEN AG to introduce the Saflex FlySafe 3D polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer for laminated glass, a highly effective way to avoid bird strikes without compromising the look or aesthetics of a glass facade solution.
“Saflex stands out because the bird protection feature is built into the glass component, rather than just engraved on the outside.” – Sophie Alice Hollis
Accoya Color is a next generation high quality wood that combines the beauty of natural solid wood with enhanced performance. Accoya Color is a natural product derived from FSC certified cork, modified by acetylation and converted into a building material that rivals or exceeds other man-made, resource-intensive and polluting alternatives.
“The expanded color palette offered by this product gives users the ability to instantly achieve the aesthetics of aged wood.” — Sophie Alice Hollis.
The new BLD723 from Ruskin is an architectural blind with an elegant design that provides wind and rain protection. The AMCA certified BLD723 provides superior water, air and wind protection for projects requiring additional aesthetics. The BLD723 is a bold lined drainable louver featuring 7″ wind blades and 5″ deep wind blades for superior protection and architectural appeal. Certified by AMCA for air, water and wind intake applications, the BLD723 is ideal for architects who want to make a statement without sacrificing functionality.
“This is an example of a product that honestly expresses form and purpose, but shows additional design features that are not found in many blinds.” – Sophie Alice Hollis.
This anodized aluminum metal fabric has been designed to provide the same textural and tonal appearance across the entire panel, even under varying lighting conditions. Most metallic fabric weaves are made entirely of stainless steel wire. Oasis features a combination of multi-core stainless steel cables and large diameter anodized aluminum tubing to reflect specific colors. Architects and designers can achieve enhanced aesthetics without sacrificing the durability and performance proven by GKD Metal Fabrics. Originally a bespoke solution, the concept is now offered as a standard product for the North American market via GKD-USA.
“I love that the product takes advantage of different lighting conditions by using aluminum tubes instead of individual wires.” — Lauren Rotter
The HITCH Cladding Fixing System is a patented modular rainscreen and façade mounting system that provides thermal damage and discontinuous structural solutions. HITCH is unmatched in structural strength, flexibility and thermal performance. Building codes and high-efficiency energy standards such as Passive House and Net Zero are evolving to achieve a variety of goals, including reducing energy use and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The most effective ways to insulate the exterior of buildings are those that incorporate the principles of continuous exterior insulation, using no thermal bridges or using minimal thermal bridges to limit heat loss. HITCH can achieve effective R-values ​​in excess of R60 for all types of wall structures while maintaining cladding loads in high wind and seismic conditions. The HITCH system can operate with continuous outer insulation from 1″ to 16″ thick, making it suitable for use in all Passive House and ASHRAE climate zones in North America.
“Introducing exterior insulation always feels like an uphill battle, and it’s rare to find a smart and easy way to connect cladding through 3″ exterior insulation like this. I also appreciate passive house certification.” – Tal Shor
Meet the world’s first virus-killing paint, Copper Armor. Copper armor eliminates 99.9% of viruses and bacteria such as staph, MRSA, E. coli and SARS-CoV-2 from surfaces within two hours and five years of exposure. It uses copper, a natural element, to protect interior surfaces (walls, doors, and trim) from pathogens. Innovative coating solutions help meet customer needs for healthier, safer buildings, especially in high-traffic, high-touch areas. The product combines copper’s proven antimicrobial properties to protect surfaces from pathogens and is a non-toxic paint additive. This product uses GUARDIANT copper technology from a well-known organization. This mildew and mildew resistant coating has low odor, zero VOC, excellent hiding power, durability and premium application properties in over 600 colors. The product received national EPA registration in 2021 and is registered in most US states.
