Best of NeoCon 2015

Contract magazine’s Best of NeoCon 2015 competition of products launched at NeoCon recognized 79 products by 62 companies in 41 categories. The honors included 38 Gold Awards, 37 Silver Awards, nine Innovation Awards, and five Editors’ Choice Awards for a total of 90 awards including Best of Competition.

Tuohy Furniture Corporation was the big winner with its WorkStyles system, which received five Best of NeoCon awards: Two Gold Awards (Furniture Systems and Case Goods), one Silver Award (Furniture Collections for Collaboration), one Innovation Award (Occasional Tables), and Best of Competition. See below for more details about WorkStyles.

HNI Corp. subsidiaries received seven Best of NeoCon awards. HBF and HBF Textiles together won five awards. HBF’s Cheval Collection received Gold Awards in both the Occasional Tables and Seating: Benches categories, while the Carlyle Collection won Gold in Seating: Guest, and the Andaz Collection won Silver in Seating: Stacking. HBF Textiles’ Cork Cloth won a Silver Award in the Window Treatments: Drapery Textiles, Shades & Shading Systems category. HNI’s Gunlocke, meanwhile, won two Silver Awards: for Avoca Swivel in the Seating: Conference category and for Urbana Lounge in Seating: Sofas & Lounge.

Andreu World won three Gold Awards and one Silver Award. The Golds went to Couve in Seating: Sofas & Lounge, Flex Executive in Seating: Conference, and Lineal Barstool in Seating: Barstools. The Silver went to Reverse Occasional in the Occasional Tables category.

Steelcase and subsidiary Designtex together received two Gold Awards, one Silver Award, and one Editors’ Choice Award. Steelcase won Gold for its Brody WorkLounge in the Education Solutions category and Silver for Thread in the Technology-Integrated Solutions category. Designtex won Gold in Healthcare Fabrics & Textiles for Check Up Collection and Editors’ Choice in Wall Treatments for Play Date.

KI also received four awards, with Evoke winning Gold in Architectural Products, Soltice Metal winning Silver in Healthcare Guest/Lounge Seating, and Sway winning Innovation Awards in two categories: Lounge Furniture Collections and Seating: Sofas & Lounge.

Winners of three awards each included Tandus Centiva (two Golds and one Silver); Knoll and KnollTextiles (together winning two Golds and one Editors’ Choice); Mohawk Group (one Gold, one Silver, and one Editors’ Choice); SIXINCH North America (one Gold, one Silver, and one Innovation Award); and West Elm Workspace with Inscape (one Gold and two Editors’ Choice). Companies winning two awards each included HALCON, Humanscale, and Davis Furniture.

BEST OF COMPETITION WINNER

>Tuohy Furniture Corporation: WorkStyles: 
WorkStyles, winner of Best of NeoCon Gold Awards in both the Furniture Systems and the Case Goods categories plus Best of NeoCon Silver in Furniture Collections for Collaboration and the Innovation award in Occasional Tables, is a customizable casegoods system with integrated lounge seating and a technology sharing occasional table for individual and group work.

The fact that Tuohy entered WorkStyles in four different categories is not an example of cynical ballot packing, but rather a true reflection of the heterogeneity of the collection. The success of the program in the eyes of the four different juries that awarded WorkStyles two Golds, a Silver and an Innovation award as well as the Best of Competition, is a testament to the effectiveness of the design process, which according to Tuohy President and CEO Dan Tuohy, grew out of solving real customer needs on actual projects.

“The ideas expressed in WorkStyles evolved over the course of two years and several projects,” said Mr. Tuohy. “The final collection reflects the answers to several, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if it could do this as well as that,’ scenarios. For example, one client had three generations of officers who would get private offices and there was a lot of difference in the work styles of the individuals. So, we found a way to build a great deal of variability into the collection in a way that maintained an integrated look.

“In another project, the clients liked what we’d already done, but they wanted a lounge piece in the private offices to accommodate small-group meetings. So the product reflects the, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if the lounge piece could be integrated into the system or used separately.”

The outside design team of David Fuehrer, Ehren Gaag, Jay Koback and Robert Mariduena worked closely with Matt Elder and Chad Thompson of the Tuohy product development and engineering staff to realize the disparate goals and inputs. Throughout the process, the team wanted to create a more casual alternative to traditional casegoods that takes into account today’s blending of work life and personal life.

