Each year, the Mbrico Excellence Awards recognize projects that demonstrate the highest level of performance, precision, and design integration in rooftop environments.

The 2025 winners reflect a clear shift in the industry. Decks and rooftop spaces are no longer secondary amenities. They are central to how buildings create value, attract users, and define experience.

From hospitality rooftops in dense urban markets to residential installations in demanding climates, this year’s projects showcase how Mbrico’s reinforced porcelain pavers and patented systems are expanding what is possible in elevated deck and rooftop design.

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First Place: Blue Plate | Chicago, Illinois

Located in Chicago’s Fulton Market District, Blue Plate’s rooftop garden sits atop one of the city’s premier luxury catering venues. Spanning 5,600 square feet, the space was designed to deliver a high-end hospitality experience while meeting strict structural and performance requirements.

The Mbrico system allowed the project team to integrate multiple materials into a unified surface, including planters, ipe decking, and an operable door system. The result is a seamless transition from interior flooring to rooftop pavers, maintaining visual continuity without sacrificing durability.

Key factors that set this project apart:

• Seamless integration with adjacent materials and architectural elements

• Precision alignment using Mbrico’s patented track system

• High load capacity to support hospitality use and foot traffic

• Long-term durability in a demanding urban climate

“It worked out beautifully.”
Mike Stanke, General Manager, Blue Plate

This project demonstrates how performance-driven systems can support complex, design-forward environments at scale.

View the full Blue Plate project gallery here.

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Second Place: Bartlett Builders | Salt Lake City, Utah

Bartlett Builders delivered a rooftop installation in the Salt Lake City market that prioritizes long-term performance in a climate defined by temperature swings and seasonal extremes.

Mbrico’s reinforced porcelain deck system provided a durable, low-maintenance surface engineered to withstand freeze-thaw cycles while maintaining structural integrity and visual consistency. The project reflects a growing demand for materials that perform consistently across changing environmental conditions.

Key factors that set this project apart:

• Proven long-term durability in a demanding climate

• Freeze-thaw approved performance for year-round reliability

• Heat resistance to maintain surface stability and comfort

• Responsive support throughout design and installation

“I think it’s bulletproof.”

Morgan Bartlett, Bartlett Builders

This installation reinforces the value of selecting materials that are engineered for longevity, not just initial appearance.

View the full project gallery here.

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Third Place: Masterdecks by People Come First Construction | Seattle, Washington

Masterdecks, in collaboration with People Come First Construction, completed a rooftop installation in the Seattle market where moisture management and surface traction are critical to long-term performance.

Mbrico’s reinforced porcelain deck system delivered a high-traction, durable surface while allowing for efficient installation over an elevated assembly. The project highlights a practical approach to rooftop construction, where safety, performance, and build efficiency must align.

Key factors that set this project apart:

• Superior DCOF traction rating for enhanced slip resistance

• Long-term durability in a moisture-heavy climate

• Efficient installation using Mbrico’s pedestal system

• Responsive support throughout the build process

This project demonstrates how reinforced porcelain performs in environments where consistent exposure to moisture demands reliable, slip-resistant surfaces.

View the full project gallery here.

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What These Projects Represent

Across all winning entries, several key themes emerged:

Performance enables design:
Architects and builders are no longer forced to compromise between aesthetics and durability. High-performance systems allow both to coexist.

Consistency across environments:
From freeze-thaw climates to moisture-heavy regions, material performance must remain reliable regardless of conditions.

Precision at scale:
Whether a 5,000 square foot hospitality rooftop or a residential deck, alignment, structural integrity, and finish quality remain critical.

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Why Mbrico

Mbrico’s reinforced porcelain deck system is engineered to meet the demands of modern rooftop construction:

• 4,500 lb load rating

• Freeze-thaw approved for all climates

• Miami-Dade NOA wind uplift certification

• Non-porous, slip-resistant surface

• Compatible with pedestal and joist-framed track systems

These capabilities allow architects, builders, and developers to design with confidence, knowing the system will perform under real-world conditions.

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Explore More Projects

Explore additional award-winning and featured installations to see how Mbrico is being used across hospitality, multifamily, and residential applications nationwide.

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