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."


Professor Roger Plank PhD BSc CEng FIStructE MICE - Chairman of the Judges Panel






Photos from the event can be downloaded here: https://qrco.de/bfOP5G

Projects which received an Award



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



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

The Judges’ comment: One could be forgiven for considering this a relatively modest, straightforward project such is the quality of the design and construction achieved in response to the significant complexities that literally underly it. The efforts and commitment of the entire team have been amply rewarded in this fine project.


Clarice Pears Building, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Glasgow

 Architect – AtkinsRéalis
 Structural Engineer – AtkinsRéalis
 Main Contractor – Multiplex
 Client – University of Glasgow


The Judges’ comment: The building encourages open community engagement concerning health inequalities at street level, while the triangular gridded form generates connections between floor levels around an attractive and welcoming atrium. Team collaboration led to efficient design, fabrication and erection where sustainability, potential adaptability and design for end of life was a central consideration.

 


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

Architect – Allford Hall Monaghan Morris
Structural Engineer – AKT II
Steelwork Contractor – Bourne Group Ltd
Main Contractor – Galliford Try
Client – The Portman Estate


The Judges’ comment: “This high specification development, located directly opposite Marble Arch, is part of the prestigious Portman Estate, so demanded a sensitive response to modernise a valued period building. Comprising retail and high quality office space, an efficient steel frame integrates a new 10-storey building within a retained 1920’s original façade, where new floors and openings have been sensitively designed to correspond with historic elevational details.”


Paddington Square, London

Architect – Renzo Piano Building Workshop, Adamson Associates
 Structural Engineer – WSP
Steelwork Contractor – William Hare Limited
 Main Contractor – Mace
 Client – Great Western Developments Limited


The Judges’ comment: "This elegant mixed-use building features a 19-floor office ‘cube’ suspended above four retail and restaurant levels addressing a new public space that has revitalised the area between Paddington Station and St Mary’s Hospital. An improved environment for both the travelling public and office users is complemented by a landmark structure visible through layers of diaphanous steel and glass elevations."


 

Project which received a Merit


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


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.

victoria.cooke@bcsa.org.uk

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