The result is an extremely flexible system of casegoods with integrated or freestanding seating elements, tables that can be spec’d as height adjustable or fixed height at either sitting or standing height, wall panels in wood, Corian® or back-painted glass and credenza/storage modules in a multitude of options, plus an award winning, multi-level lazy Susan type occasional table that facilitates idea sharing.

WorkStyles also includes a holistic approach to wire management and easy power access designed for seamless integration. www.tuohyfurniture.com

Gold, Silver, Innovation, and Editors’ Choice Award Winners by Category

Furniture for Conference and Office

>Case Goods

-GOLD: WorkStyles by Tuohy Furniture Corporation: (See Best of Competition Winner, above.)

-SILVER: Compositions by Bernhardt Design: Compositions by Richard Holbrook is a holistic system of furniture components that can be combined to address the diverse needs of the modern workplace, from private offices to benching and open plan environments. http://bernhardtdesign.com

-INNOVATION: Nomado by Sandler Seating: Nomado by Martin Ballendat offers compact mobile desking for temporary office space, conference rooms, and training facilities. It is mounted on casters for easy portability and can nest for high density storage when in the folded position. Single-sided and double-sided versions are available, both with fold down work surface and shelves, and fully wired with electrical outlets and integral LED lighting. www.sandlerseating.com

-EDITORS’ CHOICE: West Elm Workspace Bench Collection by West Elm Workspace with Inscape: West Elm Workspace Bench Collection provides function and many choices for personalization. Modern, Mid-Century and Industrial collections have an accessible approach to personal style. Building on West Elm’s home expertise, the private office solutions merge style with smart design – from rich wood and fabric finishes that make work more welcoming, to modular storage systems that can be used as freestanding pieces or grouped together. www.westelmworkspace.com

>Conference Room Furniture

-GOLD: Traverse by Okamura

Traverse feature a top so thin it seems to float on the minimal Inspired by architecture and made possible by advances in structural engineering, support system, yet it can span up to 20 feet in length. Every component of the table has been meticulously designed, from the silhouette to the transparent design, from the integration of technology to 14 beautiful finishes. www.okamura.jp/en_us/

-SILVER: SKILL by HALCON: elegance and built to last. It is available in both laminate and genuine wood SKILL is a reconfigurable, mobile conference/training table with lightly scaled veneers on a 1/2” thick solid composite worksurface that provides superior durability and impact resistance for heavy-use areas. It features an aluminum base and is offered in three leg frame configurations. www.halconfurniture.com

>Education Solutions

-GOLD: Brody WorkLounge by Steelcase: Brody WorkLounge is a microenvironment designed to help students or workers get into flow faster and stay in flow longer. It creates a shelter from visual distractions, provides privacy and provides an enhanced sense of psychological security for workers in open environments. Featuring patented LiveLumbar™ technology, Brody brings thoughtful ergonomic design to the lounge posture. www.steelcase.com/products/lounge-seating/brody

-SILVER: SixE Learn by HOWE: Designed by PearsonLloyd, SixE Learn is a collaborative chair concept for active learning environments. By adding storage into the personal work surface, it makes all main materials and devices available while leaving free legroom below the seat. Features include integrated tablet stand, cup holder and coat/bag hanger. www.howe.com/sixelearn

>Files & Mobile Storage Systems

-SILVER: Bob-The Mobile Office by fluidconcepts: Bob-The Mobile Office is a self-contained workstation that can be wheeled into place and functional in minutes. It comes complete with lighting, lockable storage, whiteboard and tackable panel. www.fluidgroup.com

>Furniture Collections for Collaboration

-GOLD and INNOVATION: Grove by SIXINCH – Slide by SIXINCH North America: Grove by SIXINCH a new collection of furniture and accessories for outdoor spaces in both public and private settings. It includes the Lilly shade with integrated solar components to provide easy access to power. www.grovebysixinch.us/configurations.

-SILVER: WorkStyles by Tuohy Furniture Corporation: (See Best of Competition Winner, above.)

>Furniture Systems

-GOLD and BEST OF COMPETITION: WorkStyles by Tuohy Furniture Corporation: (See above.)

