AI SPECIFICATION AWARDS 2026

The AI Specification Awards 2026, sponsored by ASSA ABLOY, celebrated the best projects and products from across the architectural ironmongery sector. On this page you can find out more about the winners in each category.

Commercial & Retail (sponsored by Allegion)  

WINNER

63-66 Coleman Street, London  
Architect – Emrys Architects 
Architectural Ironmonger – 3V Architectural Hardware

Summary
63-66 Coleman Street is a refined commercial redevelopment in the heart of the City of London, delivering flexible workspace, rooftop amenities and an enhanced public realm within a sensitive conservation area setting.

Ironmongery specification
3V Architectural Hardware delivered a bespoke ironmongery specification that supported the building’s restrained and elegant design approach. Bespoke 1980mm push plates and 1800mm pull handles were crafted with radius detailing that mirrors the curved vision panels throughout the scheme.
 
A key challenge was the original full-height handle concept, which was incompatible with fire-testing requirements. 3V worked closely with Emrys Architects and Forza Doors to develop an innovative two-part back plate system, allowing the plates to fall away in the event of a fire while preserving the bespoke aesthetic.

Hospitality (sponsored by Forza Doors)

WINNER

The Riverside, Fulham Football Club  
Architect – Stuart Forbes Associates 
Architectural Ironmonger – Allgood Ltd

Summary
The Riverside at Fulham FC forms part of the transformation of Craven Cottage into a landmark Thames-side hospitality and leisure destination, combining lounges, terraces, members’ spaces and hotel accommodation.

Ironmongery specification
Allgood delivered a highly coordinated ironmongery specification across a diverse range of interiors, each with its own atmosphere and identity. Matching finishes and carefully selected hardware were used to complement surrounding materials, textures and architectural forms.
 
Where standard products could not achieve the required visual or functional outcome, bespoke solutions were developed, including custom pull handles, a cloakroom pull handle and a specially designed flush lock system. The specification successfully balanced aesthetics, accessibility, fire safety and long-term durability.

Public, Health & Education (sponsored by Access 2)  

WINNER

Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease, Leeds  
Architect – Corstorphine & Wright 
Architectural Ironmonger – Em-B Solutions Ltd

Summary
The Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease at Seacroft Hospital in Leeds was created to provide a calm and welcoming environment for people living with MND, bringing specialist care and support together under one roof.

Ironmongery specification
Em-B Solutions developed an ironmongery specification that combines durability, hygiene and accessibility with a strong design identity. Bespoke black hardware creates a consistent visual language throughout the building.
 
Wide doorways, lift-to-lock bathroom locks and cam-action closers reduce the physical effort required to move through the building safely and independently. Pivoting bathroom doors with emergency release stops further support assisted access when required, helping create an environment that feels reassuring, intuitive and human-centred.

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Walworth Town Hall Restoration & Regeneration  
Architect – Feix & Merlin
Architectural Ironmongery – HAF @ John Planck

Residential (sponsored by Frank Allart)

WINNER

The Blore Building and Cloister, Lambeth Palace, London  
Architect – Wright & Wright Architects 
Architectural Ironmonger – 3V Architectural Hardware

Summary
The Blore Building and Cloister at Lambeth Palace forms part of a sensitive refurbishment of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s historic Grade I-listed residence in London.

Ironmongery specification
The ironmongery specification was defined by conservation, consistency and minimal intervention. Existing fittings were carefully surveyed and retained wherever possible, preserving original fabric and reducing unnecessary replacement.
 
Where new ironmongery was required, antique brass finishes and carefully selected forms were chosen to complement the naturally aged character of the Palace. The specification balances heritage authenticity, durability, accessibility and compliance while supporting the continued use of this important historic building.

International (sponsored by dormakaba) 

WINNER

Cape Grace, A Fairmont Managed Hotel, Cape Town  
Architect – 1508 London 
Architectural Ironmonger – Consort Architectural Hardware

Summary
Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town has undergone the most extensive refurbishment in its history, transforming the landmark destination into a contemporary luxury hospitality environment.

Ironmongery specification
Consort Architectural Hardware delivered a complete ironmongery specification aligned with the hotel’s renewed identity and waterfront setting. Bespoke textured hardware, concealed hinges and architectural fittings in Satin PVD Gold and Brass finishes were selected to complement surrounding materials and preserve clean architectural lines.
 
Knurled detailing and cast pad pull handles add depth, tactility and a handcrafted quality throughout the guest experience, while the specification delivers the durability and long-term performance required in a demanding hospitality environment.

Small Projects (sponsored by Codelocks)

WINNER

Overdale  
Interior Designer – Bess Sturman 
Architectural Ironmonger – Em-B Solutions Ltd

Summary
Overdale is a substantial Victorian home overlooking Ilkley Moor, carefully refurbished to balance heritage character with contemporary family living.

Ironmongery specification
Em-B Solutions developed a fully bespoke ironmongery specification that brings consistency, tactility and individuality throughout the property. A coordinated Imperial Bronze hardware suite, including bespoke knurled levers, cabinet fittings and concealed systems, complements both the restored period rooms and contemporary extensions.
 
Hidden doors, bespoke detailing and carefully integrated hardware add moments of surprise while helping the old and new areas of the house feel naturally connected. The project demonstrates how even a smaller residential specification can showcase creativity, craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Sustainability (sponsored by Zoo Hardware)

WINNER

93 Mortimer Street, London  
Architect – Robson Warren Architects 
Architectural Ironmonger – 3V Architectural Hardware

Summary
93 Mortimer Street is a carefully restored Grade II-listed building in London’s Fitzrovia district, demonstrating a thoughtful and conservation-led approach to sustainability.

Ironmongery specification
3V Architectural Hardware were tasked with rescuing, restoring and reinstating original window ironmongery that had previously been removed and stored together without identification.
 
More than 70 original fittings were individually assessed, repaired and returned to their correct locations, preserving historic character while reducing unnecessary replacement and embodied carbon. The project demonstrates how restoration, reuse and craftsmanship can deliver genuine sustainability in architectural ironmongery specification.

Product Design & Innovation - Mechanical

MECHANICAL WINNER

DC850 Concealed Door Closer  
Manufacturer – ASSA ABLOY

Summary
The DC850 is a concealed door closer that combines high performance with discreet design, developed to deliver reliable operation while minimising visual impact.

Product specification
The product impressed through the engineering achievement of its exceptionally compact 30mm-wide closer body. This slimmer profile allows less material to be removed from the door core during installation, supporting door integrity while maintaining performance.
 
Using Cam-Motion technology, the DC850 reduces opening forces and provides smoother, easier operation for users. The product brings together accessibility, performance and discreet design in one compact architectural solution.

Product Design & Innovation - Electronic (sponsored by ADSA)

WINNER

GU DTN 80 UFO Automatic Underfloor Operator  
Manufacturer – Gretsch-Unitas Ltd

Summary
The GU DTN 80 UFO is a powerful automatic underfloor operator designed to deliver high-performance door automation with minimal visual impact.

Product specification
Fully concealed beneath the floor, the system preserves clean architectural lines while supporting demanding applications including fire doors, escape routes and accessible entrances.
 
Capable of operating doors up to 600 kilograms, the DTN 80 combines strength, safety and smooth, quiet operation within a discreet architectural solution. The product enables specifiers to deliver automatic door functionality without visible overhead hardware.

Winner of Winners (sponsored by GEZE UK)

WINNER OF WINNERS

The Riverside, Fulham Football Club  
Architect – Stuart Forbes Associates 
Architectural Ironmonger – Allgood Ltd

Summary
The Riverside at Fulham FC was selected by the judging panel as the standout project from this year’s category winners, receiving the Winner of Winners Award at the AI Specification Awards 2026.

Ironmongery specification
The project stood out for the way architectural ironmongery was used as an integral part of the overall architectural and interior design vision. Across a diverse hospitality environment, the specification responded carefully to a wide range of interior styles, balancing restraint and refinement in some spaces with bolder, more expressive detailing in others.
 
Bespoke pull handles, custom locking solutions and coordinated finishes create consistency throughout the development while supporting accessibility, durability and long-term performance.