Projects and Features
SSDA 2026, Introduction, Index and Judges
Introduction
By Roger Plank – Chairman of the Judging Panel.
The Structural Steel Design Awards scheme, fast approaching its 60th year, is an opportunity to celebrate the versatility of structural steelwork and the contribution the sector can make to the built environment. The success of the scheme depends partly on the projects entered and partly on the judges who review them. This year we received a good range of entries and I would like to thank all involved in submitting these. But I would also like to encourage more to do so in future – it need not be an onerous task and we are happy to advise on any aspects, particularly for those entering for the first time.
The judges, each an expert in their own field and sharing a passion for high-quality design and construction, have the difficult task of comparing the wide range of projects submitted and I would like to thank them for giving so freely of their time. We make a preliminary selection based on a ‘desktop’ review of the entries so, in preparing submissions, it is important to provide clear, concise, well-illustrated documentation highlighting those aspects of the project which make it special. Good photographs, particularly of the finished structure, are especially welcome and throughout the process it is very helpful to have input from all key members of the project team, including the client, to provide the broadest perspective.
Unlike other award schemes we visit all shortlisted entries unless special circumstances prevent it. This provides a first-hand opportunity to understand and experience what the project teams have achieved and to quiz them about any specific points. In this way, we can build up a much clearer view of the special merits of individual entries and this is extremely helpful in coming to our final decisions.
Once all visits have been completed, the judging panel reassembles to compare notes and exchange views. With such a diverse range of projects, this is no easy task, but the judges bring all their professional experience and expertise to bear in reaching a consensus. Throughout the judging process, we consider the merits of all aspects including architecture and engineering, the quality of fabrication and assembly, any innovations or challenges, issues of sustainability, and the contribution the project makes to society at large. We look for high quality and are particularly keen to understand the challenges faced, how these were addressed, and the contribution of steel to the outcome.
The variety of projects submitted this year and the high quality of all those which made it to the final stage demonstrate just what can be achieved in structural steelwork construction, and everyone involved should be proud of what has been achieved. It is indeed my privilege, as a judge, to have the opportunity to visit some of these schemes and to learn of the amazing achievements, so in conclusion I would like to express my gratitude to you for this and my congratulations to you all.
Index
AWARDS
Project of the Year
Manchester Airport Terminal 2 Reconfiguration
Special Judges’ Award and Commendation
TBC.London
38 Berkeley Square, London
Gairnshiel Jubilee Bridge
Fortnum & Mason Double Helix, London
Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool
COMMENDATIONS
The Bakery Building, Dublin
Vyshhorod Bridge, Kyiv, Ukraine
BAE Govan, Glasgow
The Ribbon, London
334 Oxford Street, London
MERITS
Stonecutter, London
The Whale on the Wharf (Skyscraper), London
PUMA Flagship Store, London
Sandyford House, Newcastle upon Tyne
Tan House Footbridge, Berkshire
NATIONAL FINALISTS
Judges
Professor Roger Plank PhD BSc CEng FIStructE MICE
Chairman of the Panel
Representing the Institution of Structural Engineers
Roger Plank is a structural engineer and, having recently retired as Professor of Architecture and Structural Engineering at the University of Sheffield, is currently a director of Vulcan Solutions Ltd offering software and consultancy services in fire engineering. He has collaborated extensively with the steel construction sector in the fields of fire engineering and sustainability, and is a Past President of the Institution of Structural Engineers.
Richard Barrett MA (Cantab)
Representing the Steelwork Contracting Industry
Richard Barrett was Managing Director of Barrett Steel Buildings for over 20 years prior to its sale in 2007 in a management buyout, and is Chairman of steel stockholder Barrett Steel. Richard studied engineering at Cambridge University, graduating in 1978. At Barrett Steel Buildings, he developed the business into a leading specialist in the design and build of steel-framed buildings for structures such as distribution warehouses, retail parks, schools, offices and hospitals. He was President of the BCSA from 2007 to 2009, and was a member of BCSA’s Council from 1994 to 2017.
Tim Burton
Representing the Steelwork Contracting Industry
Tim Burton is former Chairman of the British Constructional Steelwork Association Bridges Committee and has a long association with the Association. During his extensive career in steel construction Tim has contributed to countless landmark projects in the UK and overseas. These include London’s One Canada Square, the Tsing Ma suspension bridge in Hong Kong and Scotland’s iconic Kelpies artwork.
