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 2021 - Shortlist

The shortlist for the 53rd 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 20 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 industrial and education buildings to infrastructure buildings, with entries also received for a variety of bridges, commercial developments and leisure facilities across the UK.

The winners will be announced at an evening reception in London on 28 September.

60 London Wall

Architect – EPR Architects
Structural engineer – Heyne Tillett Steel
Steelwork contractor – Severfield
Main contractor – Skanska
Client – La Salle Investment Management
80 Charlotte Street, London

Architect – Make
Structural engineer – Arup
Steelwork contractor – Bourne Group Ltd
Main contractor – Multiplex Construction Europe Ltd
Client – Derwent London
Brentford Community Stadium

Architect – AFL Architects
Structural engineer – Arup
Main contractor – Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd
Client – Lionel Road Developments Ltd
Brundholme and Low Pearson Bridges, Cumbria

Architect – Capita
Structural engineer – Beaver Bridges Ltd
Steelwork contractor – Jamestown Manufacturing Ltd
Main contractor – Cubby Construction Ltd
Client – Lake District National Park Authority
Glasgow Queen Street Station

Architects – BDP and IDP
Structural engineer – Arup
Main contractor – Balfour Beatty
Client – Network Rail
Hams Way Footbridge, Worcester

Architect – Moxon Architects
Structural engineer – COWI
Steelwork contractor – S H Structures Ltd
Main contractor – Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd
Client – Worcestershire County Council
Heron Quay Pavilion, Canary Wharf, London

Architect – