Guardian Glass North America recently celebrated the outstanding work of glaziers and fabricators involved in seven remarkable commercial projects at its 7th annual Commercial Project Awards event held on March 4 in Nashville.
Rick Zoulek, the Executive Vice President of Guardian Glass, praised the skill, creativity, professionalism, and dedication of the glaziers and fabricators who collaborate with Guardian Glass to bring architects’ visions to life using Guardian SunGuard™ high-performance coatings. Zoulek expressed admiration for the impressive projects submitted for the Commercial Project Awards each year, as well as the consistent quality of work produced by Guardian Glass partners. He extended his congratulations to the winners of this year’s awards.
A new addition to this year’s event was the introduction of the Guardian Glass “Early Adopter Award,” which recognizes partners who demonstrate exceptional use of a new Guardian SunGuard product.
Judges, including esteemed figures from the glass industry such as Tom Culp, Deb Levy, Sara Neiswanger, Ellen Rogers, and Urmilla Sowell, selected the winners from a pool of over 30 nominees. These individuals, representing trade media and associations, provided valuable insights and feedback throughout the awards process. Guardian Glass expressed gratitude for their expertise and unwavering support for the glass industry. 
The 2024 Guardian Glass Commercial Project Award Winners were chosen by the panel of judges. The event not only highlighted the exceptional projects but also served as a platform to acknowledge and appreciate the dedication and talent of the professionals shaping the future of the glass industry.
Western U.S.
Cascadian
(Yale & Harrison)
Seattle, Washington
Size: Medium (10–49,999 square feet)
Products: SunGuard SNX 62/27 coating on UltraClear™ and clear glass
Architect: Perkins&Will
Glazier: Walters & Wolf
Fabricator: Vitrum™ Glass Group
Photo credit: Kevin Scott
Judge Comment:
The project illustrates glass-forward construction while appreciating the unique considerations of heat and energy regulation, plus stringent building codes, which come with a project in the Northwest.
Midwestern U.S.
1000M
Chicago, Illinois
Size: Monumental
Products: SunGuard SNE 50 coating on UltraClear glass
Architect: Jahn
Glazier &
Fabricator: BVGlazing Systems
Photo Credit: Guardian Glass
Judge Comments:
-Good incorporation of differing lines, curves and triangles.
-Those interlocking triangles, along with the heightened wind load requirements, leave no room for error aesthetically or in performance.
Northeastern U.S.
The Wharf Parcel 8 – Pendry Hotel and Tides Apartments
Washington, D.C.
Size: Extra Large (100–199,000 square feet)
Product: SunGuard SuperNeutral™ 68 coating on clear glass
Architect: ODA Architecture
Glazier: Service Glass
Fabricator: Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope® – Wright City, Missouri
Photo Credit: James Ewing / JBSA
Judge Comments:
-This project demonstrates glazing fulfilling daylight and views objectives while providing intriguing visual aesthetic.
-“Anyone familiar with the D.C. waterfront knows what a difficult and unforgiving place it is to work. The glass in this design enhances the view from the building and into the building-all executed in a difficult work environment.”
Southeastern U.S.
Santa Fe Square
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Size: Medium (10–49,999 square feet)
Product: SunGuard SNX 51/23 coating on clear glass
Architect: Selser Schaefer Architects
Glazier: American Glass
Fabricator: Tristar Glass
Photo Credit: Phil Clarkin Photography
Judge Comment:
“The Santa Fe Square building does a nice job of blending with the more historic buildings surrounding it, while bringing a modern touch for the future.”
Canada
Îlot Balmoral
Montreal, Quebec
Size: Large (50–99,999 square feet)
Products: SunGuard SN 68 coating on UltraClear and clear glass
Architect: Provencher Roy
Glazier: Groupe Lessard
Fabricator: Multiver
Photo Credit: Stéphane Brügger
Judge Comments:
-“… the thoughtfulness towards its occupants and how it is being used as a giant display and interactive piece of art.”
-“… striking design balancing the vivid red with the neutral SN68, and an impressive full height glazed atrium.”
-“… (application for) Gold Certification is a welcome environmental benefit.”
Early Adopter
Godfrey Hotel
Detroit, Michigan
Size: Medium (10–49,999 square feet)
Products: SunGuard SNR 50 coating and NU 78/65 coating on clear glass
Architect: Neumann/Smith Architecture
Glazier: Edwards Glass Co.
Fabricator: Thompson Innovative Glass
Photo Credit: Guardian Glass
Judge Comment:
“The Godfrey Hotel just pops, but with calm and clear vibes. The framing in windows suits the building and seemingly the environment around it. In general, I appreciate the large windows in a building designed to appear (I presume) as a renovation of an older, existing building.”
People’s Choice Award
Guardian also offered the public the chance to vote for a People’s Choice winner, and participants selected:
ARQ at Cumulus
Los Angeles, California
Size: Large (50–99,999 square feet)
Product: SunGuard SNR 43 coating on clear glass
Architect: Solomon Cordwell Buenz
Glazier &
Fabricator: Quest Window Systems
Photo Credit: Hunter Karhart
Judge Comment:
“The ARQ Cumulus stands out as a glistening gem thanks to the glass facade, which also ensures a comfortable space for those inside thanks to the solar control properties of the glass.”
2024 GUARDIAN GLASS COMMERCIAL PROJECT AWARD WINNERS
Source: Guardian Glass with additional information added by GlassBalkan
