Top Window and Door Products for 2019

The products selected for Building Design+Construction’s annual 101 Top Products report are determined by you, our readers. From security doors to metal ceilings, fabric ducts to rainscreen wall systems, linear drains to bacteria-killing LED lighting, these are the products that appeared in the pages of the magazine over the past 12 months that readers wanted to learn more about. The products were selected based on the number of reader service inquiries. BD+C editors selected a few of our favorites as well (marked “Editors' Picks”). 

The products are organized across eight categories: Building Envelope  |  Building Systems  |  Flooring  |  Glass and Glazing  |  Interior  |  Plumbing  |  Structural  |  Windows and Doors.

Enjoy!

HIGH-EFFICIENCY WINDOWS AT VIDA SAN FRANCISCO

Project: Vida, San Francisco. Problem: A mixed-use building wanted a neutral, energy-efficient contrast for its colorful façade, which reflects the color and texture of the neighborhood’s Latin-influenced murals and crafts. Solution: Winco Windows’ 1450 Series 4-inch unitized window wall and 3325 Series 3.25-inch zero sightline vents, finished by Linetec in Snow White color. The finish improves thermal performance while maintaining the long-term durability of the fenestration. On the team: DLR Group (architect), Build Group (GC).
LINETEC AND WINCO WINDOWS

DOUBLE-LEAF FLOOR DOOR AT UT

Project: Austin by Ellsworth Kelly, University of Texas, Austin. Problem: All mechanical pieces of the art installation had to be hidden in the structure. Solution: A double-leaf floor door, manufactured by Bilco, outside the structure provides basement access. The aluminum door features a special slip-resistant cover finish and keyed cylinder lock. Steps and handrails were added to the door to meet accessibility standards. On the team: Overland Partners (architect), Linbeck Group (GC).
THE BILCO COMPANY

MAJESTA WINDOWS, ULTRA SERIES DOORS AT DEPAUW U.

Project: Hoover Hall, DePauw University, Greencastle, Ind. Problem: The windows and doors needed to complement the aesthetics of the campus. Solution: Majesta windows were custom made to meet the large size specified. Ultra Series doors were pre-hung and included hand-routed grooves in the wood to simplify electrical connections. On the team: Robert A.M. Stern Architects, JC Ripberger (exterior contractor), Turner Construction (GC).
KOLBE WINDOWS & DOORS

SIMULATED STEEL LINE

To meet growing demand for steel-framed windows and doors, Western Window Systems launched its Simulated Steel Line, a collection of thermally broken aluminum windows and doors designed to match the distinctive look of steel. Narrow, clean profiles with beveled glass stops and .875-inch simulated divided lites emulate a steel putty glaze. The line offers low U-value ratings—with the help of low-e, argon-filled dual-pane glass—and a tested design pressure rating of 50. Options: oversized glass, split finishes, screens.
WESTERN WINDOW SYSTEMS

ENTICE PANIC DEVICE

EDITORS' PICK: This panic device features a two-piece design with an independent, low-profile crash bar that securely attaches to the vertical panic component. The system allows, for the first time, the specification of a back-to-back ladder pull together with a panic device. The Entice Panic Device works with monolithic tempered glass doors (½- and ¾-inch thick) and double-glazed insulating glass systems.
C.R. LAURENCE

AXES STEEL-FINISH DOORS

EDITORS' PICK: These interior steel-finish doors pivot on axis points to become architectural walls, creating an “invisible” door system with a minimalist design and good acoustic performance. AXES features three patents, including a pivot system that twists and rotates, and an integrated hold-open function. The system solves the intersections between open and closed environments.
MAARS LIVING WALLS

TECHVENT 5300

Extech’s Techvent 5300 window system allows industrial facilities to enjoy natural light and ventilation without sacrificing functionality. The system features a patented top-hinge design that allows the windows to remain open during normal rainfall while keeping the interior dry. The windows can be operated manually or electrically and can be integrated with existing building control systems. The units typically range from three to eight feet high and can be factory assembled with interlocking vertical mullions for installation as continuous clerestory wings up to 150 feet wide, or as smaller, individual “punched” openings.
EXTECH

