CRL-U.S. Aluminum Products Secure Four Awards in Architectural Record’s Annual “Products of the Year” Competition

CRL-U.S. Aluminum—a leading manufacturer and supplier of architectural glazing systems—took home four awards in Architectural Record Magazine’s 2016 “Products of the Year” competition.

A jury of industry experts reviewed hundreds of entries in various categories and selected winners according to usefulness, aesthetics, and degree of innovation. CRL-U.S. Aluminum’s winning products are as follows:

• TAPER-LOC® 9BL Glass Railing System with Safety Seal: Best in Category, Railings
• Transpara™ Vertically Frameless Shower Door System: Editor’s Choice, Kitchen/Bath Fixtures
• Series 4500 SSG Unit-Glazed Window Wall: Winner, Facades
• DRS 1202 Swinging Door System: Winner, Doors

The TAPER-LOC® 9BL Glass Railing System with Safety Seal features a drop-side rubber seal that is installed in the base shoe before the glass is inserted.

This bypasses the need for glaziers to reach over the glass railing to roll in the seal.

The result is an advanced glass railing installation method that is safer and faster than standard procedures.

The multiple hollow design of the 9BL Base Shoe also makes it 30% lighter than standard base shoes for easier handling.

The Transpara™ Shower Door System is an industry first.

From wall-to-wall, there’s no visible hardware connecting glass panels together or holding them in place against the sidewalls.

For example, the system is free of door hinges, wall clamps, and vertical metal fittings.

This creates a floor-to-ceiling shower enclosure that produces a monumental all-glass aesthetic.

The Series 4500 SSG Unit-Glazed Window Wall is a new unitized system that features new CRL unit split mullions and gravity loaded sill flashing.

This enables pre-glazed sections to easily snap together on location, reducing the amount of field labor by as much as 50%, and expediting installations.

With no exposed exterior vertical members, the double thermal, structural silicone-glazed system offers architects uninterrupted spans of glass with exceptional thermal performance.

The DRS 1202 Swinging Door System is a unique entrance system that requires no top or bottom rail, resulting in a distinct all-glass aesthetic.

To accomplish this, CRL engineered a hydraulic closing mechanism that is concealed within the slim 2" vertical pivot tube.

This creates a frameless profile that is further enhanced by eliminating the need for a floor closer.

“We’re extremely proud to be recognized by such a respected voice in the architectural community,” said Lloyd Talbert, President of CRL.

“Winning awards in several key product categories speaks to our commitment to driving product innovation across the board so that we may lead in the many markets we serve.

Above all, we believe we have an obligation to our industry to develop glazing systems that continue to appeal to this influential audience and keep glass as a preferred building material in the specification process.”