-SILVER: G-Series Double/Single Workstation by Scale 1:1: The G-Series creates an open, flexible and barrier free workspace. Its workstations are clean, flexible and lightweight, making them easy to assemble, reconfigure, and expand with an array of add-on accessories including casters, partitions, marker board work surfaces, comprehensive power options and wire management. www.scale1to1.com/g-series

>Furniture Systems: Enhancements

-GOLD: C.I.T. É. Office Furniture System by Lacasse by Groupe Lacasse: C.I.T.É. Office Furniture System, originally launched in 2010 by Groupe Lacasse, has been redesigned to suit users who are now looking for solutions to improve privacy and multiply teaming environments. Updates to the benching system include greater flexibility and increased spec options. www.groupelacasse.com

-SILVER: Animate+SC by JRB Studio: Animate+SC now features a spacer cabinet that integrates a height-adjustable worksurface and enables it to extend fully over an adjacent and perpendicular storage unit while still meeting all the BIFMA standards. This feature provides maximum desktop usability, attachment of full-size modesty panels, and a clean aesthetic. www.jrbstudio.com

>Lounge Furniture Collections

-GOLD: Sylvi by izzy+: With clean lines and a straightforward design, the Sylvi Modular Lounge Collection provides up to date connectivity through a hidden power and USB connector channel. It can be spec’d with attachable back panels for extra privacy. The waterfall upholstery design maximizes pattern matching and fabric yield. www.izzyplus.com

-SILVER: CrissCross Lounge by Source International: The CrissCross lounge collection offers a family of products that works within contemporary lounge applications. The line includes high back, mid back and low back fixed lounge pieces characterized by a strong silhouette with geometric elegance. www.sourceinternationaldesign.com

-INNOVATION: Sway by KI: Sway is a lounge seating solution that offers users freedom of movement via a new design based on orbital motion, allowing users to move freely in all directions. www.ki.com

-EDITORS’ CHOICE: Prism by Knoll: Prism is David Adjaye’s first soft seating collection for Knoll, consisting of a club chair, an ottoman and a side table. The three pieces are designed as geometric shapes that are also ergonomically perfected for the body. The collection explores 21st century forms, behaving like sculpture within a space. www.knoll.com/design-plan

>Tables: Occasional

-GOLD: Cheval Collection by HBF: The Cheval Collection was designed by Wout Speyers to blur the line between bench and table. It is inspired by Mr. Speyers’ love of Dutch furniture from the 1950s, which was a functional response to a lack of resources following WWII, abiding by the “less is more” principle. www.hbf.com

-SILVER: Reverse Occasional by Andreu World: Reverse, one Andreu World’s most iconic and versatile table collections, was expanded to include an occasional table. It is available in two base heights and two tabletop diameters with wire management and connectivity possibilities. www.andreuworld.com/workspaces

 

-INNOVATION: WorkStyles by Tuohy Furniture Corporation: (See Best of Competition Winner, above.)

>Tables: Training & Work

-GOLD: Pixel by Knoll: Designed to shape an environment to meet the needs of multiple tasks and audiences, Pixel™ is a flexible meeting that can be reconfigured quickly and easily by a single individual. High-performance design details ensure it will last in even the most active environments. www.knoll.com/design-plan

-SILVER: SKILL by HALCON: See photo and description in Conference Room Furniture, above.

>Technology-Integrated Solutions

-GOLD: Dynamic3Talk by Arthur Holm: Dynamic3 Talk is a multipurpose motorized monitor including a retractable microphone to be easily integrated into board, meeting and conference tables as well as into information counters. The screen opens and closes with a movement similar to a laptop, with the peculiarity that it can turn 180 degrees to facilitate sharing of information. www.arthurholm.com

-SILVER: Thread by Steelcase: Thread is a simple power distribution system that turns any carpeted floor into a power source by running power through ultra-thin tracks. The patented system runs a building’s power through a 3/16” high modular track designed to be laid under carpet. www.steelcase.com/products/computer-support/thread

