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Platform on sun and daylight control, shutters, patio covers and closures
It’s time to pop the champagne at SolFaction in Zwolle and Coulisse in Enter. The two sun protection companies have been nominated for the 2026 Z&R Awards in the indoor sun protection category. In addition, the companies Cornels (Nieuw-Vennep) and Brustor (Gullegem, Belgium) have been nominated this year for the outdoor sun protection category. There, too, it’s time to pop the champagne. Because, according to project manager Erik Imming, there were many entries from the sun protection industry. “Registration opened on October 1, 2025, and we received nearly 30 entries.”
Erik continues: “This shows once again that companies in our industry are still innovating at full speed and are constantly exploring whether crucial technical improvements can be made to existing products or whether entirely new products can be developed. The sun protection industry has certainly not stood still. The jury had a tough job, but we’ve reached a decision. We’ll announce the winners in the next issue of Z&R.”
According to Erik, given the rapid pace of technological developments, it’s almost impossible to predict what future nominations will look like. “Every time I visit companies around the country and they give me a peek behind the scenes, I’m always pleasantly surprised by how everyone stays constantly focused on those technical improvements and new innovations. I think this is a must because the end user—the consumer—is also setting increasingly higher standards and wants end products for the facade or window that are truly custom-made. So there are major challenges for manufacturers in the Netherlands and Belgium. But these are being addressed effectively, as we’ve already seen in this year’s entries and in the current nominations.”
1. Solfaction
With the ‘ready-made acoustic panels’
SolFaction has been nominated for the technically exceptional confection of acoustic composite fabric for large round-arched windows. For 24 monumental windows in Predikheren Mechelen, the company developed a solution with special carbon ribs, making sunlight regulation and sound comfort applicable together in a form that is difficult to roll up.
2. Sliding mechanism
With ‘Smart Frame’
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.
1. Cornels
With ‘Pollux Cornels Elite’
The Pollux CORNELS® Elite series is a high-quality, modular patio enclosure for exclusive outdoor living. Each component fits together perfectly. Thanks to corrosion-resistant coating, integrated water drainage through the slats, separate cable routing and Somfy IO control via app or remote control, the series offers comfort, durability and versatility.
2. Brustor
With the ‘Brustor B27 Prestige Solar’ The Brustor B27 is a sleek, architectural articulated screen that perfectly complements modern residential construction. The fully enclosed box protects fabric and technology from weather and wind. Unique is the possible facade integration, combined with three arm types, durable aluminum construction, ample personalization and smart Somfy controls for added comfort.
