El Andaluz bench
A dozen design projects from across the country were recognized last week with the first Coverings Installation & Design Awards. A total of $10,000 in prize money was handed out to winners. The honors acknowledge the superior installation of tile or stone and how that skillfulness impacts the level of aesthetics and contributes to the interpretation of a distinctive design vision. The top awards in this competition went to Santa Barbara-based Dan Upton Construction and Jeff Shelton Architect, who each received the Grand Prize in the commercial category; and, in the residential division to RJH Tile and Stone of Holly, MI, and longtime collaborator and tile designer, David Ellison of St. Claire Shores, MI. A $1,000 cash prize was presented to each of the Grand Prize honorees.
El Anduluz courtyard by night
The entry earning Upton and Shelton the award was El Andaluz, a three-story, seven-unit condominium complex that impresses with its tile artistry and resonates with Moroccan influences. Centerpiece of the site is an open courtyard where the tile is fashioned into an exquisite mélange of decoration. Eye candy at every turn, the installation includes pillars and archways, stair risers and treads, benches and fountain. Contrasting colors and patterns create the visual dynamic that is irresistible.
Six other projects were cited as standouts among the more than 50 entries from across the country, and the installers and designers credited with them went home from Coverings with $500 cash prizes. These winners included:
Installer: Wirtz Quality Installation, Inc.
Designer: Anshen+Allen Architects and CO Architects
Project: Palomar Medical Center West, Escondido, CA
Category: Commercial/Tile
Installer: Raj and Henri Girem, Girem Tile Work Inc.
Designer: Phil Kean Designs, Inc.
Project: NAHB 2012 New American Home, Winter Park, FL
Category: Residential/Stone
Installer: Ernest Grof, Inspired installations
Designer: Jason Haywood, Signature Outdoor Concepts
Project: Bella Leoni, Grand Rapids, MI
Category: Residential/Mosaic
The Coverings Installation & Design Awards judges called out four other projects and their install/design teams because of the degree of craftsmanship and compelling results.
These honorees received Special Recognition trophies:
Award: Extensive Use of Stone & Installation Excellence
Installer: David Castellucci, Kenneth Castellucci & Associates
Designer: David Mexico, Rockwell Group
Project: Mohegan Sun – Earth Expansion Winter Entrance – Uncasville, CT
Award: Historic Restoration
Installer: Gary Kundson
Designer: Holabird & Root
Project: The Monroe Building, Chicago, IL
To learn more about the Coverings Installation & Design Awards winners and their work visit our website and our Facebook page.
