Steel awards highlight industry’s innovation

Five projects were Award winners at this year’s Structural Steel Design Awards (SSDA) held last night at One Great George Street, London.

The five winning projects at the 47th annual SSDA’s were Moorgate Exchange, London; First World War Galleries, Imperial War Museum, London; Derby Arena; Merchant Square Footbridge, London; and Island Pavilion and Footbridge, Wormsley.

From an initial shortlist of 14 projects, all of this year’s entries scored highly in efficiency, cost effectiveness, aesthetics, sustainability and innovation.

Chairman of the Judges, David Lazenby CBE said: “This year it is again evident that all shortlisted projects show merit. There is not one that does not have favourable attributes.

“The spread of the projects, both geographically and in types, demonstrates how steelwork is used successfully in almost any type of project. Bearing in mind the great ingenuity applied by designers and practitioners there are scarcely any limits to the nature of the submissions.”

Commendations were awarded to Heathrow Terminal 2B; Milton Court, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, London; and Greenwich Reach Swing Bridge, London, while SSDA Merits went to Kew House, Richmond and Weathering Steel House, Putney.

British Constructional Steelwork Association (BCSA) President Wendy Coney said: “The whole collection of 14 outstanding projects reflects a construction industry that is vibrant, innovative and really knows how to get the best out of steel – the structural material of choice for the world we live in.  The UK is acknowledged as the world leader in the use of steel in construction and these Awards celebrate your undoubted expertise.

“Tonight’s event has demonstrated what can be achieved in terms of best practice by the construction industry on both large and small projects. This has once again been an outstanding year and I encourage you to continue the good work and submit your entries for the 48th Awards next year.”