Draper, Inc.

Feb. 10, 2023 - Four construction projects that include Draper solutions are nominated in the annual ArchDaily.com "Building of the Year" competition. Three of the four buildings were solar control projects, and two of them are home to tailored solutions custom-designed by Draper. All four are nominated in the "Best Applied Products" category.

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures – Renzo Piano Building Workshop + Gensler

The museum's most attention-grabbing feature is a large glass dome. With all that glass, there was a real concern about solar heat buildup and glare. Just any window shade wouldn't do for this project because we had to find a way to shade a dome curving in multiple directions. The Draper Solar Control Solutions team came up with an innovative system that involves several smaller, tensioned skylight shades that match perfectly with the mullions of the dome's metal support structure.

Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex – Behnisch Architekten

"Designed to inspire learning and scientific discovery while showcasing sustainability," the complex features a lot of glazing. Which created the need for window shades. But to allow the Bottom-Up FlexShade units to fit and function properly, Draper had to design custom clutches and brackets.

The special brackets included a section that could be removed to deal with variations in height requirements. The base of the brackets could be rotated in relation to upper brackets to accommodate variations in the concrete edge. And the bottom of the base included a special raised section to allow it to properly fit with the slab enclosure cap.

Minneapolis Public Service Building – Henning Larsen + MSR Design

The first public building built in Minneapolis' city center in several years is a "contemporary alternative" to the existing structures. It was designed with openness and connection in mind and includes both public and private spaces.

According to Josh Awend of American Drapery, one of the most impressive parts of the building is a row of 40 skylights that are side by side along a full city block. His company installed 40 Skylight 2 shades on a slight angle, with sun sensors to adjust the shades according to the conditions. IntelliFlex I/O wall switches and handheld remotes can be used for local control in four separate zones: A two story atrium with stairs, a public area, and 2 office areas.

Draper manual and motorized shades are also included throughout the building, all with sustainable fabrics from Mermet and Phifer to help contribute to the project's status as a LEED-certified building.

University of Idaho Central Credit Union Arena – Opsis Architecture

The arena serves the needs of the University of Idaho's basketball program as we those of campus activities. Designed to fit well with the surrounding landscape, but with hints at the area's history, it combines sustainability with an "intimate spectator experience." The building is fitted out with a main court and a practice facility as well.

Draper provided DUW wall-mounted backstops that can fold up against the wall and out of the way during non-basketball activities. However, a key contribution comes in safety and health. The custom printed wall pads are Certified to UL GREENGUARD and UL GREENGUARD Gold standards for indoor air quality. The ultraviolet inks we use are safe for the environment while producing sharp, clear artwork from any distance. They also meet ASTM standard F 2440-11 for indoor wall padding.

Vote for your favorite by clicking the relevant name below. Voting in this stage of the competition continues through February 15 so hurry!

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex

Minneapolis Public Service Building

University of Idaho Central Credit Union Arena