The best new doors, elevators, hardware, and windows.
Record Products 2016: Openings
Best in Category: PrivaSEE
A special interlayer allows this movable glass-wall system to achieve a sound transmission class (STC) of 36—better than that of most fixed-glass partitions. Panels for the frameless, single-track PrivaSEE are offered in heights up to 10' 6" and widths up to 4' 1".
Weco W2C
Mounted on a narrow frame made of laminated Spanish chestnut, this double-paned window works structurally with a hidden aluminum profile to create a transparent plane that maximizes the view. The operable window comes in pivoting, sliding, and tilt-and-turn options; it also can be incorporated into glazed window walls as well as curved, angled, and irregular openings. It comes in sizes up to 9' high and 19⅔' wide.
Invisible Sill
Though invented over 20 years ago, Vitrocsa’s Invisible Wall system still features one of the slimmest profiles out there, a fact that’s made the product the choice of architects like Tadao Ando, Thom Mayne, and Richard Meier. This option, available on the TH+ profile, hides the sill underneath continuous flooring, minimizing slots and creating an almost seamless look.
View Dynamic Glass
View now manufactures a 6' x 10' panel size of electrochromic glass to enable greater applications of the technology in commercial buildings such as airports, hospitals, schools, and hotels. The first and only manufacturer to develop electrochromic glass to this degree and size, View eliminates the need for blinds and reduces HVAC costs by an average of 20%.
EZYJamb Inswing
This 18-gauge frameless jamb system enables the door to open inward yet, when closed, remain flush to the exterior wall. The completed jamb also can be painted with the whole wall area. The frame features reinforced edges to prevent door damage, can accommodate any door size, and offers a range of concealed and mortised hinges.
Oden Architectural Door System
Krownlab upgrades its Oden sliding door hardware by adding its patented Tru-Level System, which enables a full ¼" of adjustment, both vertically and horizontally, at each mounting point. Made of brushed stainless steel, Oden is available in lengths up to 13' and can be used with metal beams as well as framed, concrete, and glass walls.
Allura Shutter
This space-saving rolling door provides security for high-traffic pedestrian areas and suits installations with limited headroom and side room. Various perforation and fenestration options provide for light and air filtration. The door comes powder-coated in a range of hues and with a choice of manual, crank, or tube-motor operation.
DRS 1202
Requiring no top or bottom rail, the DRS 1202 swinging glass door system utilizes an innovative hydraulic closing mechanism concealed in the vertical rail. This mechanism eliminates the need for door closers in the floor; it also can be specified in three spring tensions to accommodate doors up to 96" high. The system comes in a variety of transom and sidelight configurations.
Vinyl Folding Door System
LaCantina’s energy-efficient, low-maintenance door system matches numerous vinyl-window packages. Offered configurations include up to six panels, with the maximum panel size 96" x 35". The standard double-glazed models offer a .34 U factor and .20 Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, while the triple-glazed ones provide a .25 U factor and .17 SHGC.
Editor's Choice: MyPORT
This app-based smartphone service for Schindler products communicates with a base station to identify building occupants and send an elevator to them. The technology—which works via Bluetooth—also can be used to authorize visitors and lock and unlock doors.
“A smartphone app that can customize your experience as you move through a building? MyPort is the Holy Grail.” —Juror Barry Richards
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