Seating Category Winners

Seating: Barstools

-GOLD: Lineal Barstool by Andreu World: Lineal barstools and counter stool feature an aluminum swivel base and four solid wood legs. This new barstool adds functionality and versatility to the already extensive Lineal collection. Lineal is a high quality, innovative, and iconic seating collection for all types of environments. www.andreuworld.com/workspaces

-SILVER: Join Barstool by Davis Furniture: The fluidity and range of expression exemplified in the Join chair was expanded to a new level with the Join Barstool. Featuring a new spired four-leg base, Join Barstool refits the trademark 3D shell in a fresh new way. www.davisfurniture.com

>Seating: Benches

-GOLD: Cheval Collection by HBF: The Cheval Collection was designed by Wout Speyers to blur the line between bench and table. See description in Occasional Tables, above, for additional information.

-SILVER: Nova C Bench Series by Green Furniture Concept: Scandinavian by design, the Nova C Series is a modular bench system designed for indoor public spaces. The benches consist of narrow curved laminated wood slats positioned side-by-side. When multiple bench modules are connected to one another, they transition seamlessly from straight configurations to winding ones, allowing designers to create a continuous seating pattern. The product is manufactured with non-toxic, recyclable and natural materials. http://greenfurniture.se

-INNOVATION: Chemistry by Keilhauer: The Chemistry collection of interconnecting benches and tables is named for the appearance of the configurations – when components (or ‘molecules’) are combined in configurations of various shapes, the results resemble the symbols of chemical compounds. The basic module is a two-seater V-shaped bench incorporating the magic angle of communication, which rests on a simple wire base and ground plate. Three different table shapes connect to the benches. www.keilhauer.com

>Seating: Conference

-GOLD: Flex Executive by Andreu World: The Flex Executive seating collection, designed by Piergiorgio Cazzaniga, is for extended use in public spaces. www.andreuworld.com/workspaces

-SILVER: Avoca Swivel Seating by Gunlocke: Designed by Kevin Stark, the new Avoca swivel chair combines the best of beauty and functionality into a modern, relevant and sophisticated seating option. It offers both elegance and user comfort for boardrooms, executive offices, or informal collaboration areas. www.gunlocke.com

>Seating: Ergonomic Desk/Task

-GOLD: IN by Wilkhahn: The IN Office Chair is a follow-up to five years of critical success with the ON® Chair, NeoCon Best of Competition winner in 2010. The patented 3D kinematic movement known as Trimension® encourages movement, facilitating health and concentration for the user. The two swing arms move independently of one another, and a flexible but supportive seat and back component, connected with the mechanism via “hip” and “knee” joints, helps the body keep its center of gravity. www.wilkhahn.com/en/products/office-swivel-chairs/in-office-chair

-SILVER: Coza by Boss Design: The Coza task chair, designed to promote visual and functional simplicity, is the result of two years of research. It facilitates flexible working environments, fulfils the need for ergonomically sound meeting chairs, and provides a high level of comfort without the need for manual user adjustment. www.bossdesign.com

>Seating: Guest

-GOLD: Carlyle Collection by HBF: The Carlyle Seating Collection by Kevin Stark is named for the historic Carlyle Hotel in New York City. It celebrates the classic beauty of minimalist design, influenced by contemporary architectural precedents. Highlights include a distinctive curved back, solid brushed metal footrests, and quarter-sawn ash veneer. www.hbf.com

3 Guest Silver Humanscale Occasional Chair-SILVER: Occasional Chair by Humanscale: The Occasional Chair by Niels Diffrient was designed to complement his mesh task chair line of Liberty, Smart and Diffrient World. Using patented form-sensing mesh technology, it contours to the natural shape of the body and eliminates the need for any separate lumbar support devices. It is stackable up to five high. www.humanscale.com

INNOVATION: Muse by idesk: Muse is a side armchair featuring one piece shell construction with interchangeable legs and complementary side table. www.ideskinc.com

>Seating: Sofas & Lounge

-GOLD: Couve by Andreu World: Couve by Piergiorgio Cazzaniga communicates comfort in a harmonious, dynamic and sensual manner. The design was born from a contemporary approach to the traditional aesthetic of the classic sofa and lounge chair collections. It is available in lounge chair, armchair, and two- and three-seater sofa versions. www.andreuworld.com/workspaces

-SILVER: Urbana Lounge by Gunlocke: Substantial in scale and refined in design, the Urbana lounge collection reflects what results when careful tailoring meets inviting comfort. In his first lounge seating design for Gunlocke, Kevin Stark had in mind settings that require larger scale pieces. www.gunlocke.com

-INNOVATION: Sway by KI: See photo and description in Lounge Furniture Collections, above.

