Radiant contractors looking to show off their best work are invited to enter the Radiant Panel Association's sixth annual System Showcase Awards program. The competition will award top honors to the best radiant heating installation in the following categories:

  • Residential over 5,000 sq. ft.

  • Residential under 5,000 sq. ft.

  • Commercial

  • Retrofit

  • Innovative

The competition also recognizes the best electric radiant jobs for residential and commercial applications. Finally, show attendees vote on a special Best of Show award.

Last year's award winners ranged from a villa in Jordan to an aircraft hanger in Alaska. "The System Showcase is really turning into an international competition,"says Larry Drake, the association's executive director. "The program also highlights the versatility of radiant. In years past, other winners have included projects to heat a 50,000 sq. ft. mansion to retrofitting a bathroom."

The awards will be presented at next year's Radiant Heating Conference and Trade Show, May 11-13, Providence, R.I. A pavilion at the trade show will highlight the finalists. As an added bonus, next year's System Showcase winners will win prizes and gift certificates, as well as receive plaques and trophies.

System Showcase winners will once again be featured in a special supplement to the July 2000 issues of PM and PM Engineer.

The competition is open only to RPA members. Applications for the awards and more details about the next year's show can be obtained by calling 970/613-0100, or logging on to www.rpa-info.com. The deadline for entering the contest is Jan. 31.