Structural steel design awards

The objective of the Structural Steel Design Awards is to celebrate the excellence of the United Kingdom in the field of steel construction, particularly demonstrating its potential in terms of efficiency, cost effectiveness, aesthetics, sustainability and innovation.

Each year the awards scheme attracts many excellent entries from widely ranging projects. Successful projects are expected to have a minimum threshold of excellence in architectural and engineering terms and to be cost effective. Each year’s entries reflect the increasingly high standards that are being achieved, not only in design and all aspects of fabrication, but also in short construction programmes and accuracy on site.

2018 saw the 50^th Structural Steel Design Awards jointly sponsored by BCSA and Trimble Solutions (UK) Ltd. To mark the occasion, BCSA gathered together details of all the previous Award-winning projects and presented them as a montage of images here. Clicking on the project name below each image reveals further project details, images and the judges’ comments.

The Structural Steel Design Awards

with contributions from:

Sarah McCann-Bartlett, Director General, BCSA
David Lazenby CBE, now former Chair of the Judging Panel
Professor Roger Plank, ex-Sheffield University, member of the Judging Panel
Bill Taylor, Partner, Robin Snell and Partners, member of the Judging Panel
Ivor Roberts, now Past President, BCSA

[top]Operation of the awards

The Awards are open to steel based structures situated in the United Kingdom or overseas that have been built by UK or Irish steelwork contractors. They must have been completed and be ready for occupation or use during the two calendar years immediately preceeding the year for which the projects are submitted for the awards.

Previous entries are not eligible.

[top]Judging criteria

SSDA Logo

The judging panel selects award winners after assessing all entries against two key criteria: planning and architecture, and structural engineering.

[top]Planning and Architecture

Satisfaction of client’s brief, particularly cost effectiveness
Environmental impact
Architectural excellence
Durability
Adaptability for changing requirements through its life
Efficiency of the use and provision of services
Conservation of energy

[top]Structural Engineering

Benefits achieved by using steel construction
Efficiency of design, fabrication and erection
Skill and workmanship
Integration of structure and services to meet architectural requirements
Efficiency and effectiveness of fire and corrosion protection
Innovation of design, build and manufacturing technique

[top]How to enter

For details of how to enter and more information on the judging process, please download an entry form.

Why enter?
If your project is shortlisted, your company would have the kudos of being part of a prestigious Awards scheme - one with a long history, focused solely on steel construction and the only one where expert judges visit every shortlisted project to truly appreciate its qualities. In addition, you’ll receive:

Free publicity for you, your project and your client, both online and in the construction press.
Free attendance at a major Awards event in central London for your project team.
Recognition of excellence for your project, be it large or small.

How to succeed?
Plan ahead and involve the whole project team from the outset in preparing a high-quality submission, don’t leave it to the last minute. Read the entry criteria and particularly the ‘Submission Material’ section on the entry form and provide exactly what is required, nothing more, nothing less. In addition:

High quality photos will portray you project at its best.
A well written, flowing description of the context, concept design, outstanding features and key construction details will allow the judges to swiftly appreciate the essence of your project.
Broad representation from all parties at the judges’ visit will demonstrate collaboration and enthusiasm.

[top]Structural steel design awards 2020 - Shortlist

The shortlist for the 52nd Structural Steel Design Awards (SSDA), jointly sponsored by BCSA and Trimble Solutions (UK) Ltd, has been announced.

The Awards have again seen a strong number of submissions with the 22 shortlisted projects showcasing steel’s flexibility and versatility in a number of different and varying applications.

The shortlist also reflects the wide geographical spread of steel’s appeal for a variety of projects ranging from health and education buildings to retail and residential buildings, with entries also received for a variety of bridges, commercial developments and leisure facilities across the UK.

The winners will be announced on 1 October.

A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon Improvement Scheme

Structural engineer – Atkins, CH2M Hill Joint Venture
Steelwork contractor – Cleveland Bridge
Main contractor – A14 Integrated Delivery Team
Client – Highways England
Barton Square-1.jpg

Barton Square, intu Trafford Centre, Manchester

Architects – Corstorphine + Wright, Leach Rhodes Walker
Structural engineers – Cameron Darroch Associates, Mott MacDonald
Steelwork contractor – S H Structures Ltd
Main contractor – VINCI Construction UK
Client – intu Properties plc
Bath Schools of Art and Design

Architect – Grimshaw Architects
Structural engineer – Mann Williams
Steelwork contractor – MJ Patch Structures Ltd
Main contractor – Willmott Dixon
Client – Bath Spa University
Boeing GoldCare Gatwick-1.jpg

