Architizer is excited to announce the winners for one of this year’s most inspiring design competitions. “The Best of LaCantina” attracted entries from architecture and design firms around the world, each integrating LaCantina’s stunning doors and windows into their projects in the most imaginative ways. The projects ranged widely in typology, environmental context and size, but they all have one thing in common: Their use of LaCantina products allows for a seamless connection between inside and out, framed by materials of the highest quality.
Without further ado, here are the standout designs from this year’s competition, projects that truly encapsulate “The Best of LaCantina”.
The overall winner is Foust Residence by Chrissie Beavis Design, chosen for its innovative use of multiple LaCantina systems including a perfectly matching door package of a zero post bifold door, 3- and 6-panel bifold doors, 3-panel bifold windows and 8-foot single-hinged doors. The resulting residence is filled with natural light throughout the day, and when the beautifully detailed doors are folded back, the open plan interiors seamlessly blend with outdoor terraces overlooking the waterfront at Newport Beach, California.
The honorable mention in the Rural Residential category goes to Craig McMahon Architects’ graceful Augusta residence, situated in the picturesque setting of Cordillera Ranch in Boerne, Texas. Completed just a few months ago, the modern abode’s defining feature is two 16-foot-wide multi sliding door systems in black anodized aluminum, framed by a structural timber frame. These vast panes of glass minimize the visual boundary between the main living space and the rear courtyard, and when the doors are opened, this “Great Room” effectively merges with the exterior landscape.
Taking the plaudits in the Suburban Residential category is Liszt Residence by Materia/Trace Wilson Design, which uses LaCantina products to take full advantage of the project’s breathtaking outlook over the Pacific Ocean in southern California. A lengthy stretch of bifolding doors afford the living spaces uninterrupted views down the San Diego coastline to La Jolla.
In the Urban Residential category, Infill Studio wins an honorable mention for its ingenious “down-to-the-studs” renovation of San Francisco Residence, a 19th century Stick Style Victorian house in Noe Valley Neighborhood. The designers utilized LaCantina’s large spans, attractive narrow stiles and custom colors to achieve a contemporary aesthetic that sits in harmony with the building’s historic architectural features.
There was strong competition in the Compact category, but Space Pod by Studio B Architecture Interiors emerged victorious, gaining an honorable mention for its use of LaCantina’s slick pocketing system. The sliding doors surrounding the living space can be pushed completely into the walls, offering a seamless boundary that fits perfectly with this modern workshop’s minimal aesthetic.
The honorable mention in the Commercial category goes to Think Architecture for its adept use of LaCantina bifolding doors in Stein Erikson Lodge, situated in the dramatic landscape of Deer Valley in Park City, Utah. The durability of the doors made them a perfect choice for the high moisture environment, and clever detailing also allows them to span over the luxury facility’s indoor-outdoor pool, bridging the connection between the lodge and its mountainous surroundings.
Finally, in the Most Innovative category, Levy Design Partners takes the honorable mention for their unique Bloomfield Garage, which combines LaCantina aluminum folding doors with an innovative combination of materials including a prefabricated Quonset hut roof. The doors open smoothly to reveal a modern garage and art studio, each perfectly framed beneath the distinctive curved profile of the roof.
All seven projects are recognized for their blend of beautifully detailed architectural design and innovative use of LaCantina’s varied product range. Members of the overall winning team have been rewarded with a trip to New York City for Archtober, while the honorable mentions will also be published on LaCantinaDoors.com.
As the competition brief rightly states, “breathtaking architecture is only possible with breathtaking materials.” It is fitting, then, that every winning project is a result of the savvy specification of LaCantina doors and windows.
