2009 Structural Steel Design Awards winners announced

10 Jul 2009

The awards are now into their fifth decade, recognising the excellence achievable in structural and architectural design with the use of steel.  Judges selected the Award winning entries from a shortlist of 22, all of which scored highly in efficiency, cost effectiveness, aesthetics, sustainability and innovation.

Judges Chairman David Lazenby said the 2009 entries compared well with those of any year since the awards scheme was launched in 1969.  He said:” The short-list includes entries from a wide geographical spread from city centres to the top of a mountain, and a variety of types and sizes, as we have blockbusters and “little gems”, ranging from the heroic to the delicate.  We continue to see good results of traditional methods of project procurement, but we have also recognized some fine examples of design/build.”

All of the 22 projects on the shortlist were visited by the six strong judges team that also included Martin Manning, Chris Nash, Joe Locke, Gerry Hayter and new judge Oliver Tyler.

Mr Lazenby said all the entries were praiseworthy and demonstrate why steel is the structural material of choice. They also all serve the client well, and delight their users and the public.

He concluded: “I hope that these winning projects will inspire the industry, generate continuing success in these very tough times, and encourage future submissions to this great Award scheme.”

Commendations were awarded to six structures; the Ryanair Maintenance and Training Hangar at Stansted airport; No 2 Spinningfields Square, Manchester; the new academic building at the London School of Economics and Political Science; 201 Bishopsgate and the Broadgate Tower in the City of London; Cabot Circus Footbridge at Bristol’s Broadmead development; and the A2/A282 Dartford Improvement Scheme in Kent.

Certificates of Merit went to the Weather Room at Monken Hadley; Hafod Eryri at Snowdonia National Park; Unilever House, Leatherhead; and Lakeside Energy from Waste Plant at Colnbrook.

The 2009 Award Winners are:

Cabot Circus Roof, Broadmead, Bristol

Architects:                                      Chapman Taylor; Benoy

Artist for the Roof Forms:             Nayan Kulkarni

Structural Engineer:                      SKM anthony hunts

Steelwork Contractor:                   SH Structures Ltd

Main Contractor:                           Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd

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.

Oxford University Biochemistry Building

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 onsplit levels, with parallel services runs, behind a colourful external elevation.

A very effective steel solution to a complex and adaptable building.

Xstrata Aerial Walkway, Kew

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.

Castleford Footbridge

Architect:                              McDowell + Benedetti

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.

Wimbledon Centre Court Redevelopment, London

Architect:                                        Populous

Lead Concept Designer:             Bianchi Morley Ltd

Structural Designer:                     Capita Symonds

Detail Structural Coordinator:      Edge Structures

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.