Design innovation highlighted in steel awards

AWARD – Beaulieu Parkway Bridge, Chelmsford

October 10, 2024

Design innovation highlighted in steel awards

AWARDS
Holland Park School, London
Splashpoint Leisure Centre, Worthing
The Kelpies, Falkirk
COMMENDATIONS
Gem Bridge,
Dartmoor National Park
Red Bridge House, Crowborough
Scale Lane Bridge, Hull
20 Fenchurch Street, London
Loughor Viaduct Replacement,
South Wales
OTHER FINALISTS
ME Hotel, London
Visitor centre, Stonehenge
First Direct Arena, Leeds
Reading Station Transfer DeckAt an evening presentation held at Madame Tussauds in London, three projects were Award winners at this year’s Structural Steel Design Awards (SSDA).

The winning projects at the 46th annual SSDA’s were Holland Park School, London; Splashpoint Leisure Centre, Worthing; and The Kelpies, Falkirk.

Television news presenter Emma Crosby compered the awards, which had been selected by the judges from the 12 finalists. All of this year’s entries scored highly in efficiency, cost effectiveness, aesthetics, sustainability and innovation.

Chairman of the Judges, David Lazenby CBE said: “The spread of the projects, both geographically and in types, reflects the broad appeal of steelwork in construction today.

“I have been considering what particular characteristics have come across to us forcibly this year. I think it is probably the sense of boldness and innovation – being prepared to think laterally – and for the teams to search for different ideas, and approaches, in order to achieve the optimum solution in the service of the client, the public and society. This increasingly impresses me, and all the judges.”

He went on to say that all the projects, particularly the winners, will prove inspirational as we move forward into a better climate and environment for the industry.

Commendations were awarded to five further projects: Gem Bridge, Dartmoor National Park; Red Bridge House, Crowborough; Scale Lane Bridge, Hull; 20 Fenchurch Street, London; and Loughor Viaduct replacement, South Wales.

Wendy Coney, British Constructional Steelwork Association President, said in her address: “All of us here are familiar with the advantages and versatility steel brings, the particular qualities we can rely on it to deliver, and we all know that by specifying steel you are ensuring a high quality project that meets your sustainability, safety and programme needs.

In closing the ceremony Hans Fischer, Chief Technical Officer, Tata Steel Europe, said he was impressed, yet again, by the quality of the SSDA entrants and this was one of the reasons why the UK was Europe’s leading market for constructional steelwork.