Topping this year\u2019s list is Split Cabin<\/strong> by Syndicate Smith<\/a>, winner of the prestigious Best in Show award. Tucked in the woods of Lake Wenatchee, Washington, this modest yet masterfully composed retreat uses LaCantina sliding doors to create a fully immersive mountain basecamp \u2014 one that\u2019s as refined in its details as it is connected to its surroundings. As part of their prize, Syndicate Smith will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2026 AIA Conference in San Diego and will be featured in a live Architizer panel later this year.<\/p>\n Scroll on to explore the full list of winners from the 2025 Best of LaCantina competition, each offering a compelling case study in how great design can open up entirely new ways of living.<\/p>\n Best in Show: Split Cabin by Syndicate Smith, Lake Wenatchee, Washington Contractor: Carlisle Classic Homes; Structural Engineer: BTL Engineering<\/strong><\/p>\n Photo by Will Austin<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Photo by Will Austin<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Photo by Will Austin<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Set deep in the woods of Lake Wenatchee, Split Cabin by Syndicate Smith is a minimalist weekend retreat designed for outdoor enthusiasts. Organized into two compact volumes \u2014 one for sleeping, one for living \u2014 and joined by a covered outdoor patio, the cabin encourages engagement with its surroundings while providing a quiet refuge year-round.<\/p>\n Central to the cabin\u2019s design are LaCantina\u2019s aluminum wood sliding doors, which open the interiors to panoramic forest views and flood the living spaces with natural light. \u201cWe chose LaCantina Doors because their slim profiles maximize panoramic views while maintaining the cabin\u2019s minimalist aesthetic,\u201d says the firm. \u201cTheir smooth-operating systems create seamless indoor-outdoor flow,\u201d allowing the patio to function as an extension of the home.<\/p>\n LaCantina\u2019s performance also supported the project\u2019s high-altitude context. \u201cThey provide the energy efficiency needed for year-round comfort in a mountain climate,\u201d notes the team, while durable hardware ensures low-maintenance use. The consistent design language across LaCantina\u2019s products helped preserve the \u201cclean, understated character\u201d that defines this modest but immersive basecamp.<\/p>\n Most Innovative Project: Bicycle Ha\u00fcs by Debartolo Architects, Scottsdale, Arizona<\/strong><\/p>\n Photo by Bill Timmerman<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Photo by Bill Timmerman<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Set along a prominent Scottsdale corridor, Bicycle Ha\u00fcs by debartolo architects is a 5,000-square-foot retail hub that merges sleek modernity with rustic heritage. Clad in weathering metal and reclaimed barn wood, the store reflects both the precision of cycling and the personal roots of its owners, creating a sustainable and daylight-filled space that welcomes the local riding community.<\/p>\n To support the shop\u2019s hybrid function, a LaCantina aluminum folding door was integrated into the exterior walk-up window. \u201cWe chose LaCantina for its functionality and design,\u201d notes the firm. A custom steel plate sill doubles as a countertop, enabling a clean, trackless detail that supports seamless indoor-outdoor interaction.<\/p>\n The door system enhances the building\u2019s role as both retail space and social anchor. \u201cThis new building represents who we are,\u201d says co-owner Kale Keltz, highlighting the blend of performance, identity, and architectural craft that defines the project.<\/p>\n Best Urban Residential Project: Amber by YAMA ARCHITECTURE, San Francisco, California<\/strong> Photo by Bruce Damonte<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Photo by Bruce Damonte<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n In San Francisco\u2019s Diamond Heights, Amber by YAMA Architecture transforms a classic 1961 U-1 Eichler home into a modern, light-filled residence while honoring its mid-century roots. The renovation updates materials and layout while maintaining original lines, with Azek\u00ae siding applied in a contemporary rainscreen detail and interior spaces opened up to enhance flow.<\/p>\n At the heart of the design is a LaCantina aluminum folding door system that connects the kitchen to the adjacent courtyard. \u201cThe LaCantina product created a perfect solution for indoor-outdoor seamless flow,\u201d explains the firm, adding that the integrated \u201cdaily door\u201d offers everyday convenience. They praised the system\u2019s \u201csmooth action, architectural sight lines,\u201d and standout pleated accordion screen, which \u201cdoesn\u2019t snap back like most retractable screens,\u201d blending functionality with a clean, refined aesthetic.<\/p>\n Best Rural Residential Project: Casa Las Tortugas by IM-KM Architecture and Planning, Pedasi, Los Santos<\/strong> Photo by Fernando Alda \/ Ivan Morales<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Photo by Fernando Alda \/ Ivan Morales<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Set atop a forested cliffside overlooking the Panamanian Pacific, Casa Las Tortugas is a breezy coastal retreat shaped by climate and topography. Organized around a central courtyard and vaulted arcade, the home embraces open-air living, with shaded terraces, natural ventilation and elevated suites framing panoramic views across the ocean and mangroves.<\/p>\n To achieve this fluid indoor-outdoor connection, the architects integrated LaCantina folding, sliding and swinging doors throughout the home. Chosen by IM-KM for their minimal design profile and ease of use, these systems helped address the project’s core goals: \u201cto blur the boundary between interior and exterior spaces, offer seamless airflow and provide panoramic views of the ocean around the house.\u201d<\/p>\n Best Suburban Residential Project: Searidge by Laura Brophy Interiors, Laguna Niguel, California<\/strong> Photo by Hugo Landa Garcia<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Photo by Hugo Landa Garcia<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Perched along the Southern California coast, Searidge by Laura Brophy Interiors brings refined materiality and openness together in a modern home that blurs the line between architecture and nature. A material palette of wood, plaster and stone creates a calm, tactile backdrop, while expansive glazed openings draw the landscape into the heart of the home.<\/p>\n To support this vision, the team specified LaCantina\u2019s V2 and Aluminum Thermally Controlled folding doors, which offer expansive glass panels and slim sightlines. \u201cWe chose LaCantina doors because they embody the seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living,\u201d says the firm, highlighting the system\u2019s \u201cexceptional functionality\u201d and \u201cclean, modern lines\u201d as key to achieving light and livability in a coastal setting.