Boeing GoldCare Aircraft Hangar, Gatwick Airport

Architect – D5 Architects LLP
Structural engineer – Mott MacDonald
Main contractor – John Sisk & Son
Client – Boeing United Kingdom Limited
Bridgewater Place Wind Scheme-1.jpg

Bridgewater Place Wind Amelioration Scheme, Leeds

Architect – Chetwoods Architects
Structural engineer – Buro Happold
Steelwork contractor – S H Structures Ltd
Main contractor – Lendlease
Client – CPPI Bridgewater Place LP
Brunel Building, London

Architect – Fletcher Priest Architects
Structural engineer – Arup
Steelwork contractor – Severfield
Main contractor – Laing O'Rourke
Client – Derwent London
Drake Circus The Barcode-1.jpg

Drake Circus The Barcode, Plymouth

Architect – Corstorphine + Wright
Structural engineer – Evolve Consulting Engineers
Steelwork contractor – BHC Ltd
Main contractor – McLaren Construction Group
Client – British Land
Mary Elmes Bridge, Cork City

Architect – WilkinsonEyre
Structural engineer – Arup
Main contractor – Keating
Client – Cork City Council
National Infrastructure Laboratory-1.jpg

National Infrastructure Laboratory, University of Southampton

Architect – Grimshaw Architects
Structural engineer – Buro Happold
Main contractor – Wates Construction Limited
Client – University of Southampton
Scarborough Footbridge, York

Architect – Network Rail
Structural engineer – AECOM
Main contractor – AmcoGiffen
Client – City of York Council
The Balfour-1.jpg

The Balfour, Kirkwall, Orkney

Architect – Keppie Design
Structural engineer – AECOM
Steelwork contractor – BHC Ltd
Main contractor – Robertson
Client – NHS Orkney
The Curragh Racecourse-1.jpg

The Curragh Racecourse Redevelopment

Architect – Grimshaw Architects
Structural engineer – AECOM
Steelwork contractor – Kiernan Structural Steel Ltd
Main contractor – John Sisk & Son
Client – The Curragh Racecourse Ltd
The Gravity Bar, Guinness Storehouse, Dublin

Architect – RKD
Structural engineer – Arup
Steelwork contractor – Steel & Roofing Systems
Main contractor – P.J. Hegarty & Sons
Client – Diageo
The Standard Hotel, London

Architect – Orms
Structural engineer – Heyne Tillett Steel
Main contractor – McLaren Construction
Client – Crosstree Real Estate Partners LLP
The Wave Coventry-1.jpg

The Wave, Coventry

Architect – FaulknerBrowns Architects
Structural engineer – Engenuiti
Steelwork contractor – Billington Structures Ltd
Main contractor – Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd
Client – CV Life
Tintagel Footbridge, Cornwall

Architect – William Matthews Associates
Structural engineer – Ney & Partners
Steelwork contractor – Underhill Engineering Limited
Main contractor – American Bridge UK
Client – English Heritage
Waterloo Station Roof Infill

Architect – AECOM
Structural engineer – Mott MacDonald
Steelwork contractor – Bourne Steel Ltd
Main contractor – Wessex Capacity Alliance
Client – Network Rail

52 Lime Street, London

Architect – Kohn Pedersen Fox
Structural engineer – Arup
Steelwork contractor – William Hare
Main contractor – Skanska
Client – WRBC Development UK Limited
Centre Building, London School of Economics

Architect – Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners
Structural engineer – AKT II
Steelwork contractor – Billington Structures Ltd
Main contractor – Mace
Client – London School of Economics
One Bank Street Canary Wharf-1.jpg

One Bank Street, Canary Wharf

Architect – Kohn Pedersen Fox
Structural engineer – Arup
Steelwork contractor – William Hare
Main contractor – Canary Wharf Contractors
Client – Canary Wharf Group
One Bartholomew, Barts Square, London

Architect – Sheppard Robson
Structural engineer – Waterman
Steelwork contractor – William Hare
Main contractor – Mace
Client – Helical
The Post Building, London

Architect – Allford Hall Monaghan Morris
Structural engineer – Arup
Steelwork contractor – BHC Ltd
Main contractor – Laing O'Rourke
Client – Brockton Capital LLP and Oxford Properties Group

[top]Structural steel design awards 2019

Full details of the 2019 award winning projects, the judging panel and the other finalists are available in a special SSDA 2019 brochure produced by the BCSA and Trimble Solutions (UK) Ltd in association with Kovic Design Limited.

[top]Awards

[top]Commendations

[top]Merits

[top]Structural steel design awards 2018

Full details of the 2018 award winning projects, the judging panel and the other finalists are available in a special SSDA 2018 brochure produced by the BCSA and Trimble Solutions (UK) Ltd in association with Kovic Design Limited.