Specification awards shortlist announced

The shortlist for the biennial GAI RIBA Architectural Ironmongery Specification awards has now been announced.

A record number of projects were submitted by architects, specifiers, architectural ironmongers and manufacturers from across the world.

Organised by the GAI in conjunction with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the awards are designed to identify and reward excellence in the specification of architectural ironmongery.

The 2018/19 awards will see changes from previous years, including an additional project being shortlisted in each category and a brand new award for the best new product. The ‘Best new product: design and innovation’ category has been created to celebrate new door and window hardware and access control products, allowing advancing technologies to be fully showcased and recognised.

David Stacey, president of the GAI, says:

“The Specification Awards ceremony is one of the Guild’s most highly anticipated events. The calibre of entries is always incredibly high and shows architectural ironmongery at its best. The GAI is always proud to see its member companies involved in so many complex projects.

“These awards are unique because they reward the whole specification team, highlighting the importance of the professional partnership between architects and architectural ironmongers.”

For each category there will be a winner, second and third place as well as a highly-commended award. The judges will also decide on an overall ‘winner of winners’. At the 2017/18 Specification Awards, this accolade went to Kings Gate, a residential project by architectural ironmongers izéand architect Lynch Architects. A brochure featuring the 2017/18 winning projects can be downloaded from the GAI website.

The winners will be announced at a celebratory lunch at OXO2 in the OXO Tower on 21 March 2019.

Product design and innovation (sponsored by Allgood plc)
DC700G-FT Security Cam-Motion Door Closer - ASSA ABLOY
Guardian - Exidor Ltd
Smart Entrance - Häfele UK
Tectus Glass - Tectus

Commercial and hospitality (sponsored by ASSA ABLOY)
Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort - Carrson International (a division of Harbrine Limited) / Mooney Architectural
Royal Academy of Arts - d line eisenware
Royal Opera House, London 'Open Up' - John Planck Ltd
St Andrew's House - John Planck Ltd

Public health and education (sponsored by Forza Doors Ltd)
Maggie's Centre, Oldham - Allgood plc
Sense Touchbase Pears - d line eisenware
St Helena Campus, University of Derby - Em-B Solutions
The Engine Sheds, Historic Environment Scotland - Allgood plc

Residential (sponsored by Frank Allart & Co Ltd)
10 Trinity Square - ize
Battersea Power Station Phase 1, Circus West - Laidlaw Ltd
Caring Wood House - John Planck Ltd
Centrepoint - Allgood plc

International (sponsored by dormakaba)
Al Bait Hotel, UAE - The Silver Shore Trading Co. LLC
Al Salam Palace Museum, Kuwait - Turentek
Four Seasons Hotel, Kuwait - Allgood plc
Qatar Rail, Qatar - The Silver Shore Trading Co. LLC