The Marvin Family of Brands has announced the winners of its tenth Marvin Architects Challenge, an annual design competition that recognizes use of its windows and doors in residential and commercial projects. Architects Jane Frederick, FAIA, ASID; Matt Kreilich, FAIA; and Takashi Yanai, FAIA, served as judges for the competition and selected six winners from more than 220 submissions from across North America. The winning projects range in style from a modern residence in the remote woods of Wisconsin to the historic revitalization of a former department store in Alabama, and highlight how the strategic use of doors and windows can transform any space.
“Marvin and our architect partners share the goal of creating spaces that enhance people’s experience,” says Dondi Kazukewicz, senior manager of brand communications at The Marvin Family of Brands. “We are committed to supporting our customers as they create these spaces and are so proud to celebrate and recognize their work each year with the Architects Challenge. It is rewarding for us to see the role Marvin and Integrity products have in making their clients’ dreams a reality.”
The Marvin Architects Challenge features six competitive categories, best contemporary; best transitional; best traditional new construction; best remodel/addition; best commercial and best historic, which was a new addition in 2018. The best in show winner was selected from the category finalists and will be featured in Architectural Digest magazine, as well as on its website. The 2018 Challenge also marked the first time the competition was open to projects using Integrity Windows and Doors, resulting in 71 submissions with Integrity product.
“When we looked at the diversity of projects entered, it was impressive to see how Marvin and Integrity’s portfolios of windows and doors work for all different styles, complementing anything from modern to historic renovations,” says Kreilich. “The range of product style was quite varied across the vast number of submissions, making it both an honor and challenge to judge.”
The winning projects are detailed below and were judged on solution-driven design, innovative use of Marvin and Integrity windows and doors, and the ability of the building or space to improve lives.
Best in Show & Best Contemporary: Pleated House – Door County, Wis.
Architect: Sebastian Schmaling, Johnsen Schmaling Architects
Immersed in a forest on the lakeshore in Door County, the exterior palette of this home features charred cedar siding complemented by varnished clear cedar, dark anodized aluminum, and Marvin Ultimate Casement windows and doors, capitalizing on the natural light breaking through the trees. A Marvin Sliding Patio Door on the back of the home connects to the woods beyond.
Best Transitional: Rosecoast Residence – St. Andrews, New Brunswick
Architects: Monica Adair and Stephen Kopp, Acre Architects
Nestled amongst the wild roses of St. Andrews’ shoreline, the Rosecoast Residence overlooks Ministers Island through a wall of Marvin Specialty Shapes and Ultimate Push Out Casement windows, offering views of Passamaquoddy Bay and the historic Van Horne Estate Bath House. In addition to exterior materials that echo the rocky and wooded landscape, the Rosecoast Residence utilizes Marvin Ultimate Double Hung Next Generation Windows with Marvin Ultimate Sliding and Swinging French doors to create a contemporary design. These strategically placed windows and doors result in a home that blends into its environment while bringing in views of surrounding cultural landmarks.
Best Traditional New Construction: Excelsior Lake Home – Excelsior, Minn.
Architect: Dan Nepp, AIA, ID, NCARB; TEA2 Architects
With its shingle-style look, the Excelsior Lake Home sits on Lake Minnetonka and fits in with the community. Its main-level living area and the master suite above were placed to capture beautiful lake views through rows of Marvin Ultimate Awning and Ultimate Double Hung Next Generation windows. A Marvin Ultimate Swinging French Door on the west side of the lawn creates an inviting entry, while simultaneously allowing sunlight to flood the home. Marvin Ultimate French Casement Windows and Ultimate Sliding French Door with a white finish complement the millwork of the interior, creating a home crafted to be timeless.
Best Remodel/Addition: Brooklyn Heights Remodel – Brooklyn, N.Y.
Architect: Ben Herzog, Ben Herzog Architect PC
A two-story addition to the back of a landmarked brownstone in this Brooklyn Heights Remodel allowed for the creation of a light-filled kitchen, new nursery and sitting area, and a study adjacent to the master bedroom suite. Spaces in the addition are engulfed in natural light through several Marvin Ultimate Casement Windows and multiple Marvin Swinging French Doors. The exterior features original brick alongside casement windows and black trim made from acetylated wood product to resist rotting and fading, making this renovation one that will last for years to come.
Best Commercial: Frick Environmental Center – Pittsburgh
Architect: Robert T. Aumer Jr., AIA; Bohlin Cywinski Jackson
Situated on the edge of the wooded 644-acre Frick Park in Pittsburgh, the Frick Environmental Center is a living learning center for hands-on environmental education, providing visitors with opportunities to experience a natural ecosystem while learning the technical aspects of a net-zero building. An assortment of Marvin Specialty Shapes, Ultimate Awning, Ultimate Casement and Ultimate Magnum Double Hung windows, as well as a Marvin Commercial Door, flood the center with an abundance of natural light, allowing visitors to take in the beauty of the park beyond. The LEED Platinum-certified Frick Environmental Center was awarded full Living Building Challenge certification, which is regarded as a rigorous and complete building standard.
Best Historic: The Pizitz – Birmingham, Ala.
Architect: Wisznia | Architecture + Development in association with KPS Architects
Built between 1923 and 1925, The Pizitz operated as a department store until its doors closed in 1988. After multiple false starts in renovating the historic street corner building, a four-year revitalization project kicked off in 2012. Because federal and state historic tax credits were used to fund the project, any new windows had to match the originals and be approved by the National Park Service. More than 300 windows were replaced with custom Marvin Specialty Shapes, Ultimate Awning, Ultimate Casement and Ultimate Magnum Double Hung windows, completing a building that now features a food hall, shared workspace and 143 apartments.
Following their win, Marvin Architects Challenge champions are invited to attend an event at the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Convention and take a VIP trip to Marvin headquarters in Warroad, Minn., for an honors event with Marvin executives, earning AIA-CES credits during the visit. All winning projects and architects will be featured in the yearly Architects Challenge coffee table book from Marvin, which is distributed to customers and industry partners.