2021 Best of IBSx Awards
Best of IBSx Winners
Congratulations to our Winners!
With over 200 entries in six categories, our 18 industry and media judges considered the products' innovation, functionality, design and builder/consumer friendliness to make this list.
Best in Show: Pella Easy-Slide Operator by Pella Corporation
Here's what the judges had to say -
“I think this hardware makes us think about casement operation in a newer, fresher way... the two stories here are design and ease of use, especially because the unit only needs five pounds of force. We have not seen a new hardware development since the fold-away crank, but this one changes the conversation. The functionality is awesome, and the design is very slick.” - Nigel Maynard, Editor-in-Chief of Custom Builder and PRODUCTS magazines.
"Pella brought innovation to a product that can affect all consumers, across all markets and demographics,” - Jeanne Conger, Principal Consultant, Home Building Industry, General Real Estate.
Product Category Winners
Best Home Technology Product & Best Indoor Product
36-inch Dual Fuel Pro Range with Sous Vide, Induction and Gas by Signature Kitchen Suite
This 36-inch dual-fuel pro range is the first-of-its-kind with built-in sous vide functionality – in addition to induction and gas – all on the range top, making it among the most versatile ranges available. With the power and flexibility of multiple cooking modalities in a single unit, builders can now meet the needs of their most culinary- and tech-obsessed clients. It’s engineered to be installed without the need for a separate, expensive make-up air system, as it stays under 39,000 BTUs, making this ideal for installations in urban homes or luxury high-rise buildings.
Best Outdoor Product
Axis Smart Glass Bioclimatic System by Suntech-Albayrak Group
This modern bioclimatic pergola system features tilted switchable smart glass louvres. The system is 100% water-resistant and can withstand water penetration under several weather conditions. When the smart glass louvres are completely closed, a simple ON-OFF mode switches the glass from being clear (transparent) to frosted (opaque). In its frosted state, the switchable layer acts as an electronic blind, providing privacy and security for any glass, window or partition. The smart glass louvres can be tilted up to 90° with a smooth and silent rotating movement via the internal motor.
Best Window & Door Product
Pella Easy Slide Operator by Pella Corporation
This hardware is a new way to open and close casement and awning windows. It allows homeowners to easily slide the operator up to open and down to close – a much smoother movement without continuous cranking. The revolutionary hardware is based on Ronald Mace's Universal Design Principles and designed to be a solution for all people, regardless of their age or physical ability. The simple operation, minimal design and long-lasting durability are the result of over two years of development, operator refinement, and consumer testing across the country. It has been tested to 20,000 cycles – the equivalent of opening your windows once per day for 54 years.
Most Innovative Building Material
ASCEND by Alside
This innovative Composite Cladding System combines beauty, simple installation and low installation costs to create value for builders, installers and remodelers. Available in 20 fade-resistant colors, its virtually maintenance-free finish is backed by a lifetime limited warranty. Its design enables quicker and easier installation than fiber cement, engineered wood and other composite panels as it’s installed in fewer steps and doesn’t require specialized equipment. A key feature is the addition of glass fibers, provided through the composite technology from Tundra, a Twin Cities-based material science company.
Most Innovative Software
AeroBarrier Connect by Aeroseal, LLC
AeroBarrier Connect is the industry’s first and only computer-controlled air sealing system. The computer-controlled air sealing process measures and records building envelope tightness with consistent precision allowing builders to dial in air sealing results. It pressurizes the space and new smart nozzles emit a safe, non-toxic sealant that is automatically drawn to any leaks. New software enhancements provide more real-time insights as it tracks and records leakage reduction. A certificate of completion with before and after results is created to help with inspections and certification.
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