Structural Steel Design Awards 2024
The winners for the 56th Structural Steel Design Awards (SSDA), jointly sponsored by BCSA and Steel for Life, have been announced.
On the evening of the 26th of September, at Christ Church Spitalfields, the project awards were announced and celebrated. Once again, the diversity and complexity of the projects entered were of outstanding quality, showcasing structural steelwork at its finest.
"The Awards scheme provides an opportunity for the sector
to showcase excellence in the use of structural steel across
a wide range of projects varying in nature, scale, regional
location and budget. We were pleased to see the inclusion
of so many large prestige commercial buildings this year, but
we are just as interested in small projects of any type and
would like to encourage a greater number of submissions
across the widest range of structures.
In conclusion I can say, on behalf of all the judges,
that the awards, commendations, the single merit,
and national finalists recognised in the Structural Steel
Design Awards this year, reflect the impressive quality
of the current steel construction industry, and everyone
involved should be proud of what has been achieved."
Photos from the event can be downloaded here: https://qrco.de/bfOP5G
Projects which received an Award in 2024
8 Bishopgate, London
Architect – WilkinsonEyre
Structural Engineer – Arup
Steelwork Contractor – William Hare Limited
Main Contractor – Lendlease
Client – Stanhope PLC
The Judges’ comment:
“Eschewing the creation of a simplistic city icon,
this 50-storey building successfully combines a
fragmented form, determined by function and
site constraints, with a rigorous structural system.
The resulting variety of spaces has proved a
letting masterstroke. Impeccably constructed
through a Construction Management contract,
this is a top-class project.”
Aviva Studios, Manchester
Architect – Office for Metropolitan Architecture
Structural Engineer – Buro Happold
Steelwork Contractor – William Hare Limited
Main Contractor – Laing O'Rourke
Client – Manchester City Council
The Judges’ comment:
“A world class cultural venue housing a warehouse
space capable of supporting 200 tonnes of rigging
from long-span steel trusses, and adjoining theatre,
to be used independently or together. The result is
a visually striking space able to host a wide range
of events with large audiences, enhancing the city’s
status as a hub for arts and culture.”
Beaulieu Parkway Bridge, Chelmsford
Architect – AECOM
Structural Engineer – AECOM
Steelwork Contractor – Briton Fabricators Ltd
Main Contractor – GRAHAM
Client – Countryside Zest LLP
The Judges’ comment: “This 161m long, three-span highways bridge has an extraordinary construction story. The structure, which spans a road and live railway, is curved in plan and section. Built on the ground, complete with much of its deck, the structure was then driven into position on multiple specialist propelled moveable transporters.”
Co-op Live Arena, Manchester
Architect – Populous
Structural Engineer – Buro Happold
Steelwork Contractor – Severfield
Main Contractor – BAM Construction
Client – Oak View Group
The Judges’ comment: “A 100m clear spanning roof forms the dramatic focus of this state-of-the-art purpose-built black box performance venue. Skilfully controlled surrounding spaces are defined, but never dominated by, the expressed structure that creates them. Built to exacting standards, this is a holistic and architecturally confident solution of high quality.”
n2 Nova Evolved, London
Architects – Lynch Architects, Veretec
Structural Engineer – Robert Bird Group
Steelwork Contractor – William Hare Limited
Main Contractor – Mace
Client – Landsec
The Judges’ comment: “A complex site with congested services
restricted building supports to just a few points,
resulting in steel trusses creating a distinctive
double-height feature at ground floor. Secondary
transfer trusses between first and second floors
house the plant, with the rest of the building
free to create a unique, top-class office space.”
Sky Innovation Centre, London
Architect – AtkinsRéalis
Structural Engineer – Arup
Client – Sky
The Judges’ comment: “This minimalist structure, comprising highly
optimised steel floor trusses supported on
splay columns to reduce bending, maximises
design for disassembly. A key aim of the client,
adopted throughout the supply chain, was to
minimise environmental impacts. The result is
a very adaptable, high quality workspace with
excellent sustainability credentials.”
Projects which received a Commendation in 2024
4 Angel Square, NOMA, Manchester
Architect – SimpsonHaugh
Structural Engineer – Buro Happold
Steelwork Contractor – Billington Structures Ltd
Main Contractor – Bowmer + Kirkland
Client – MEPC
The Judges’ comment: “This operational net zero, BREEAM ‘Outstanding’, 22,000m2 office building utilises long-span cellular beams to create a column free interior environment. In a nod to the sightlines of the main road, the four upper floors are offset, a challenge that was structurally achieved using fabricated transfer beams and cantilevers. A well-run project that successfully met the client’s brief.”
Bishops Square, London
Architect – Foster + Partners, Bond Bryan
Structural Engineer – Price & Myers
Steelwork Contractor – Elland Steel Structures Ltd
Main Contractor – VolkerFitzpatrick
Client – J.P. Morgan
Clarice Pears Building, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Glasgow
Architect – AtkinsRéalis
Structural Engineer – AtkinsRéalis
Main Contractor – Multiplex
Client – University of Glasgow
Haymarket, Edinburgh
Architect – Foster + Partners
Structural Engineer – Arup
Steelwork Contractor – BHC Ltd
Main Contractor – Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd
Client – Qmile Group, M&G Real Estate
The Judges’ comment: “The largest office building in Edinburgh has been
constructed above two historic rail tunnels, while
providing a colonnaded connection to a new public
square. This has been achieved by an intelligent
engineering solution that balances a steel frame
calculated from the capacity of piles that could be
‘threaded’ in between the two tunnels.”
