CLFMI Award Programs

LES GRUBE DESIGN AWARD

THE CLFMI LES GRUBE MEMORIAL DESIGN AWARD IS NAMED FOR ONE OF CLFMI’s PAST PRESIDENTS AND A TRUE LEGEND IN THE FENCE INDUSTRY.

The Award was created to highlight the versatility and functionality of chain link fencing products. CLFMI recognizes the designing architect and installing contractor of the project that is deemed to represent the most unique and practical way of incorporating chain link fencing materials. The architect and contractor each received a specially-designed plaque and a cash award. The program is jointly funded by the CLFMI and the Les Grube family.

The Award was established in 1984 during Les Grube’s term as CLFMI President. Les was instrumental in outlining the award’s qualifications and establishing connections with the architectural community to support the concept.

The first award went to Pritzker Award-winning architect Frank Gehry for his design of the Sign at Santa Monica Place. Over the years, the award has been given to projects as diverse as the “living” façade of an airport facility to the design of a “slam dancing” nightclub in Tijuana.

2023-2024 DESIGN AWARD APPLICATIONS OPEN

The Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute (CLFMI) has announced that it is now accepting applications for its 2023-2024 Les Grube Memorial Design Award contest. The Award includes a uniquely-designed plaque and cash awards of $2,500 to the designing architect and $1,000 to the installing contractor and is given for the project which makes the best and most unique use of chain link fence materials.

Architects and contractors are encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible to be considered for the 2023-2024 Award. For more information, contact Mark Levin at 301-596-2583 or via email at info@chainlinkinfo.org

QUALIFICATIONS: To qualify for the Les Grube Memorial Design Award, the nominated project must:

Employ an innovative use of chain link fence materials (fabric, framework, and/or gates) on a commercial or industrial project.
Be conceived by a professional architectural or engineering firm.
Be installed by a professional fence contractor.

Fill up the online application form or download the pdf copy below.

Les Grube Award Application Form

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TO DOWNLOAD A PDF APPLICATION HERE

RETURN COMPLETED ENTRY FORM BY NOVEMBER 1, 2023 TO:

CLFMI Design Award Committee c/o Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute
10015 Old Columbia Rd., Suite B215 Columbia, MD 21046

Phone: 301-596-2583
Fax: 301-596-2594
email: info@chainlinkinfo.org

San Antonio Park Project Wins Fence Industry Design Award

The Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute (CLFMI) has announced the 2021-2022 Les Grube Memorial Design Award has been given to designer/installer Buster Simpson, LLC, Yakima, WA, for their work on the Pearsall Park Wickiup Encampment Project.

The Wickiup Encampment is a shade structure designed and installed by Buster Simpson LLC along a public walking trail at Pearsall Park. The Park was designed by BWC Design, San Antonio, TX. Wickiup Encampment was funded by San Antonio Public Art.

The wickiup “blankets” consist of five layers of mesh. All five layers are secured with stainless steel ties. The twisted wire ends of each blanket are capped with swaged sleeves. The blankets at Wickiup Encampment have a center layer consisting of UV stabilized powder coated woven wire chain link (3/8″ mini-mesh) with two layers of stainless-steel twisted wire mesh on either side. The center layer was assembled by weaving different colored coils together to create an innovative multi-colored blanket effect. (Note: This project was also a recipient of a national award from the Americans for the Arts Public Art Network).

The 2020 Les Grube Memorial Design Award has been presented to Urban Green Design, LTD and installing contractor Sentry Fence, Inc.

The Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute (CLFMI) has announced that the 2020 Les Grube Memorial Design Award has been presented to Urban Green Design, LTD and installing contractor Sentry Fence, Inc. for their work on the Midwest Development Project for medical marijuana researcher and producer Galenas, Inc. in Akron, OH.

The Project consisted of two 20-foot tall, 1” mesh aluminized fabric chain link structures which are attached to the building and lean outward on one wall and inward on another at 13-degree angles. They installed an 8-foot-high aluminized 1” mesh fence at the parking lot enclosure, and the 20-foot-high 1” mesh aluminized chain link panels on the north and south side. The north side fence had the same 13-degree angle, but leaning at the top towards the building. Each side was approximately 80 feet long. They are thus actually incorporated into the building’s exterior

Having a 20-foot tall, 1” mesh fabric structure leaning outward at a 13-degree angle on purpose provided plenty of challenges to Sentry Fence the contractor. Among the challenges were the building footprint, property line, and fence. The south side fence was only 8 feet from the property line at its anchor point at the bottom, but at the very top the fence was within an inch of the property line, below which had a fence with barbed wire along it.

Weather was also a challenge, given that construction started in the coldest part of January. The Galena structure was intended for security, of course, but the client also wanted something that offered a pleasing and interesting appearance.

