The winners of the Designplus Award by Light + Building 2026

The ABB SACE Emax 3 is the first cyber-secure open low-voltage circuit breaker that combines secure grid connection with intelligent technology. It meets increasing industry requirements through precise energy measurement, integrated connectivity and AI readiness, and offers reliable protection for critical infrastructures up to 6,300 A. With seamless integration, the ABB SACE Emax 3 is a powerful component of modern energy distribution systems.

The VISO 28 from Georg Bechter Licht is an impressive compact, flush-mounted sensor with a large detection range that can be discreetly integrated into the architecture thanks to its minimalist, frameless design. It combines motion and daylight detection for precise lighting control and also enables light-threshold-controlled regulation of blinds. Fully compatible with DALI 2 systems, VISO 28 offers maximum functionality in a minimum of space.

The AKENO pendant lamp by Bjørn + Balle for Nordlux combines Nordic elegance with a light form reduced to the essentials. The slender wooden body and fine brass details create a warm impression, while the dimmable LEDs with high colour rendering provide natural, atmospheric lighting. With its understated elegance, AKENO adds a sensual accent to any room, which is guaranteed to last thanks to its high-quality workmanship.

AURORA by Dexter Lighting features a nature-inspired, emotionally appealing design and downward-facing, glare-free light. The adjustable height and integrated ground spike allow for flexible placement and perfect adaptation to the surroundings. The replaceable LED module is particularly sustainable, extending the life of the luminaire. A solution that brings joy and enriches the atmosphere of garden spaces.

ENVIVA by XAL offers an elegant, radically reduced design, high energy efficiency of up to 176 lm/W and excellent light quality with direct, indirect and glare-free light. With a profile of just 15 millimetres, the luminaire is as slim as it is sustainable: it can be dismantled without tools, has no glued components, is fully recyclable and is manufactured in Europe. Designed for material efficiency, ENVIVA stands for forward-looking lighting with minimal resource consumption.

The SLC-Motion203-C from esave is an intelligent all-in-one controller for outdoor lighting with environmental, brightness and motion sensors. It reduces light pollution, offers global connectivity and mesh networks, and combines motion detection and control in a single Zhaga-compatible device – efficient, sustainable and forward-looking.

The GEO Streetlight impresses with its unusual, modular design and a new typology for sustainable street lighting. Its replaceable rear cover enables low-maintenance upgrades and easy replacement of drivers and control elements. Combined with adaptive lighting technology and full smart city compatibility, GEO Streetlight sets a strong trend for efficient, durable and ecological urban lighting.

The MIXIT energy efficiency solution from Grundfos combines all mixing circuit components in an intelligent plug-and-play system and reduces installation and commissioning costs by up to 50 per cent. Automatic system adjustment saves up to 25 per cent energy, while the new Supply Source Setpoint function unlocks further optimisation potential. The focus on circular economy also reduces waste – an efficient, sustainable component of modern building technology.

Mennekes ONE (M.ONE) is an impressive plug-and-play IoT ecosystem that accelerates processes and creates valuable transparency in industrial energy distribution. The integrated sensor technology sends operating data directly to the Industrial Cloud, where it can be visualised via service modules, integrated into external systems and used to calculate the CO₂ footprint for each production step. This makes M.ONE an effective tool for efficiency and continuous optimisation.

With witty park 2, Hager presents an aesthetically compelling and intuitively operated charging station with two 22 kW charging points, suitable for use either as a twin wallbox or as a free-standing duo charging pillar. The system features an 8-inch colour display, secure billing with the option of compliance with calibration law, and user guidance that brings the convenience of DC charging stations to an AC infrastructure. A single supply line, straightforward installation and rapid commissioning significantly reduce effort and complexity. Operation can be reliably monitored remotely via LAN or LTE, while OCPP compatibility ensures future-proofing. In this way, witty park 2 sets a clear benchmark for efficient and versatile charging infrastructure in semi-public and public environments.

The NUO YA switch range by JUNG impresses with its frameless clarity, consistent reduction and precise tactile feedback. The design combines technical elegance with timeless colours inspired by nature. NUO YA demonstrates how intercultural exchange between Europe and China can lead to a design that is both aesthetically and functionally compelling, enhancing modern spaces with refined style.

The Zumtobel Group’s trade fair presence stands out for the maximum transparency of its processes and the materials used, as well as for its consistently sustainable planning and implementation. The modular architecture enables the reuse of up to 90 per cent of the materials and significantly reduces the ecological footprint. Through resource-efficient construction methods and the human-centred approach of “embracing architecture”, it creates a welcoming experience that exemplarily combines responsible action with high-quality design.