Anne BildChristopher Cole, president of Cole & Co., took top honors in the emerging Outdoor Living category at the 2025 Grace Awards, held during the International Window Coverings Expo in West Palm Beach, Florida, this past April. His winning project—a striking installation of motorized zip screens at a contemporary Texas residence—demonstrated how exterior shading can elevate both form and function in outdoor design.
The homeowner’s vision: a fully enclosed outdoor living area that felt like a natural extension of the home. But delivering that clean, seamless look proved anything but simple. Cole & Co’s partnered with local suppliers and fabricator TEXTON to carefully retrofit the property with seven expansive 15-foot-tall motorized zip screens, overcoming significant structural and design challenges to bring the vision to life.
The project’s scale and the homeowner’s attention to detail underscored the importance of flawless integration. The successful blending of the large screens with the modern architecture’s clean lines was a key factor in the project’s recognition. Cole emphasized the significance of the product, stating, “Motorized Zip-Screens reign supreme as our No. 1 exterior product,” citing their versatility in meeting demanding client needs.
The selection of motorized zip screens proved crucial in achieving the desired outcome. Their design, featuring lateral tension within the side rails, ensures a taut, uniform fabric surface, contributing to both a sophisticated aesthetic and significant functional benefits. The enclosed space gains comprehensive protection from sun, wind, rain and pests. Furthermore, the ability to regulate temperature within the screened enclosure extends its usability year-round.
The Grace Awards judges acknowledged the project’s multifaceted benefits and seamless execution, recognizing the superior utility and aesthetic appeal of motorized zip-screens in elevating outdoor living. This complex installation highlights C3G’s expertise and innovative approach to fulfilling the evolving desires of homeowners seeking to maximize their outdoor spaces.
About Project: Cole & Co. is renowned for its innovative design solutions, seamlessly integrating aesthetics with functionality. TEXTON’s advanced Exterior Shading Systems, ensure durability and performance in various environmental conditions. Rollease Acmeda’s Automate motorization system offers smart, energy-efficient control for both interior and exterior shades. The X-Weave fabric, with its 10% openness factor, provides optimal UV protection and privacy without compromising natural light. Captured by DFW 360, the project’s visuals highlight the harmonious blend of design and technology.
- Designer: Cole & Co.
- Fabricator & Installer: TEXTON
- Motors: Rollease Acmeda
- Location: Dallas, TX
- Product: TEXTON Motorized Exterior Shades
- Fabric: X-Weave (10% openness factor)
- Photographer: DFW 360
This article originally appeared in the May/June 2025 issue of Window Fashion Vision magazine