“The way this paint can harness the virus-killing properties of copper using such a small amount of natural material is really impressive. It’s the perfect product for the post-COVID era.” – Sophie Alice Hollis
Bottle Floor is an innovative felt-look hybrid floor covering that combines the best properties of hard and soft surfaces. This unique platform addresses many of the challenges of the built environment—slip resistance, sound absorption, and underfoot comfort—and provides durability to withstand the heavy traffic and rolling loads of traditional hard surfacing products. For every square yard of bottle flooring, there are an average of 61 recycled plastic bottles. This innovative framework is part of Shaw Contract’s commitment to circularity, which implements a regenerative, circular approach to sustainability. Felt visuals create a clean, elegant, understated aesthetic.
“The life history of the Bottle Floor is hard to beat. In addition, the performance of a hard surface with a softer look and feel is interesting.” – Aaron Seward.
Smoothness and balance are at the heart of this tile collection. Called Curvy, this extruded ceramic tile has a rounded look that mimics the look of prestigious Venetian palaces and residences from the 1970s. Minimalist in style, this matte tile is available in an alluring and elegant collection of six neutral hues, from white to jet black. Curvy creates a contemporary retro aesthetic suitable for contemporary interiors.
“This product is well designed and doesn’t have much character. It’s almost like Alvar Aalto’s excellent 3D tile” – Igor Siddiqui.
Reinforcing the iconic ’97 Central Texas football heritage required a visually innovative design using durable materials that created a one-of-a-kind brand look that matches perfectly with the University of Texas school colors. For this project in the South End, the designers selected custom-made ALUCOBOND PLUS metal panels in selected Pantone colors to create UT’s iconic Longhorn icon in bright orange, which helps to excite the crowd and is recognizable from any distance. The adaptability of the ALUCOBOND PLUS coating allows it to be used for both indoor and outdoor applications. A custom UT Burnt Orange covers the intricate design of the Longhorn seat bowl – 215 feet wide and 72 feet deep; ALUCOBOND PLUS in rusty metal finish with solid white trim covering the leaning twin towers, solid white panels cover the walls of the player’s football tunnel. The customization of ALUCOBOND panels allows for true craftsmanship with amazing results.
“The combination of durability and performance with high customization is important for these high-traffic branded environments,” Sophie Alice Hollis.
The pandemic has exposed the design flaws of traditional hand sanitizers — constant mess and drops, stinky gels that dry out hands, reliance on single-use plastic, and automatic dispensers that are always empty. With so many problems, it’s no wonder so many people avoid hand sanitizer even though our hands transmit 80% of all diseases. Introducing Vaask, a hand sanitizer that is a superior solution for hand hygiene. With a minimalist design and elegant die-cast aluminum construction, Vaask makes hand hygiene perfect to feel at home in the most sophisticated spaces. Vaask also helps sustainability-conscious companies achieve their goals. The American fixtures are designed to last and replace endless supplies of disposable plastic bottles of hand sanitizer. Vaask sanitizer cartridges are also oversized—more than twice the size of a typical dispenser—because it takes fewer resources to make one large plastic container than many smaller ones.
“I think it’s an elegant solution to the new demands of quick hygiene. It’s much more architectural than a bunch of plastic bottles.” – Aaron Seward.
Connected seat dining tables are popular for their signature simplicity, but often lack the versatility to create dynamic, adaptable outdoor environments. That’s where Take-Out comes in. Designed by Rodrigo Torres, Take-Out expands the range of connected seating concepts, bringing modern sophistication, simplified lines and most importantly category adaptability. Light enough to be selected, arranged and rearranged, Take-Out makes it easy to create a versatile outdoor environment, offering people many ways to socialize, communicate up close or on a large scale with simple and elegant furniture in place (face to face or side ). -by-side) Gathering a group. The stem includes five different but compatible styles: single, double, triple and two triples with wheelchair access on the left or right. Takeaway modules are equally suitable for both standalone use and collaboration in several ways.