>Seating: Stacking

-GOLD: A-Chair by Davis Furniture: A-Chair is a minimalistic design by Jehs+Laub. The eye-catching A-frame of the base borders the seat on either side with a distinctive style that sheds light on the chair’s namesake. www.davisfurniture.com

-SILVER: Andaz Collection by HBF: The Andaz Collection by Todd Bracher is a line of versatile stools and stackable café chairs. Andaz is the Urdu word for “unique style.” Designed for adaptabililty, it can provide a sophisticated, formal look for an executive office with upholstery in black leather and polished legs, or a playful, collaborative work/eat setting as a wood stool with grey or black powder coated legs. www.hbf.com

Healthcare Category Winners

>Healthcare Fabrics & Textiles

-GOLD: Check Up Collection by Designtex: The Check-Up Collection of coated fabrics offers robust performance for demanding healthcare environments such as patient care rooms where infection control is now a core concern of specifiers. With a subdued but refined aesthetic, the collection is designed to provide an integrated color palette across all ten styles, giving the designer the ability to create diverse mix-and-match combinations. www.designtex.com

-SILVER: Snapshot Collection by Momentum Group: The Snapshot Collection of privacy curtains was designed in collaboration between Henry Domke, MD, healthcare photographer and Louise Russell, textile designer and health practitioner of subtle energy. Snapshot, four bold patterns in 31 colors is the result of Dr. Domke’ s photography literally translated in the textiles by Louise Russell. They have a dual purpose of art and function. www.themomgroup.com

-INNOVATION: Project ACS by CF Stinson: Project ACS is the result of extensive research and collaboration aimed at developing a series of best-in-class surface materials that satisfy the rigorous demands of today’s healthcare and other challenging commercial environments. http://cfstinson.com

>Healthcare Flooring

-GOLD: Life & Style by Patcraft: Life & Style’s contemporary organic elements juxtaposed with soft geometrics create balance along the feminine and masculine continuum. Residential, hospitality and cross-generational influences merge to create a fortune of dimensionality. Product performance is defined by withstanding flooring demands through all life stages and supporting productivity, health and wellness across a range of applications. www.patcraft.com

-SILVER: Johnsonite Acczent Flourish by Tarkett: Johnsonite Acczent Flourish healthcare flooring provides the look and feel of Luxury Vinyl Tile in a sheet format for optimal hygienic performance. With fewer seams for germs to hide, and the ability to be flash coved and heat welded, it is a better option for infection control. A tightly coordinated design package offers three designs visuals, each in 10 colors. www.tarkettna.com

>Healthcare Guest/Lounge Seating

-GOLD: Canopy by Carolina, an OFS Brands Company: Canopy is a comprehensive collection of seating and occasional tables designed to support both value-based models and the need for future flexibility. Modern, streamlined designs and a broad offering of standard features and options allow Canopy to be scaled for a facility’s specific needs. www.carolinabusinessfurniture.com

-SILVER: Soltice Metal by KI: Soltíce Metal seating, designed for healthcare environments, provides exceptional comfort and support. The graceful lines of the steel frame are both beautiful and durable. The collection adds to and builds upon the wood frame versions. www.ki.com

>Healthcare Patient Seating

-GOLD: The Accord Recliner by Wieland: The design mandate of Accord™ was that every aspect of the design be considered from the viewpoint of those it will impact – from nurse safety, to patient welfare, design flexibility, infection control and more. The final product unites all of these elements in a patient recliner with a simple, yet distinctive character and intuitive, seamlessly integrated features that make using it a pleasure. http://wielandhealthcare.com

Coverings, Carpet/Flooring, and Textiles Category Winners

>Architectural & Decorative Glass

-GOLD: Patricia Urquiola Collection by Skyline Design: Patricia Urquiola for Skyline Design is a collection of three patterns for vertical interior glass applications. Cipher, Overlay and Check each convey a different graphic sensibility. As a trio, they represent the breadth of Ms.Urquiola’s investigation into patterning. Transparent, translucent and opaque effects are achieved using a range of proprietary Skyline Design techniques. www.skydesign.com

