SSDA 2008
The O2 Arena (North Greenwich), National Tennis Centre (Roehampton), Unilever House, (London) and Terminal 5 (Heathrow Airport) were last night announced as the award winning entries for the 2008 Structural Steel Design Awards (SSDA) at a prestigious ceremony hosted by Corus and the BCSA at the Victoria and Albert museum.
David Lazenby, Chairman of the Judging Panel paid tribute to the range of submissions: “As judges we were this year faced with the unenviable task of deliberating an SSDA shortlist comprising 24 unique and exceptional projects before agreeing the winning entries. However it is precisely the versatility and effectiveness of constructional steelwork demonstrated by all of these projects that the SSDA celebrates year on year. Whether the projects have used five tonnes or 30,000 tonnes of steel – each structure confers quality of engineering excellence, design innovation, economy and speed of construction – the very assets that ensure steel’s enduring popularity as the frame material of choice for British Construction.
Lazenby continues: "Each shortlisted project stands as testament to the skills and determination of highly motivated project teams who have worked together to achieve noteworthy additions to our built environment, on time, on budget – satisfying clients and delighting the public.
Richard Barrett, BCSA President comments: ‘All of the projects shortlisted for the 2008 SSDA illustrate the way in which constructional steelwork continues to play a vibrant, forward thinking and innovative part in the success of the construction industry. The performance of steel in the UK market continues to be one of the great industrial success stories of recent times – its ability to build very rapidly having underpinned its large market share in private sector construction, specifically the retail and warehousing sectors over the last few years. However as the market shifts to addressing sustainability requirements, designers, clients and specifiers now also recognise that as well as offering competitive advantage in terms of cost and programme, steel also provides the basis for a modern and sustainable way of building.”
The 2008 Award Winners are:
National Tennis Centre, Roehampton
Commendations and Certificate of Merit
| Architect | Hok sport architecture |
| Structural engineer | Buro Happold Ltd |
| Steelwork contractor | Watson Steel Structures Ltd |
| Main contractor | Sir Robert McAlpine |
| Client | Anschutz Entertainment Group |
Judges Comment
“This is a complex and substantial building in its own right, but made more so by its location within the Millennium Dome, presenting huge challenges. The chosen solution involved raising the 4,000 tonne steel structure, with its cladding, in one lift of more than 40m high to within 2m of the Dome’s roof. This is a triumph of planning, design and engineering, and a fine example of integrated team working.”
| Architect | Hopkins Architects |
| Structural engineer | Arup |
| Steelwork contractor | Rowecord Engineering Ltd |
| Main contractor | ISG |
| Client | Lawn Tennis Association |
Judges Comment
“Structures for covered tennis courts have taken many forms, sometimes mundane. The National Tennis Centre, with extensive courts and administrative facilities, is well planned and deceptively simple and effective. The sweeping steelwork in the court roofs and the well-developed office structures are both economic and elegant, showing great care and attention by the team. The nurturing of national tennis talent benefits from the fine environment in this impressive facility. Game set and match to structural steelwork.”
| Architect | Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates |
| Structural engineer | Arup |
| Steelwork contractor | William Hare Ltd |
| Main contractor | Bovis Lend Lease |
| Client | Unilever Plc |
Judges Comment
“Steel and glass have been thoughtfully and skilfully used in this fine refurbishment of a London landmark. The new open-plan office environment is stunning, behind magnificent retained façade. The suspended “flying carpet” circulation areas float dramatically in the soaring atrium. The dramatic effects result from complex engineering in the steel suspension and retention structures. A wonderful example of what can be achieved in a landmark restoration.”
| Architect | Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners |
| Structural engineer | Arup |
| Steelwork contractor | Watson Steel Structures Ltd |
| Main contractor | Laing O’Rourke Ltd |
| Construction manage | Mace Ltd |
| Client | BAA Plc |
Judges Comment
“This major airport terminal has achieved enormous public recognition for a variety of reasons. This soaring roof, spanning 150m to a height of 40m and 400m long, is truly spectacular. The plated steel roof beams, supporting “trees” and the enormous glazed facades, all show rigorous care and detail control, as well as quality of fabrication. This well demonstrates the outstanding skills of British construction, and successful structural steelwork.”
Commendations
Bourbon Lane Housing, London
Killanin Stand, Galway Racecourse
14 Cornhill, London
The Sidings Bridge, Swansea
University of Ulster Belfast Campus
The Worrell, Weekes and Walcott Stand, Kensington Oval, Bridgetown
Steel Wing, St Marylebone CE School
Certificate of Merit
East Beach Café, Littlehampton
Transfer Structure, Baker St, London
Constructionarium Mini-Gherkin, Norfolk
Singing Ringing Tree, Burnley
