Architect Magazine: 2010 R+D Awards

Fourth Annual R+D Awards

Mon, 21 May 2012 02:23:03 EST

This year's jury selected 11 winners—ranging from sustainable housing to steam-bending and rubber sinks—based on a combination of performance, aesthetics, and progressive thinking.

Award: Digital Steam-Bending

Mon, 21 May 2012 02:23:06 EST

A University of Michigan research group has revisited the 19th century technique of bending wood through steam with 21st century tools.

Award: R-House

Mon, 21 May 2012 02:23:04 EST

Designed by two New York architecture firms, the compact R-House offers a prototype for low-energy housing that’s also affordable and adaptable.

Award: RUBBiSH (Recycled Rubber Sinks)

Mon, 21 May 2012 02:23:04 EST

In the world of green, worth is usually measured in acronyms—VOCs, IAQ, FSC, etc. Minarc's rubber sink, however, has a pedigree so pure, no acronyms are necessary.

Award: Chicago Central Area Decarbonization Plan

Mon, 21 May 2012 03:54:38 EST

Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, known for net-zero and positive-energy designs, is helping its hometown of Chicago meet carbon-reduction goals.

Award: North House: Responsive Envelope Prototyping

Mon, 21 May 2012 02:23:02 EST

Designed for the 2009 Solar Decathlon, RVTR/Team North's 800-square-foot prototype house is tailor-made for northern climates.

Award: Green-Zip Tape

Mon, 21 May 2012 02:23:07 EST

It’s hard to get simpler in conception and execution than Green-Zip Tape, a substitute for the joint-compound tape that's been used between gypsum board panels since the 1930s.

Award: Shadow Pavilion

Mon, 21 May 2012 02:23:05 EST

The surface of PLY Architecture's Shadow Pavilion consists of 100-plus laser-cut cones that test the limits of sheet aluminum while funneling in light, moisture, and sound.

Citation: Community Rowing Boathouse

Mon, 21 May 2012 03:54:37 EST

When the only public-access rowing club on the Charles River required a new facility, Anmahian Winton Architects saw a chance to update the vocabulary of local rowing structures.

Citation: Bitmaps

Mon, 21 May 2012 02:23:01 EST

Wallpaper isn't everyone's cup of tea. In response to a client’s interest in 3D wall paneling, PROJECTiONE set out to invent a system of ornamental tiles.

Citation: New York Stock Exchange Security and Streetscape

Mon, 21 May 2012 03:54:38 EST

Street security is omnipresent in urban centers. Finding existing options for New York's financial district lacking, Rogers Marvel Architects developed the Turntable Vehicle Barrier.

Citation: HelioTrace Façade System

Mon, 21 May 2012 02:23:02 EST

SOM combines kinetic shades, the building envelope, and internal mechanicals into an adaptive façade that minimizes energy use while maximizing user comfort.