INTEGRATED ROLSCREEN

This concealed, retractable screen for Pella Architect Series Reserve double- and single-hung windows moves seamlessly with the sash. The screen automatically appears when the window is opened and rolls out of sight when closed. It appears at both the lower sash and the upper sash of double-hung windows, and at the lower sash of single-hung windows. High-strength magnets keep the screen in place.
PELLA

YSD 600 T SLIDING GLASS DOOR

Low-threshold sliding glass door provides an additional entrance option for accessible design, and is suited for multifamily, hotel, and multipurpose buildings. It enables architects and contractors to incorporate accessibility needs into their projects. The thermally-broken system has a U-value of 0.51 Btu/hr/sf/F and accepts standard tempered one-inch-thick insulating units. Factory preglaze option offers higher quality control.
YKK AP America

STORMDEFENDER DOOR

The StormDefender door is designed specifically for safe room protection against tornadoes and hurricanes. The door can be embedded into precast concrete, making it virtually undetectable. Provides protection against high-speed projectiles and wind pressure of up to 250 psf, and is tested and certified to ICC500-2014 and FEMA P-361 standards. Its AlarmGard Closing System offers failsafe operation; the integrated release device allows the doors to close safely without loss of door spring tension.
CORNELL COOKSON

HSW SLIDING GLASS WALLS

Available in aluminum- and wood-framed systems, HSW single-track sliding glass walls offer virtually unlimited spans of individual, top-hung panels. The panels ride within a single head track over a single floor track, or no floor track at all, for a clean, simple aesthetic. Can accommodate angle changes up to 90 degrees and panels as tall as 12 feet. Swing doors can be located almost anywhere within the aluminum system; and next to side jambs for the wood system.
NANAWALL SYSTEMS

PD95 MORTISE LOCK

An industry first, the PD95 mortise lock for sliding doors offers single-action emergency egress. It features a solid brass deadbolt with a one-inch throw, self-retracting hook with a non-marring latch bolt, 2mm-thick faceplate, and a trim-locking device for emergency egress. This means the deadbolt will automatically release with a push of the inner handle in case of emergencies. An optional coin release for interior doors helps further ADA compliance and allows an occupant to easily open a door from the exterior without a key when they are unable to access the handle from the inside.
INOX

HYDRAULIC DOORS AT TAVERN

Sam’s Tavern in Seattle opened in early 2017 as part of a newly constructed 12-story office building. The restaurant and bar used two glass-clad hydraulic doors from Schweiss Doors to open the restaurant up to an outside patio with additional seating for 20 patrons. The custom-made doors measure 11 feet, 8¾ inches wide by 9 feet tall and include electric photo eye sensors.
SCHWEISS DOORS

ATTACK RESISTANT OPENINGS

EDITORS' PICK: Developed in partnership with School Guard Glass, these door openings comply with the 5-aa10 test standards based on the FBI’s Active Shooter Report. They can withstand a four-minute physical attack with the use of hand tools after being shot 60 times with 7.62 NATO rounds. Assembly will remain intact, preventing an attacker from breaching. Offers maximum security on a modest budget.
ASSA ABLOY

LATCH SMART ACCESS SYSTEM

EDITORS' PICK: Created for multifamily developments, Latch allows tenants, property managers, and visitors to access select security doors and apartment doors by smartphone, door code, or keycard. Users are assigned access codes via a Web-based access control platform. 
LATCH

ACOUSTI-CLEAR glass wall WITH MORPHGLAS

Modernfold expanded its Acousti-Clear acoustically-rated movable glass wall line with a switchable glass option for on-demand privacy. MorphGlas is a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal glass product that converts from clear to opaque—or back—at the touch of a button. The system also offers acoustical control of 45 STC, making it suitable for offices, schools, and other spaces where space division, flexibility, daylighting, and acoustical control are desired.
MODERNFOLD

See the 101 Top Products for 2019: Building Envelope winners
See the 101 Top Products for 2019: Building Systems winners
See the 101 Top Products for 2019: Flooring winners
See the 101 Top Products for 2019: Glass and Glazing winners
See the 101 Top Products for 2019: Interior Building Product winners
See the 101 Top Products for 2019: Plumbing Product winners
See the 101 Top Products for 2019: Structural Product winners
See the 101 Top Products for 2019: Window and Door Product winners

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