Sustainable philosophy at the heart of the home

Fabco, the UK’s leading manufacturer of internal and external steel windows and doors, is proud to announce the winners of the Fabco Awards 2026 – a celebration of architectural and design excellence across projects that feature Fabco’s distinctive steel-framed solutions.

Renowned for transforming windows and doors into stylish focal points that blend timeless tradition with contemporary aesthetics, Fabco invited the talented architects and designers it has collaborated with to submit their standout projects for consideration.

The Fabco Awards were judged by a panel of industry experts comprising of Hugh Metcalf – Editor- Livingetc.com, Luke Arthur Wells – Interior Stylist/ Designer/Tastemaker, Kris Bennell – President – Steel Window Association, Simon Bird – Director – LOM architects alongside Tim Randolph – Director – Fabco. Eleven projects were shortlisted with every judge expressing how high the quality was of the entries, and Tim Randolph announcing, “This is not going to be easy”.

Fabco Project of the year was awarded to Blackheath Villa by Studio Sam Causer. This stand out project used an unorthodox approach to glazing, internal doors replace the norm with antique mirrored glass, working harmoniously with the property’s original Victorian features and hand-distressed painted walls. The continuous, period skirting board was carried through the door set by implementing a kickplate panel creating a flow through the space.

Original arched sash windows adorn the rear elevation of the sitting room, and these design cues were echoed in the Fabco door shape. Through the double doors, a grand kitchen space awaits, noting the change in aesthetic, the kitchen side solely reveals the double door, squaring off the surrounding screen and mimicking the shape of the adjacent windows and cabinetry.

The judges praised the clever use of mirror with Kris Bennell saying, “If I could give it a 10 for innovation I would” (the highest score was 5) and Hugh Metcalf adding “The door is the hero of the room, makes a case for choosing that bespoke detail for something really transformative”

Photography by Jon Golden

The Fabco Interior Project of the year 2026 is 1930’s House – No Ordinary House with Mulroy Architects. Fabco was used to create a six-metre internal courtyard which gives the property light in the centre of the home, the glazing is what makes the courtyard work as a shared room rather than just a light well.

Five rooms and a hallway look directly into the courtyard, which meant whatever went into it had to be worth looking at from every one of them, in every season. It could have been a mirror, a sculpture, a water feature. It became a bespoke living wall, planted to change through the year, so the centre of the house is alive rather than decorative.​ Hugh Metcalf commented “Super striking, love the sight lines, and the steel glazing really plays an interesting part in the larger textural story”.

Photography by Killian O’Sullivan

Highly commended was – Hampshire Barn Conversion – Alexandra Young Design This project doesn’t attempt to disguise the building’s agricultural history. Instead, it deliberately combines traditional building techniques, exposed beams and shiplap boarding with contemporary Fabco steel glazing and doors.

The full-height Fabco glazed doors and large windows maximise natural light and beautifully frames the surrounding landscape allowing the Hampshire countryside to become part of the experience of the building. Luke Arthur Wells said of “My favourite execution, the wallpaper against the oak frame makes the building not feel like a barn cliche and the glazing gives it a modern edge”. Simon Bird also commented on the great finishes and how the windows and doors complemented this.

Photography by Tom St. Aubyn

Along with the judges choice award there was also a public vote which was decided through votes on Fabco’s Instagram and LinkedIn. This was won by Woodhouse Road – Alterations & Extension by SCD Design, this beautiful kitchen project really made an impact with voters commenting on the clean crisp feel and clever design.

Photography by Patrick Williamson

The awards were presented to the winners at a reception in central London on Thursday 24 September.

Please see below for a full list of all shortlisted projects and architects

Blackheath Villa – Studio Sam Causer Fabco Project of the Year winner
1930’s House – No Ordinary House with Mulroy Architects Fabco Interior Project of the Year Winner
Hampshire Barn – Alexandra Young Design Highly Commended
Woodhouse Road Alterations Extensions SCD Design Fabco Public vote winner
Hove Project – Woodmans Architects
Hampstead House – SPOTS design
Cosmos House – MW Architects
Well House – Architecture by Rosie
The Views – MTY Architects
Surrey Country Estate – Alexandra Young
Swallows Return – SALT Architects

About Fabco 

Fabco is a family run company grown from a background of specialist restoration and preservation of windows and metalwork on many of the finest ecclesiastical and historic buildings. They are recognised as the UK’s leading specialist in this field having worked on over 3,000 projects across Great Britain. Some of their notable work includes Canterbury Cathedral, Windsor Castle, Tower of London, V&A Museum and Harrods. Fabco steel windows & doors are professionally designed to bespoke requirements whilst being engineered to the highest standards. This means its frames exceed expectations whilst performing at unrivalled levels. 

Drenched in colour, Parsons Green is our highlight for this months publication in the May issue of Elle Decoration.

In the heart of London, this beautiful basement renovation incorporates both a home office, gym and lounge area into a space that flows seamlessly. The room has been fully enveloped in the deep, luxurious hue ‘Arras’ by Little Greene Paint Company, enhancing the office’s bold design features while creating a striking backdrop for our steel doors and screens. Parallel to this sits the home gym, mirroring the arched glazing style on a pair of sliding pocket doors.

Interior Design – Amy Drean
Architects – Icon Architects

As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, we’ve recently completed a full refurbishment of our office roof, installing solar panels across the entire building to significantly increase our use of renewable energy.

At Fabco, we recognise the lasting impact our business can have on both the environment and the communities around us. Operating sustainably is a fundamental part of how we work, benefiting not only our business but also our employees, customers and the wider community.

We continually review our operations to identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve recycling practices and minimise energy consumption. By investing in more sustainable solutions and embedding environmental responsibility into our day-to-day activities, we’re committed to creating a positive impact for the future.