At Weltnorm, we have received the prestigious international German Design Award 2026 for our innovative NO-FRAME window. Winning the Excellent Product Design – Building and Elements category confirms the exceptional design and technical refinement of the solution and positions Weltnorm among the creators of contemporary architectural elements on the international stage.
The German Design Award is considered one of the most respected recognitions in the field of design. It is awarded by the German Design Council, a German institution with more than 70 years of tradition in design. In 2026, the expert jury evaluated more than 3,900 products from 57 countries, demonstrating the global relevance of the award and the high standards of the selection process. The award ceremony took place on 6 February 2026 in Frankfurt.
With the Weltnorm NO-FRAME window, we introduce a new approach to window design in which traditional window frames almost disappear and the space is defined mainly by a clean, uninterrupted glass surface. The window is designed without a visible sash or frame—both from the outside and the inside—allowing it to blend almost seamlessly with the architecture of the building.
This concept creates an architectural solution without visual interruptions, edges or protruding elements. The window becomes a discreet part of the building that gives the space a sense of openness and emphasizes the connection between the interior and the exterior.
A special advantage of the system is also its adaptability to interior design. On the interior side, the NO-FRAME window can be completely covered with plaster and painted in the colour of the wall or integrated into decorative wall finishes. Only the glass surface remains visible, while the window still allows normal opening. On the exterior side, the frame and sash construction are fully integrated into the façade, creating the appearance of an almost entirely glass surface.
Despite its minimalist design, the NO-FRAME window retains all the functionality of a conventional window. It allows tilt opening for ventilation as well as classic side opening.
A distinctive feature of the system is the discreetly integrated handle, which follows the philosophy of invisibility. It is positioned laterally within the profile and appears only when in use. This preserves the visual purity of the window even in its smallest details.
With this solution, we provide architects and designers with greater freedom in building design and enable the realization of ambitious architectural concepts without the limitations often associated with traditional window systems.
The German Design Award represents an important recognition of our development work. At Weltnorm, we have been developing technically sophisticated window systems for many years, with all key development phases—from the initial concept to prototypes and final production—carried out in-house in Maribor, Slovenia.
The development of the NO-FRAME window was the result of collaboration within a multidisciplinary team combining architectural understanding of space, contemporary design approaches, structural engineering expertise and energy efficiency requirements. The result is a system that is not only an aesthetic innovation but also a comprehensive architectural solution for residential, commercial and public buildings.
The German Design Award recognises projects that create added value through design and respond to the challenges of modern living. With the NO-FRAME window, we address key trends in contemporary architecture: more natural light, clean lines, functionality, sustainability and a stronger connection between interior and exterior spaces.
This international recognition confirms that development from Slovenia can actively contribute to shaping new architectural standards worldwide.
