Manufacturers from the APL Window Solutions network won all three residential categories in the 2022 window industry Design Flair Awards run by WGANZ (Window & Glass Association of New Zealand), announced at the recent industry conference and gala dinner. In addition to the residential clean sweep, APL window suppliers won the Commercial over $101,000 award and the Sustainability award.

APL prize winners were Altherm Taranaki Ltd (Residential under $50,000 window contract value), Design Windows Central Otago (Residential $51,000-$150,000) and Origin Residential (Residential over $150,000), with Wight Aluminium winning the Commercial category (over $101,000) and the Sustainability Award.

The Design Windows Central Otago project featured an entirely glazed north wall — a dramatic raking façade, with sliding doors and overlights in Metro Series ThermalHEART joinery. The view from Ruby Ridge, Wanaka, to the peak-fringed lake was further enhanced by the windows running into the ceiling and internal linings, with head frame recessed for a clean, minimalist look. (Project designed by Wilson & Hill Architects, builder Tony Quirk Builders).

Capturing views was also a priority in the window schedule for the Altherm Taranaki entry (Residential under $50,000), featuring large window and door formats with views to Mt Taranaki. APL Architectural Series and Metro Series were used, with AGP Solux- E double glazing with argon fill and thermal spacer.

Raking windows above two pairs of sliding doors with frames rebated into the soffit were probably the key feature of the glazing in this house, designed by Boon Architects and built by Chris Bell Construction. “This is a clean, skillfully constructed project and the way its raking configurations fit well to the soffit is critical in executing the architect’s vision,” the judges commented.

It was a ‘hat trick’ of projects that exploited views, with the over $150,000 residential award going to a coastal home on Aotea Great Barrier Island that looks out to iconic Medlands Beach. The design, by Jeremy Chapman Architecture, followed a low, long, horizontal form complemented by a taller, denser two-level element to the centre.

In this house, sliding doors dominated the product portfolio supplied by Origin Residential with 29 sliding panels in total. More than 60 linear metres of the ground floor building envelope were completed in fixed or sliding glass. Each section of sliding doors is designed to stack in either direction, enabling flexibility in configuration and functionality. Frames were recessed at the head and sill for a clean, flush appearance. The builder was the Great Barrier Building Company.

The Commercial over $101,000 award won by Wight Aluminium was for Auckland’s striking Puhinui Transport Interchange, and the Sustainability Award went to Wight Aluminium for a rural residential project that followed Passive House design principles.