-SILVER: C1 Collection by CARVART: C1 Collection’s 12 exclusive etched architectural glass patterns offer solutions for walls, partitions, doors and surfaces. Named for Brooklyn neighborhoods near CARVART’s urban beginnings, the C1 Collection’s carved patterns include squares and triangles created from organically hand drawn lines and crisp geometric strokes. www.carvart.com

>Architectural Products

-GOLD: Evoke by KI: Evoke represents a revolution in unitized wall design and development, rendering traditional drywall virtually obsolete. Just as drywall evolved from plaster-based walls, Evoke is a new generation of cost effective steel panel construction. www.ki.com

-SILVER: SoundPly Formation Acoustic Panels by Navy Island, Inc.: SoundPly Formation Acoustic Panels were developed to address the visually obvious presence of typical acoustic panels. They enhance the acoustics of an environment without disrupting that space’s intended appearance. They also use two distinctly different types of sound absorption –porous and resonate— and for their thickness, they’re said to be the world’s quietest panels. www.navyisland.com

>Carpet: Broadloom

-GOLD: Indent by Tandus Centiva: Indent Indent broadloom carpet draws upon designer Suzanne Tick’s expertise in textiles to bring a high-tech aesthetic to floor. With a weave draft said to be unlike anything else in the marketplace, it incorporates the backing yarns into the overall carpet design and uses voided dents in the warp to create architectural patterning. www.tandus-centiva.com

-SILVER: Lakir Collection by Durkan by Mohawk Group: Lakir Collection by Durkan, the hospitality brand of Mohawk Group, is inspired by the simplicity of lines, reconstructed to create soft shadowy textures and tonal layerings for a handcrafted feel. With precision sculpted effects, its 15 patterns explore the technical ability exclusive to Durkan’s Definity manufacturing capabilities, which replicates the durability and look of Axminster. www.durkan.com/site/index.asp

>Carpet: Modular

-GOLD and EDITORS’ CHOICE: Moving Floors by Mohawk Group: Moving Floors, designed in collaboration with 13&9 Design of Innocad, examines the dialogue between the individual and the environment. It “explores the 4th dimension” with varying patterns designed to “move” dynamically based on the user’s changing point of view. http://mohawkgroup.com

-SILVER: Avant by Tandus Centiva: Culturally and stylistically advanced, Avant is designed to evoke the physical idea of movement and vitality – and radically restructure the way we view the floor. In a modular tile form, it becomes a tactile texture varying in intensity from one tile to the next. www.tandus-centiva.com

-INNOVATION: Deconstructed Metal by Patcraft: Deconstructed Metal reveals the beauty of performance. Exposing the metallic primary backing beneath the carpet fiber creates subtle light reflectance in a space and heightens awareness of the innovative product engineering. The resulting patterns give an artisan character and make visible the raw elements that impact how the product functions in a space. www.patcraft.com

>Flooring: Hard-Surface, Tile & Stone

-GOLD: Asymmetric by Tandus Centiva: Designed by Suzanne Tick, Asymmetric builds upon the concept of substrate with a focus on materials used in manufacturing and architecture as pattern inspiration. In the same way that the works of Zaha Hadid and Frank Gehry have brought folded metal planes into the vernacular of modern architecture, Asymmetric shifts the planes of the floor using precise computer-generated imagery featuring metal-based neutrals and vivid brights. www.tandus-centiva.com

-SILVER: Umbra/Umbra Stripe by J+J Flooring Group: Lines and colorations reminiscent of the darkest, innermost shadow of an eclipse (the Umbra) are the design inspiration for the first modular plank products from J+J Flooring Group’s brand, Kinetex. Umbra and Umbra Stripe are available in 13 colorways and an 18” x 36” size and offer the performance and sustainable attributes that are inherent in all Kinetex textile composite flooring products. www.jj-kinetex.com/umbra

