Coulisse, based in Enter, Wins the Z&R Award for its Smart Frame Click-In System

And the winner in the indoor sun protection category is…  

Indoor Shading Category: Coulisse from Enter Wins Z&R Award with Smart Frame, the click-in frame for tilt-and-turn windows and doors

There’s a lot of excitement in Enter, Twente! And, of course, the champagne was already waiting. Coulisse is proud to have won the 2026 Z&R Award in the indoor sun protection category with Smart Frame. Laura Nijhuis (Managing Director EMEA), product engineer Jochem Nijland, and Mariët Buld (Communications & PR) received the coveted award from Erik Imming, project manager at the trade magazine Z&R.

“What led up to this?” says Jochem. “A lot of brainstorming, many hours spent on prototypes, and many puzzles that had to be solved. And then the product is ready. That’s when we’re happy. But when you also receive an award from the trade press, it’s further confirmation that you’ve chosen the right direction.”

Smart Frame is the Motionblinds-powered click-in frame for tilt-and-turn windows and doors. The thoughtful, patent-protected system fills a gap in the market left unsolved for years. Installation can be done without drilling, with full access to the handle. Operation can be manual, via app, remote control or smart home.

“All credit goes to Jochem and the engineering team,” says Laura. “We saw that there was an unmet need in the market. And, as a full-service provider, it was up to us to provide a comprehensive solution. That’s what we did with Smart Frame.”

Learning by Doing      

Industrial Product Designer Jochem explains: “In fact, a product is never really finished, but… this final result does tend toward a certain kind of perfection. For me, it’s a matter of doing a lot and experimenting during the development process. Actually, I never sketch anything on paper; I start building right away. ‘Learning by Doing’ is my motto. But of course, I think beyond just the product itself. At Coulisse, we believe in ‘chain thinking.’ It also has to be very convenient for the installer. They, too, prefer to know they’re working with a product that’s ”click-and-ready.’”

Mariët says that there was an enthusiastic reaction at the office in Enter when it was announced that Coulisse had been awarded the prize. “We had already heard that the jury had received many submissions from the market. Of course, we didn’t know what other companies had submitted, but we felt very confident about our own entry. In addition to its technical perfection—which has taken connectivity and ease of use to a higher level—Smart Frame has also evolved into a product with a strong design aesthetic. It is precisely this combination of innovation, simplicity, and design that makes this recognition extra special.”

Erik Imming congratulated the winners on their achievement. “It’s wonderful to see that people in our field are still working hard on every kind of innovation. The jury recognized that as well. And here we are: we’re now raising a glass of champagne in Enter to celebrate this joyous moment. Congratulations!”