Trade31 has been recognized with an Eagle Award from the Associated Builders and Contractors Ohio Valley Chapter in the Specialty Contractor: Specialty Construction Commercial category for our work on SparkHaus.
The Eagle Award honors projects that demonstrate excellence in execution, safety, and craftsmanship. Trade31’s work stood out for our ability to combine historic window restoration with advanced glazing technology, all while navigating complex logistics and a fast-track schedule.
Trade31’s work at SparkHaus consisted of the restoration and modification of 23 historic window openings, integrating high-performance vacuum glass into existing wood sash systems to improve thermal performance without replacing original material.
Every opening was unique. Decades of movement and prior modifications meant every sash, frame, and counterweight system had to be individually assessed and reworked by hand.
The work included:
This was not a standard install. It required precision craftsmanship to fit modern performance materials into a historic structure, while maintaining consistency across all 23 openings.
The project was further complicated by the sourcing of vacuum glass, given the fact that the only manufacturer of the product in the world currently is in China. Around the time the project started, the new tariffs took effect, extending material delivery timelines significantly. When the first shipment arrived incorrectly fabricated, the team had to pivot quickly to protect the schedule.
We ultimately coordinated expedited international production and another air freight delivery. Materials were flown overseas, processed through customs, and delivered under extremely tight timelines. Installation sequencing was continuously adjusted to maintain progress. Work that could proceed without glass was prioritized, while crews remained flexible and ready to pivot the moment materials arrived. Extended work hours, including nights and weekends, ensured no time was lost once the correct glass was onsite.
With every opening unique and no ability to rely on standard templates, consistency had to be built through process, not repetition. The team approached installation as a controlled, step by step effort. Each window was tested individually before scaling across all 23 openings, ensuring performance, fit, and finish met expectations before full production continued.
Quality control extended beyond typical inspection. Because the vacuum glass was sourced internationally and new to the project, the team developed hands-on methods to verify each unit upon arrival. This included custom testing setups to confirm seal integrity and ensure the glass had not been compromised during transport.
In the shop, glazing was completed in-house using a wet glaze process with controlled curing timelines and finishing. Units were inspected, staged, and packaged for delivery in sequence, ensuring installation could proceed efficiently once on site.
Despite each opening requiring custom work, the finished product needed to feel consistent across the entire building. Delivering that level of uniformity required experienced craftsmen, disciplined execution, and attention to detail at every step.
The result: the project was completed on time, with several days to spare ahead of the planned Grand Opening event.
The SparkHaus project highlights what defines Trade31’s approach:
From historic preservation to high performance glazing, this project demonstrates what is possible when skilled builders are empowered to solve problems the right way.
This is construction at its best: thoughtful, precise, and built to last.
In addition to the project award, Tom Hollingsworth was nominated for Craftsperson of the Year.
Tom is known for leading through his work. He consistently delivers high end millwork with precision and helps guide others on the jobsite, sharing knowledge and ensuring installations are done the right way. He is dependable, focused, and committed to quality. When challenges arise, he works through them in real time to keep projects moving and maintain a high standard of finish.