David Chapman BEng CEng MIStructE
Representing the Steelwork Contracting Industry
David Chapman is a chartered structural engineer and has been working in the steel industry since 1986. He started his career working for the steel fabricators Wescol Glosford, and Dyer and during his 17 years there he was involved in stadia, warehouse and office projects, and became its Technical Director. Following this, David spent 20 years working for the Corus/Tata Steel/BCSA JV as Technical Manager. In 2023, he joined ArcelorMittal Steligence and is responsible for the promotion of the company’s combined product offering, and sustainability within the UK.
Ewan Jones BSc(Hons) BArch(Hons) RIBA
Representing the Architectural Profession
Ewan Jones is a regional managing principal at 10 Design, an international architectural practice. With over 30 years’ experience at the intersection of architecture, engineering, and construction, he has designed award-winning structures across a range of scales and sectors. Ewan works closely with developers leading office, residential and mixed-use schemes. He has also worked in major infrastructure projects, including railway stations, energy generation and bridges. Previously a Partner at Grimshaw, his built portfolio includes The St Botolph Building and Lloyds Bank’s headquarters in the City of London, Newport City Footbridge and HS2’s Colne Valley Viaduct. Ewan is Chair of the Design Commission for Wales.
Brogan MacDonald CEng CEnv MICE
Representing the Institution of Civil Engineers
Brogan MacDonald is a chartered engineer and environmentalist blending technical expertise in structural engineering with a holistic approach to sustainability. As the Head of Sustainability for Building Structures at Ramboll UK, she leads the implementation of the company’s sustainability strategy; to reduce embodied carbon by 50% by 2030, promoting the reuse of existing buildings and elements, integrating nature into our designs, and enhancing climate resilience and adaptation. Brogan leads on Ramboll’s UK commitments to ConcreteZero and SteelZero, as well as providing sustainability training and upskilling to over 180 engineers and technicians across the UK and India, ensuring they have the technical competence to engineer the future.
Emily McDonald MEng MA (Cantab) CEng MICE
Representing the Institution of Civil Engineers
Emily McDonald is the UK+ Managing Director and Partner in Buro Happold with nearly 30 years’ experience. A civil and structural engineer by training she originally joined the practice as a graduate fresh from Cambridge University. She has extensive experience having worked on a wide range of multi-disciplinary projects including innovative new builds and refurbishment schemes across several sectors and typologies. She has been involved in diverse and landmark projects notably Cutty Sark Conservation project and Phase One of the Battersea Power Station redevelopment, now known as Circus West village and Faraday House. She has led large multi-disciplinary teams of engineers on several projects including: Stratford Waterfront East Bank and is currently Project Principal for the Barbican Renewal Project, caring for the things people love about the Barbican Centre, while opening up the creative experience for everyone.
Sarah Pellereau MEng CEng MIStructE
Representing the Institution of Structural Engineers
Sarah Pellereau is a Director at Elliott Wood with 25 years’ experience. She has been involved in a number of award-winning schemes including leading a project shortlisted for the Stirling prize. As a Structural Engineer, she is rare in having graduated with a Part 1 in Architecture as well as a Masters in Engineering from the University of Leeds. She has a diverse portfolio of experiences in structural design but also has worked on-site with the CTRL alterations to St Pancras Station and tutored at Nottingham University.
Bill Taylor BA (Hons) DipArch MA RIBA FRSA
Representing the Architectural Profession
Bill Taylor is an architect in private practice. Having joined architects Michael and Patty Hopkins straight from Sheffield University School of Architecture in 1982 he became the youngest of the five founding partners in Michael Hopkins and Partners in 1988. In 2010 Bill left the practice to concentrate on his own projects and has also collaborated with architect Robin Snell and his practice. He is a founding member of Tensinet, the pan European organisation researching lightweight and tensile construction, has been a member of the RIBA National Awards Group, CABE Design Review Panels and a Senior Assessor/Client Adviser for the RIBA competitions programme.
Oliver Tyler BA (Hons) DipArch RIBA
Representing the Architectural Profession
Oliver Tyler is Managing Director of architects WilkinsonEyre. He joined the practice in 1991, becoming a Director in 1999. He has spent nearly 40 years in architectural practice and has extensive experience leading and coordinating the design and construction of many high-profile building and infrastructure projects including; the Dyson Headquarters in Wiltshire, regional headquarters for Audi in west London, the Liverpool Arena Convention Centre, along with a number of major infrastructure projects in London including; Stratford Regional Station for the Jubilee Line Extension, Liverpool Street Station for the Elizabeth Line and the London Cable Car across the Thames. In recent years Oliver has been responsible for a number of commercial buildings in the City of London including 8 Finsbury Circus and the 50-storey tower, 8 Bishopsgate. Both projects received the prestigious City Building of the Year Award. Oliver has been a judge for the SSDA for over 15 years.