“I love that these tables can be read together like a traditional picnic table, but they evoke a completely different aesthetic when separated, almost an outdoor workstation.” – Tal Shorey
The donut-shaped Boa Pouf by Sabine Marcelis is perfectly sculpted; a bold graphic form interrupts the interior landscape with its perfect three-dimensional geometry. Round and soft, this upholstered temporary furniture is covered with a seamless outer layer that gives it an airbrushed effect: the smooth, structured knit fabric covering the Boa Pouf is a milestone in the production of technologically innovative furniture. By promoting sustainable design practices, the technology produces no fabric waste and significantly reduces manufacturing waste. Perfect for sitting down, propping your legs and lounging on it as if it could make a sculptural statement, the Boa pouf is the perfect expression for designer Sabine Marcelis, whose pieces are characterized by pure, monotonous absolute materials, textiles and colors.
“The colors on offer are really interesting, which makes sense because Sabine Marselis is known for it. The shape looks nice and attractive. It can go anywhere.” – Sophie Alice Hollis
An exploration of color, form and movement, Chromalis by Bradley L Bowers adds dimension to three upholstery materials and one wallpaper. Chromalis was created with digital modeling software and was creatively influenced by Bowers’ various personal interests, including art, horticulture, and thermodynamics. The Borealis digitally printed wallpaper features a gradient pattern inspired by the spectacular phenomenon of color and light of the Aurora Borealis, while Graffito is one of three upholstery fabrics inspired by impressionism and street art. The simplest, but no less striking, is Phantom, an upholstery fabric that creates a moiré effect using an algorithm that generates intersecting lines. Finally, with fauna inspired by aerial landscapes, Bowers manipulates the environment with perspective and geometry to change the pattern. The four modes were implemented through a series of conditions that Bowers was able to communicate and bring to life through his computer.
“This is a great example of the intersection of digital design and textile production, and this juxtaposition of digital design with antique furniture is really an option.” – Aaron Seward
INOX has introduced the PD97ES, a motorized sensor-controlled sliding door lock with built-in control sensors that communicates with any access control system on the market. The PD97ES is the only sliding door hardware solution for healthcare, institutional and other commercial settings that provides enhanced privacy and security, and enables contactless door opening. The PD97ES has an easy-to-install power supply built directly into the lock and lock. This feature allows builders and door manufacturers to install the PD97ES as a standalone component in any access control system rather than replacing the entire configuration. Built-in power supply eliminates the complicated door preparation required for electric locks powered by wires installed through the door frame.
“Having this powerful locking mechanism with non-contact functionality is no small feat. The ease of use is also a big plus for large commercial projects.” – Sophie Alice Hollis.
The Peabody Museum of Natural History, designed by Charles Z. Calder in 1917, is a French Gothic three-story brick and sandstone building located on the Yale campus. Construction will begin in 2020 on a 172,355-square-foot renovation with the addition of 57,630 square feet of four-story infill that will transform the institution and support scientific progress. Inside, the large fossils will be repositioned in dynamic poses in new anthropological galleries; state-of-the-art research/restoration labs and storage systems will enhance lower level collections; new classrooms and laboratories will help the institution fulfill the duties of students. from. Osteo-Architecture inspired and inspired the coordinated door frames, rosettes, and door handles that will grace the museum’s over 200 doorways. Organic forms reflecting the museum’s collection, the door hinges and handles have a sculptural quality with subtle “fingerprint” details that fit the hand perfectly.
“It’s a good interpretation of some form of animal or skeleton that doesn’t quite hit the head.” Tal Shor
What the iPhone is to the mobile phone industry, LittleOnes is to the home appliance and lighting industries. Since the world-changing debut of LED lighting, the lighting industry has worked to minimize the size of fixtures without sacrificing power, usability, or efficiency. In June 2021, USAI reached a milestone in the industry and set a new standard for high-power micro-LED luminaires with the introduction of LittleOnes, the first series of low-profile architectural-grade 1-inch recessed luminaires that can deliver over 1,000 lumens of light output. free. Circadian lighting requires a high level of light, and a lot of light usually means a lot of glare, which is not the case with LittleOnes. This technology has revolutionized home lighting.
“This is the perfect product for projects where you don’t want to put too much emphasis on the lighting fixture itself.” – Alison von Greenough.