<\/p>\n Best Commercial Project: Casino Mine Ranch Winery by Don Jacobs Architect, Plymouth, California<\/strong><\/p>\n Photo by Paul Kozal<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Photo by Paul Kozal<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Set in California\u2019s Shenandoah Valley, the Casino Mine Ranch Winery by Don Jacobs Architect creates a fluid connection between architecture and landscape. Anchored by a grand oak tree and a four-acre pond, the building uses earth-toned materials and expansive openings to frame views and echo the site\u2019s natural beauty.<\/p>\n A 60-foot-long wall of LaCantina sliding glass doors, paired with clerestory windows, enables natural ventilation and blurs the line between indoors and out. \u201cI wanted a door that could be easily opened and closed by staff but also one that gave maximum views,\u201d explains the architect, who praised LaCantina\u2019s functionality and reliable local service. The result is a welcoming, climate-responsive space that provides a tasting experience that is intimately connected to the surrounding terrain.<\/p>\n Best Renovation Project: Laurel Project by Bianca Ecklund Design, Manhattan Beach, California<\/strong><\/p>\n Photo Lauren Taylor Photography<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Photo Lauren Taylor Photography<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Located in Manhattan Beach, California, the Laurel Project<\/em> by Bianca Ecklund Design is a full-home remodel that reimagines the kitchen and living space for a more open, indoor-outdoor lifestyle. The design emphasizes clarity and continuity, with updated interiors that extend naturally into the backyard for both everyday use and entertaining.<\/p>\n To achieve this connection, the team incorporated a LaCantina pocket door system and a bifold window. \u201cWe chose LaCantina for its sleek design and flush sill options,\u201d explains the firm. The doors allow the kitchen and living area to fully open to the exterior, creating a unified space with minimal visual interruption.<\/p>\n Best Compact Project: Ocean Cliff Oasis by CABANA CONCEPTS, Encinitas, California<\/strong><\/p>\n Photo by Sydney Ellis<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Photo by Sydney Ellis<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Perched above the Pacific in Encinitas, Ocean Cliff Oasis by CABANA CONCEPTS is a full remodel designed to harness ocean breezes and frame vibrant sunsets. An open-concept layout pairs with panoramic glazing to create a light-filled, coastal sanctuary.<\/p>\n To enhance the home\u2019s connection to its setting, the team installed multiple LaCantina V2 folding and swing doors, including wide openings in the kitchen, living room, and courtyard. The architects praised the system\u2019s \u201cseamless integration and minimal panel profiles,\u201d noting it \u201cmakes it even easier to enjoy the gorgeous ocean and sunset views with the doors both closed or opened.\u201d<\/p>\n Best Concept: Kennington Residence by [Design Group Name], California<\/strong><\/p>\n To frame these views and promote indoor-outdoor living, the design incorporates LaCantina contemporary clad sliding and folding doors, including a 12-foot-wide opening from the primary suite. The architecture firm noted that \u201chaving a BIM library helps clients visualize the final product,\u201d making LaCantina\u2019s systems instrumental in both the design and communication process.<\/p>\n The 2025 winning projects exemplify how LaCantina\u2019s door and window systems can elevate architecture \u2014 enhancing not only aesthetics but also functionality, comfort and connection to place. Each design shows how thoughtful openings can invite nature inside and support a lifestyle rooted in light, air and movement.<\/p>\n To dive deeper into the systems and strategies behind these award-winning projects, visit LaCantinaDoors.com<\/a> and explore more inspiring case studies.<\/p>\n The post Architecture That Opens Up: Presenting the 2025 Best of LaCantina Winners!<\/a> appeared first on Journal<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Architizer is thrilled to announce the winners of the 8th Annual Best of LaCantina Design competition! This season brought forward a new wave of visionary residential and commercial projects \u2014 each demonstrating how well-designed door and window systems can redefine the relationship between architecture and the surrounding environment. From cliffside hideaways to vineyard tasting rooms,…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2360,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[12],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/boliqiang.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2358"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/boliqiang.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/boliqiang.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/boliqiang.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/boliqiang.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2358"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/boliqiang.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2358\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2380,"href":"http:\/\/boliqiang.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2358\/revisions\/2380"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/boliqiang.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2360"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/boliqiang.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2358"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/boliqiang.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2358"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/boliqiang.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2358"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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\nCollaborator: Ana Arcelus Arrillaga<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/boliqiang.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AmberEichler_PhotoByBruceDamonte_08-scaled-1.jpg\")
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\nCollaborators: Kristin Morales; Marybeth Burton<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/boliqiang.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Tortugas-2022-Alda-13-scaled-1.jpg\")
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\nCollaborators: Elevated Building Group; Spectrum Architecture<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/boliqiang.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DSC08926-HDR-min-scaled.jpg\")
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Nestled into a hillside in Glendale, California, Kennington Residence is envisioned as a modern 3,000-square-foot home that blends contemporary design with its sloped, terraced site. Neutral-toned finishes and a striking vertical stairwell connect the multistory layout, culminating in a roof deck with sweeping views of the San Fernando Valley.<\/p>\n
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