Lucent, London
Architect – Fletcher Priest Architects
Structural Engineer – Waterman Group
Steelwork Contractor – Severfield
Main Contractor – Wates Group
Client – Landsec
The Judges’ comment: “Located on Piccadilly Circus, Lucent stands as a striking eight-storey example of innovative design and structural ingenuity comprising a complex restructuring of space for commercial and retail use, and seven new residential units, within an almost complete city block of several period buildings. This was all achieved while maintaining the operation of the iconic Piccadilly Lights.”
One Great Cumberland Place, London
Structural Engineer – AKT II
Main Contractor – Galliford Try
Paddington Square, London
Structural Engineer – WSP
Steelwork Contractor – William Hare Limited
Main Contractor – Mace
Client – Great Western Developments Limited
Project which received a Merit in 2024
Holbein Gardens, London
Architect – Barr Gazetas
Structural Engineer – Heyne Tillett
Steel
Steelwork Contractor – Cleveland Steel and Tubes Ltd
Client – Grosvenor
The Judges’ comment:
“Sustainability and circular economy were key
drivers in this two-storey extension.
To avoid strengthening the existing structure,
a lightweight steel frame with CLT floors
was used. The incorporation of re-used steel
demonstrates how old sections and timber can
be exposed and still work effectively together,
creating a harmonious blend of materials.”
National Finalists of 2024
Allerdene Bridge, Gatehead
Architect – Grimshaw Architects
Structural Engineer – Cass Hayward
Main Contractor – Griffiths Ltd
Client – Newport City Council
The Judges’ comment: “This three-span 290m long continuous
composite viaduct in weathering
steel provides a key link carrying
the newly widened M1 over a busy
rail line and replaces a reinforced
concrete structure which was in very
poor condition. Its optimal design
minimised environmental impacts and
enabled earlier completion despite
challenging installation conditions.”
Battersea Power Station Phase 3B, London
Architect – Foster + Partners
Structural Engineer – Robert Bird Group
Steelwork Contractor – BHC Ltd
Main Contractor – Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd
Client – Battersea Power Station Development Company
The Judges’ comment: “A large, curvaceous commercial
building in the Battersea masterplan
is situated above the Northern
Line extension, which dictated the
core location and imposed weight
restrictions. A moment-resisting steel
frame was chosen to optimise the
above-ground volume maintaining the
integrity of the open-plan floor plate
and allowing for cantilevered corners.”
Devon Place Footbridge, Newport
Architect – Grimshaw Architects
Structural Engineer – Cass Hayward
Main Contractor – Griffiths Ltd
Client – Newport City Council
The Judges’ comment: “The footbridge provides a safe,
convenient connection over the railway
and busy roads between urban areas.
The design presents a clear concept;
a pair of dark grey steel-plated bridges,
constructed with minimal impact, and
a lightweight ramp that stitches into
the surrounding context. The project
has transformed a neglected site into
a well-connected public realm.”
Maggie's Royal Free Hospital, London
Architect – Studio Libeskind
Structural Engineer – Expedition Engineering
Steelwork Contractor – William Hare Limited
Main Contractor – Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd
Client – Maggie's
The Judges’ comment: “This building has an unusual part
conical form squeezed into a tight
site. The outward raking walls enclose
light filled internal spaces and rooftop
garden. Whilst timber solutions were
considered early on, a steel frame
proved to be the optimal solution to
achieve the distinctive sculptural form
of the building.”
Plot 7B New Bailey, Salford
Architect – Make Architects
Structural Engineer – Cundall
Steelwork Contractor – Billington Structures Ltd
Main Contractor – Bowmer + Kirkland
Client – Muse
The Judges’ comment: “The New Bailey development is a
£650 million regeneration project,
that forms a new gateway to the City
Centre. Plot 7B is an 11-storey office
building, with a distinctive diagrid form
and a floating corner over the main
entrance. High strength steel was use
in long-span plate girders giving large
uninterrupted floor spaces, maximising
flexibility for future tenants.”
Sky Studios Elstree, Borehamwood
Architect – UMC Architects
Structural Engineer – Fairhurst
Steelwork Contractor – Severfield
Main Contractor – BAM Construction
Client – Legal and General
The Judges’ comment: “This new build studio complex
comprises large, column free ‘black
box’ sound stages with adjacent
supporting workshops and offices.
All buildings are steel framed with
the stages having column supported
trusses 4.2m deep spanning 60m
within buildings that are up to
18m tall and 90m long. This complex
serves an ever-growing UK industry."
Tommy Taylor Memorial Bridge, Barnsley
Architect – Arcadis
Structural Engineer – Waterman Group
Main Contractor – Keltbray
Client – Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
The Judges’ comment: “This cable-stayed footbridge connects
the town square with the transport
interchange. Triangular steel pylon
legs, and a trapezoidal deck shape give
an enhanced aesthetic to the bridge.
Splayed staircases and a wide bridge
deck allow for high throughput, such
as on match days for Barnsley Football
Club. Tommy Taylor Memorial Bridge, is
a new landmark in the centre of Barnsley.”
To register your interest in submitting a project for consideration, please contact:
Victoria Cooke
Technical Marketing Executive
Victoria is responsible for the marketing and promotional activities for Steel for Life. Her role oversees the production of the New Steel Construction magazine and the organisation of the Structural Steel Design Awards. Victoria joined BCSA in 2024 and has 10 years of business-to-business marketing experience, including 5 years within the construction and engineering sector.
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