>Space Dividers/Partitions/Screens

-GOLD: BuzziFalls by BuzziSpace: BuzziFalls is an elegant art piece and room dividing solution in one, designed by Sas Adriaenssens to tackle the challenges of open-floor plan environments. Myriad intricate patterns, referencing art, architecture, nature and urban cityscapes, are CNC-cut into two layers of adjoined BuzziFelt (BuzziSpace’s acoustic and sustainable material) The product, available in seven motifs, can serve as a decorative room divider or be hung in front of a wall, acting as dimensional wallpaper with acoustical properties. www.buzzispace.com

-SILVER: Snowsound Space by Snowsound USA: Snowsound™ acoustic panels derive their name and distinctive patented technology from the properties of freshly fallen snow. The porous surface of newly fallen snow can absorb almost 100% of sound wave energy and is why we experience quieter outdoor conditions just after a snowfall. Snowsound composition of 100% recyclable, variable density polyester significantly optimizes room acoustics by absorbing midrange and low-range frequencies while reflecting the majority of high-range frequencies like music. www.snowsoundusa.com

>Surfacing Materials/Finishes

-GOLD: Mosaico Digitale by Mosaico Digitale: Mosaico Digitale incorporates technology into classic mosaics with digital imagery and resin tile. The company has its own core designs available, but the process is said to be 100% customizable; any digital image can be transformed into mosaics in resin. www.mosaicodigitale.com

-SILVER: Full Circle Metallics by 3form: Full Circle Metallics, 3form’s latest Full Circle introductions, were inspired by the colors and textures of Indonesia. It is a result of collaboration with local artisans from the rural valley of Magelang, Java. Two Full Circle designs debuted at NeoCon: Gild, inspired by the use of traditional gold foiling; and Glint Distressed, with a linear patterning of precious metals and luxurious fibers. www.3-form.com

>Textiles: Upholstery

-GOLD: The Adjaye Collection by David Adjaye for KnollTextiles by KnollTextiles: Each product in the Adjaye Collection presents a different take on geometric and organic systems through the processes of weaving or printing to create an extraordinary range of patterns and textures. Themes for the collection include geography, nature, and culture. Each fabric is named after a place on the continent of Africa that David Adjaye cherishes – from lush garden cities (Kampala) to historic deltas (Aswan). www.knoll.com/neocon-2015

-SILVER: Natural Blends by Camira Fabrics: Natural Blends is a collection of two patterns, Main Line Flax and Century, manufactured from wool, flax and up-cycled jute. Main Line Flax, made from a 70-30 wool-flax blend, is a sustainable take on Camira’s all-time best-selling fabric Main Line Plus. Century is an on-trend houndstooth design featuring wool and jute from recycled coffee sacks. www.camirafabrics.com

>Wall Treatments

-GOLD: Lost Coast Redwood Paneling by TerraMai: Lost Coast Redwood Paneling – Weathered, is a wall treatment made with decades-old reclaimed wood. Its naturally distressed patina associated with the Northern California coast offers a color range of weathered browns and greys. www.terramai.com

-EDITORS’ CHOICE: Play Date by Designtex: Play Date draws upon research on “positive distraction” in pediatric healthcare to offer a playful system of colored, shaped magnets allowing children to transform hospital walls with creativity. This two-part system consists of an impact-resistant wall treatment and a set of movable magnetic shapes surfaced with a dry-erase film, which are repositionable on a writable and erasable ferrous wall. www.designtex.com

-SILVER: Cork Cloth by HBF Textiles: Cork Cloth, from the HBF Textiles Erin Ruby Collection, is an innovative fabric made from cork. This pattern explores its use in cloth form as an alternative to leather in four colorways: Birch, Brick, Earth and Slate. www.hbftextiles.com

>Window Treatments: Drapery Textiles, Shades & Shading Systems

-GOLD: Alchemy by Carnegie: Alchemy magnifies the iridescent colors of a beetle’s wing into a dramatic sheer window covering. Utilizing the latest advances in digital printing, it transforms the millions of minute color shifts of the tiniest of creatures into a massive nine foot wide design. Printed onto a delicate sheer base, the fabric amplifies its polychromatic nature when viewed through multiple layers. www.carnegiefabrics.com

