VERSATIKA, the premium, ultra-customizable door created by Cătălin Horomnea,
has been awarded the prestigious RED DOT distinction for Product Design – an
internationally recognized symbol of excellence in innovation and design. The
RED DOT DESIGN AWARD 2025 Gala, the world’s most renowned event dedicated
to product design, took place on July 8th in Essen, Germany.
The RED DOT recognition awarded to VERSATIKA marks the third time a Romanian-
designed product has reached this milestone in the history of the Red Dot Design
Award. It crowns over 20 years of innovation and dedication in architectural glass from
Glas Expert, the company founded by Cătălin Horomnea.
VERSATIKA – The Reimagined, Ultra-Customizable Filomuro Door
VERSATIKA is one of the signature products developed by Cătălin Horomnea – a
reinterpreted, ultra-premium filomuro door included in the Glas Expert portfolio. It stands
out through its versatility, adaptability, refined engineering, high-performance
technology, durability, and sustainability. The result of over two years of research and
development, it is a masterclass in engineering precision and applied design. The door
can reach heights of up to 3.5 meters, aligning seamlessly with the wall, without visible
frames, hinges, or jambs. It can be finished in glass, mirrors, magnetic materials, or
textured surfaces that visually extend the lines of the wall or floor. VERSATIKA is smart-
home compatible, features a silent magnetic closure system, and offers superior
acoustic insulation.
The award-winning model that impressed the international jury in the “Interior Design
Elements” category integrates glass with a fine metal mesh insert – creating a subtle
interplay of transparency and reflection. A detail that is both aesthetically striking and
functionally innovative.
One VERSATIKA unit will remain on display for one year at the Red Dot Design
Museum Essen – a landmark destination in global design.
“To me, Red Dot isn’t just an award. It’s a confirmation. A top-tier validation of a passion
that doesn’t come from diplomas, but from discipline, years of self-study, sleepless
nights, and an unwavering refuse to compromise. It’s also a recognition of the Glas
Expert team – a clear sign that a company founded in Romania can compete with the
global leaders in innovation and design.”- Cătălin Horomnea, founder of Glas Expert and
creator of VERSATIKA
First awarded in 1955, the Red Dot Award is widely considered the “Oscar of
global design” and honors the most innovative products in the world. The
recognition obtained by VERSATIKA reaffirms not only the strength of Romanian
design but also the long-term vision of a brand that continues to shape the future
of architecture, one detail at a time.
About Glas Expert
Inspired by a glass table he saw in a passageway in Obor, Cătălin Horomnea founded
Glas Expert in 1996. Today, the company is internationally recognized for delivering
spectacular architectural glass projects across four continents, in over 15 countries and
major cities like Berlin, Paris, Montreal, Casablanca, and Detroit.
Signature works include:
Futurium – Berlin’s House of the Future, with over 5,000 sqm of custom screen-
printed glass
The main arena at Roland-Garros, featuring ultra-clear glass balustrades
Therme Bucharest, Europe’s largest wellness and entertainment complex, where
Glas Expert delivered interior wall claddings printed with real images from the
Hubble Space Telescope
Looking ahead, Glas Expert aims to leverage this global recognition through strategic
partnerships and expansion into new markets. The company plans to showcase its
innovations at international trade shows in the Middle East, the United States, and
strengthen its presence across Western Europe.
https://xglas.eu/
About the Red Dot Award: Product Design
The Red Dot Award: Product Design is one of the world’s most prestigious design
competitions, with a legacy dating back to 1955. Every year, around 40 independent
experts – including designers, professors, and journalists – evaluate thousands of
products, judged individually according to strict criteria such as innovation, functionality,
sustainability, and aesthetic quality.
The competition covers over 50 categories, from consumer electronics to furniture and
medical equipment, including special categories such as “Sustainable Design” and
“Innovative Design”. Winners benefit from international visibility, access to design and
manufacturing networks, enhanced brand positioning, and premium communication
materials.
This year’s award ceremony took place on July 8th, 2025 at the prestigious Aalto
Theatre in Essen, Germany. Awarded products will be on display for one year at the Red
Dot Design Museum.
