Best Windows, Doors, and Hardware Products of 2019
Harmony
Updating its self-tinting glass, SageGlass developed Harmony, which enables facility managers to control the in-pane tint for a graduated effect instead of tinting the entire window. The result is precise tinting for solar heat gain and glare while allowing more daylight penetration. The glass is available in standard rectangular and custom formats measuring up to 6' x 10'.
FINO Double
Gensler collaborated with Muraflex on this double-glazed partition wall that combines acoustical privacy with maximum transparency. The 2⅜" x 1" frame is minimal and durable enough to support 10'-high panels. Doors with interlocking clear gaskets further enhance the system’s acoustical performance. Its sound transmission class (STC) rating ranges from 36 to 42—as good as drywall’s. The frame is available in 17 finishes.
Bird1st Glass
Among the latest bird-safe options, this UV coating is less visible to humans than etched and fritted solutions, which scored points with the jury because it reduces collisions without obstructing views. Available on Guardian’s standard-clear or UltraClear lowiron panels measuring up to 102" x 144", it has a passing score from the American Bird Conservancy and qualifies for LEED Pilot Credit 55 for reducing bird collisions.
DermaGlass
Measuring .05" thick, DermaGlass can provide the damage-resistance of traditional heat-treated architectural glass. Combined with Pulp Studio’s back-painted graphic interlayers, the durability adds value to decorative treatments in high-traffic areas such as elevator wall panels and column covers. A honeycomb-core option is available for added safety.
Soft Close for Pemko Sliding Doors
Engineered for a line of Assa Abloy’s sliding doors, this device eliminates pinch points and brings a slamming motion to a controlled stop. The track comes in three standard lengths (6', 8', or 12') but can be trimmed to fit other doorway sizes. The kit, for new installations or retrofits, includes aluminum end plates and fascia, a zinc-coated side-mount bottom guide, and nylon-coated ball bearings.
Contemporary Collection NEXT GEN Sliding Patio Door
This high-performing patio-door system is distinguished by its hardware: shifting a lever releases perimeter sealing gaskets for smooth, frictionless operation of the sliding door in all weather conditions. The extruded-aluminum system comes in a wide range of interior and exterior trim materials and finishes, and can support glass panels as large as 5' wide x 10' high.
InVert Self-Shading Windows
Developed by architect Doris Sung, this dynamic alternative to solar films and electronic systems uses a heat-activated thermostatic bimetal that reacts to the sun to provide shade and reduce heat gain. Sealed in the cavity of a standard insulated glass unit (IGU), pieces of the .0025"-thick smart material actually flip over to block solar radiation as the sun warms them. InVert is estimated to have an SHGC of less than 0.37 and VLT above 0.70. It uses zero energy.
INOX PD96
To provide greater security for sliding doors, this self-latching mortise lock features a 1" bolt, push-button activation, and an indicator that displays the lock’s status. The updates can enable architects to specify space-saving sliding systems where only swing doors have been considered safe. PD96 is also ADA-compliant and available in satin or bright polished stainless steel and oil-rubbed bronze stainless.
Vision Control XS
Improving on earlier versions of Unicel’s integrated louvers, which were operated with handles and cranks or a designated remote control, Vision Control XS enables facilities managers to adjust its louvers using an app and their mobile device, or via radio frequency, from up to 65' away. The daylighting and privacy solution also dampens noise.
AcoustiFOLD
NanaWall’s latest folding wall uses laminated, argon-filled double-pane glass and durable EPDM gaskets to achieve an STC rating of up to 45. In addition to its better-than-average acoustical performance, AcoustiFOLD also features a flush ADA-compliant sill, which exposes only 15⁄16" of the track. The system supports glass units measuring up to 10' high, and its aluminum frame comes in 50 powder coat and anodized finishes.
Architectural Record presents the best new windows, doors, and hardware products of 2019. Click through the slideshow above to view each winner.
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