Lighting, Technology, and Accessories Category Winners

>Fixtures

-GOLD: Ribbon Collection by Lovair: Ribbon Collection, designed in collaboration with Sebastian Conran Associates, had a single objective: To make hand washing one seamless process, not a wet journey from sink to wall-mounted dryer. The collection includes three distinct but complementary deck-mounted products: a sensor tap, a sensor soap dispenser, and a dryer. http://lovair.com/en/Ribbon

>Lighting: Decorative

-SILVER: FIN by Sensitile Systems: FIN uses the company’s Lumina panels in a UL-listed contemporary light fixture that can be wall or ceiling mounted. This elegant fixture exploits the dramatic response of materials to the right illumination and is born from insight gained through numerous projects into the optimal marriage of energy efficient sources of light with light reactive products. www.sensitile.com/product/light-fixtures

>Lighting: Task/Desktop, Furniture-Integrated

-GOLD: UCX Pro by Koncept: UCX Pro follows the original UCX LED undercabinet light, winner of 2011 Best of NeoCon Gold and 2012 red dot: product design awards. Features include built-in touchstrip, tunable color capabilities, optional occupancy sensing, ultra-high energy efficiency, intuitive control, and sleek, minimalistic design. www.koncept.com/ucxpro

-SILVER: Infini by Humanscale: The Infini task light boasts stunning, sleek design, best-of-class light output – amount, quality, and distribution – and optimal usability. An intuitive dimmer control customizes light, and a passive infrared occupancy sensor conserves energy. www.humanscale.com

>Office Accessories

-SILVER: LINK Hex by Ghent, a GMi Company: LINK Hex is a hexagonal magnetic whiteboard designed to personalize public or private spaces. It features a premium dry-erase powder coat finish on a beautifully formed steel surface for a fun user experience, and studies show that when a collaboration tool is fun, people start to use it. Lobbies become conversation centers and hallways become brainstorming-central. www.ghent.com/hex

>Signage & Wayfinding

-GOLD: Elevate by APCO Graphics, Inc.: Elevate is a frameless, modular sign system with a floating appearance. Display components are securely engaged within a precisely engineered, concealed aluminum chassis. Because of its frameless design, it is able to showcase the latest direct-print technologies, including full-bleed graphics around all edges of display panels for greater visual impact. www.apcosigns.com/elevate.html

>Software for Specifications

-GOLD: Virtual Library by Spec Simple: Virtual Library provides specifiers with one location to quickly access all interiors, architectural and engineering vendors and their products. Resources include product finders that sort product by price and features, one-click customized product brochures, robust project reporting, and built in product alternatives. www.specsimple.com

-SILVER: MAI Completely Furnished Office Budget Tool by MAI: The MAI Completely Furnished Office Budget Tool is an online real time program designed to help design professionals and property managers create instant budgets for a completely furnished office space. www.maispace.com

>Technology Support

-GOLD: Framery O by Framery Acoustics: Framery O is a single-person phone booth built with superior sound insulation and acoustics. It is designed for an open office environment and intended for employees to occupy when they seek a quiet and private space to make a call or work independently. www.frameryacoustics.com

-SILVER: Solar Powered Lilly Shade by SIXINCH North America: The Lilly Shade is part of the Grove by SIXINCH collection; for more information, please see Furniture Collections for Collaboration, above.

>Workplace Technologies

-GOLD: Ashley Trio+ Bezel by Group Dekko: Ashley Trio+ Bezel™ features two independently controlled 2.1 amp USB ports, the fastest charging speed currently available for tablets and phones. Power hungry devices won’t steal power away from smaller devices, and each device charges as fast as possible. With three receptacles and option to install a data port, RJ45, HDMI, or VGA, it is designed for easy power access on horizontal or vertical furniture surfaces and seating. Bezel frame and single-piece face eliminate dust and debris-catching grooves or seams. www.dekko.com

-SILVER: Power, Data & Communications Module (PDCM) by SpaceCo Business Solutions, Inc.: The PDCM is 100% modular for above work surface power, data and communications distribution. Available in both standard and tailored configurations, the module options include power outlets (US and UK versions), laptop adapters, USB ports and ethernet ports. Clamp and Desk Adhesive mounts provide further customization. PDCM users avoid strenuous bending or kneeling to wrangle with cords and wires under a desk. http://spaceco.com/pdcm_details