Most Innovative Component
2012 Crystal Achievement Award Winners
 |
|
| A close-up the panel design in the open and closed positions. |
Door
Array Light Control System
ODL Inc.
Zeeland, Mich.
A unique doorlite panel design for exterior doors, the Array Light Control System brings dynamic levels of light and privacy into the home. Two sliding panels of perforated aluminum provide users with a simple way to control privacy and light levels in a highly designed, fully assembled doorglass system.
With a simple turn of the ergonomically designed SunDial control, the aluminum panels move from open to close—and anywhere in between—to provide light and privacy. As natural light moves through the perforated surfaces, the sliding slots create vibrant and varied degrees of illumination and privacy in the home and an increased sense of security. Unlike most
doorlites, which have a static design, the sliding slots pattern changes with the day—or with the wishes of the user, who can easily close the panels for complete privacy.
 |
|
| The aluminum panels not only provide functionality, they give doors a new contemporary look. |
The doorlites employ the supplier’s innovative TriSys technology, a three-piece framing system that offers superior performance in a clean and tightly constructed design. The Array doorlite is constructed of two panes of tempered safety glass insulated for air- and water-tight performance. The frame of the unit can be painted or stained, and the glass is low-E for increased energy-efficiency.
In addition to provide light control and privacy, the aluminum panels give the doorlite a contempoary, industrial look well suited to many new homes designs.
Window–Co-Winners
 |
|
| Outperforming even tropical hardwoods, Accoya modified wood can be machined and processed like traditional wood. |
Accoya Modified Wood
Accys Technologies
Windsor, United Kingdom
Combining the established modification technique of acetylation with cutting edge proprietary technology, this high performance wood is created for demanding outdoor applications; from windows and doors, decking and cladding, to bridges and boats. Wood for Accoya is sourced from sustainable forests and manufactured using a non-toxic process. However, its properties exceed those of the best tropical hardwoods and it can handle applications that are presently only considered feasible with nonsustainable materials, the company states.
In durability tests, Accoya wood is said to outperform teak and other naturally durable species. In British testing, wood window L-joints exhibit no rot or decay after 13 years and the product has a confirmed 60 year service life in exterior applications. Testing has also proven the wood to be resistant to termites, fungus and moisture, the manufacturer reports. In life cycle assessments, the product outperforms concrete, steel and aluminum. It has also been determined to have a smaller carbon footprint than steel, aluminum, PVC and unsustainably sourced tropical hardwood. It also reported to be 17 percent more thermally efficient than typical softwoods and 40 percent more efficient than typical hardwoods.
The company’s wood modification technique is said to make the consistent supply of durable, dimensionally stable, sustainable, non-toxic wood a reality. The process does not introduce anything into the wood that does not already naturally occur within it; but the resulting change in the wood’s chemistry makes it more durable, stable and reliable.
|
|
|
| The pultruded reinforcements not only enhance thermal performce, they slide in easily to ease fabrication. |
Innergy Rigid Thermal Window Reinforcements
Deceuninck North America
Monroe, Ohio
An advanced pultruded fiberglass product, Innergy reinforcements offer a more energy efficient alternative to aluminum reinforcements for PVC windows and door profiles. The pultruded profiles offer superior thermal performance, which helps manufacturers achieve improved energy efficiency ratings and performance ratings. Eliminating the “thermal bridge” that can occur with aluminum reinforcements, the material also improves condensation resistance and prevents staining that can occur with metal reinforcements.
The pultruded profiles easily slide into the fabrication process and replace aluminum extrusions without the need for retooling or special equipment. They also offer a high resistance to impact versus other reinforcement products and will not permanently set when impacted or subjected to a sustained load. Designed to replace existing aluminum reinforcements, the pultruded reinforcements are also designed to be waiverable so that code retesting is not required. Developed under an agreement with Bayer MaterialScience, the product uses resin materials that are up to 20% bio-based from renewable sources including soy, the manufacturer also points out.
Glass/Glazing Component
 |
|
| Bella Fleur's technologies allows grasses and other natural materials to be encapsulated in a glazing panel. |
EnsoGlass
Bella Fleur Corp.
Canby, Ore.
EnsoGlass panels are designed to provide form, function and beauty for a variety of applications, including windows, doors, skylights, room dividers and louver products. Offered in translucent to opaque versions, the panels encapsulate real flowers, reeds, grasses and leaves, as well as man-made materials such as solar reflecting fabrics for sun control and UV protection, the manufacturer states.
The product features a Solid-Core, the supplier notes, which means there is no lamination and the panels are not only resistant to damage from moisture, humidity, extreme conditions, but they are also more than 100 times stronger than regular glass.
 |
 |
 |
EnsoGlass panels can incorporate a variety of natural materials and used in doors, windows, interior
partitions and a variety of other applications.
Other 2012 Crystal Achivement Award Winners:
TECHNOLOGY
Most Innovative Window
|
Large Manufacturer |
Small/Medium Manufacturer |
Most Innovative Door
|
Large Manufacturer |
Small/Medium Manufacturer (Tie) |
Unique Innovation
| TouchQuote WTS Paradigm |
Virtual Door Display Jeld-Wen Inc. |
MANUFACTURING
Most Innovative Plant
| Vytex Windows |
Most Innovative Machine
|
IG Production/Glazing |
Frame/Sash/Panel Fabrication Sandy Door Machine Eugénie Technologies |
MARKETING
Most Innovative Marketing Progam
| Large Manufacturer Lead-Free Awareness Campaign Simonton Windows |
Small/Medium Manufacturer |
| Industry Supplier Legacy Launch Kit Phantom Screens |
Best Product Literature
|
Manufacturer |
Product Guide |
| Industry Supplier Introductory Brochures Brio USA |
Best Industry Website
|
Large Manufacturer |
Small/Medium Manufacturer |
|
Industry Supplier |
Back to the 2012 Crystal Achievement Awards main page.