All chain link products were delivered on-site to the project by Richard’s Fence Company, Inc., Akron, OH. (www.richardsfence.com)

PREVIOUS WINNERS OF THE LES GRUBE MEMORIAL DESIGN AWARD

Kansas City Bridge Project Wins Fence Industry Design Award

The Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute (CLFMI) has announced that the 2016-2017 Les Grube Memorial Design Award has been given to architect David Dowell, AIA and installer Collins and Hermann, Inc. for their work on the Main Street Redux Project in Kansas City, MO.

The introduction of a streetcar line along Main Street triggered reconsideration of the Main Street bridge over I-670. The existing Main Street Bridge was an integral piece of Pedestrian Strands, a public art commission by an architect and artist, and this team was folded into the design team for the new bridge. Pragmatically the project adds acoustical buffering from highway traffic below, and provides improved pedestrian circulation and ADA accessibility. Artistically, the new work continues the work of Pedestrian Strands in creating a three-dimensional, lateral composition that folds the immediate experience of the bridge into the broader environment created, in part, by the I-670 highway cut.

According to McDowell, chain link was the material of choice because “chain link is a beautiful material in its own right. We’ve gotten very used to exploiting the range of finishes and scales of weave, coatings and other attributes so that it offers endless design possibilities. Glass and acrylic panels are two examples. Also, chain link receives light in a uniquely beautiful manner. LED lights, mounted vertically on the posts, wash the space between the layers of chain link, illuminating the chamber in an extremely effective and poetic manner. Years ago, we learned about the moiré effect caused by layering chain link panels. We’ve not found another material that creates this amazing animation effect so strongly and cost-effectively.

The CLFMI Design Award is named for Les Grube, a Past President of the Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute and a fence industry pioneer. The winning architect and contractor each receive specially-designed plaques and cash awards of $2,500.00 for the designing architect and $1,000.00 for the installing contractor.

For more information contact Mark Levin, CAE, CSP at 301-596-2583 (info@chainlinkinfo.org)

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Spectacular Athletic Fields Project Wins Fence Industry Design Award

The Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute (CLFMI) has announced that the 2015 Les Grube Memorial Design Award has been given to architect Bruce Dees and Associates, Tacoma, Washington and the Sea West Construction Company, Seattle, for their work on the Browns Point Athletic Fields Project in Tacoma.

Brown Point Park Fields in Tacoma, Washington, are elementary school playfields during the school day and community park fields after school and on weekends.

The unique character of the chain link baseball backstops and soccer backstops punctuate the otherwise flat, open fields. The 15° slope of the baseball backstops toward the field redirects foul balls rolling up the back wall of the field. Without the slope, balls would roll up and over the backstop wall and onto the walkway behind the field. The same 15° angle is then carried along each wing of the backstop, stepping down in a rhythm that accentuates the entire structure and giving it a unique and attractive character. Treated 2×12 plank backboards provide a vital function and visual foundation that complement and finish the structure. The backstop posts also support the dugout roof with a continuous longitudinal slope. The matched pairs of complementary, functional features are really art forms, providing the vital function of safety and aesthetics for all park users and visitors.

The framework consists of Schedule 40, 4.0” OD posts with 1.66” OD rails. The 9 gauge fabric is secured to posts and rails at 6” on center behind home plate and 12” on center elsewhere. As a construction material, chain link fabric and steel framework provide the flexibility to create the unique form while providing a strong, durable, overall diaphragm.

“GHOST HOUSE” PROJECT WINS FENCE INDUSTRY DESIGN AWARD

The Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute (CLFMI) has announced that the 2014 Les Grube Memorial Design Award has been given to architect Michele Cetera, AIA and the 458 Construction and Fence Company for their work on the Ghost House Project at Randall’s Island, NY.

The Ghost House is a public sculpture commissioned for Randall’s Island Park by the New York City Department of Parks in partnership with the Bronx Museum of the Arts. The concept for Ghost House originates with artist Wilfred Smith’s Fences Furniture sculptures, a series of furniture constructed entirely of chain link fences. Ghost House expands this concept to delineate the entire home, inspired by the many baseball backstops in Randall’s Island Park. This sculpture uses the material to create a delicate three-dimensional “drawing” of a house executed in woven steel wire and pipe. Ghost House has a footprint of 18 by 24 feet and stands 16 feet in height. Industry guidelines were followed in the design and detailing of the structure, using standard chain link fence fabric, pipe, and fittings. All chain link products were generously donated and delivered on-site to the project by Eastern Wholesale Fence Co., Inc. of Medford, NY. www.easternfence.com. Park visitors are invited to use Ghost House for ball games, play, contemplation, or even live performance. The title for Ghost House pays homage to architect Philip Johnson’s structure of the same name in New Canaan, CT.

The CLFMI Design Award is named for Les Grube, a Past President of the Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute and a fence industry pioneer. The winning architect and contractor each receive especially–designed plaques and cash awards of $2,500.00 for the designing architect and $1,000.00 for the installing contractor.

For more information contact Mark Levin, CAE, CSP at 301-596-2583 (info@chainlinkinfo.org)