SSDA 2009
The 2009 Structural Steel Design Awards, Commendations and Merits, selected from a strong field of entries by the panel of judges, illustrate the high capability of steel to meet a wide range of industrial, commercial and transportation construction requirements under a variety of environmental circumstances.
After giving awards for 41 years you might expect that a degree of repetition would occur amongst the award winners. But not so, it has always been our claim that steel gives designers limitless opportunities for the expression of ideas and the 2009 awards prove again that this claim is justified.
High levels of skill in design, fabrication and erection techniques are playing an important role in the appreciation of the many advantages of steel construction, which include the well proven qualities of economy, integrity, precision and speed.
It is hoped that the Design Awards will continue to stimulate interest, and contribute to the growth of steel-framed construction.
Wimbledon Centre Court Redevelopment, London
Oxford University Biochemistry Building
Cabot Circus Roof, Broadmead, Bristol
Commendations and Certificate of Merit
| Architect | Populous |
| Structural designer | Capita Symonds |
| Detail Structural Coordinator | Edge Structures |
| Specialist Conceptual Designer | Bianchi Morley Ltd |
| Steelwork contractor | Watson Steel Structures Ltd |
| Main contractor | Galliford Try |
| Client | All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) |
Judges Comment
“Overcoming the challenges of design, programming and logistics over a 3-year period has ensured minimal disruption to the Championships. The main 1,100 tonne retractable roof uses structural steel to its full advantages, with skilful marriage of heavy precision engineering and state-of-the-art technology, to achieve the all-weather operations so long desired.
This project exemplifies quality, integrated team working."
| Architect | Marks Barfield Architects |
| Structural engineer | Jane Wernick Associates Ltd |
| Steelwork contractor | W S Britland & Co Ltd |
| Main contractor | W S Britland & Co Ltd |
| Client | Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew |
Judges Comment
“This dramatic walkway provides an elevated view of the green canopy by a series of platform nodes and connecting decks on steel “trees”. The weathering steel plated structure is precisely located to avoid the trees and their roots, enabling close proximity without damage.
This brilliantly harmonises with its arboreal setting."
| Architect | Hawkins Brown |
| Structural engineer | Peter Brett Associates |
| Steelwork contractor | William Hare Ltd |
| Main contractor | Laing O’Rourke |
| Client | Oxford University Estates Directorate |
Judges Comment
“A surprisingly airy building with laboratories around an atrium. Internal bridges and generous circulation spaces encourage academic interaction. A steelwork solution was optimal for restricted height and future services flexibility. Steel “plunge” piles and sheet piling support steelwork on split levels, with parallel services runs, behind a colourful external elevation.
A very effective steel solution to a complex and adaptable building."
| Architect | Chapman Taylor Benoy |
| Artist for the Roof Forms | Nayan Kulkarni |
| Structural engineer | SKM anthony hunts |
| Steelwork contractor | S H Structures Ltd |
| Main contractor | Sir Robert McAlpine |
| Client | The Bristol Alliance |
Judges Comment
“The mixed styles of this retail development are unified by a series of spectacular glazed roofs in various shell and vaulted forms. The structural design is an intelligent re-engineering of the initial concept. By rationalising the geometry and detailing for maximum repetition the fabrication, erection and glazing were all simplified.
Design and execution of very high quality."
| Architect | McDowell + Benedetti |
| Concept Designer | Alan Baxter & Associates LLP |
| Structural engineer | Tony Gee and Partners LLP |
| Steelwork contractor | Rowecord Engineering Ltd |
| Main contractor | Costain Ltd |
| Client | Wakefield Metropolitan Borough Council |
Judges Comment
“A robust and exciting link between parts of Castleford across the River Aire. High quality engineering design and construction techniques have led to an outstanding result, which in turn has transformed peoples’ regard for themselves and their town.
A triumphal demonstration of infrastructure improving the quality of life."
Commendations
Ryanair Maintenance and Training Hangar, Stansted
No 2 Spinningfields Square, Manchester
New Academic Building, London School of Economics & Political Science
201 Bishopsgate and The Broadgate Tower, London
Cabot Circus Footbridge, Broadmead, Bristol
A2/A282 Dartford Improvement Scheme
Certificate of Merit
The Weather Room, Monken Hadley
Hafod Eryri, Snowdonia National Park
Unilever House, Leatherhead
Lakeside Energy from Waste Plant, Colnbrook
Other Finalists
The Tank Museum, Bovington
The Bridge Academy, Hackney
30 Crown Place, London EC2
5 Aldermanbury Square, London
40 Portman Square, London W1
Factory of the Future, Sheffield
The Curve, Leicester
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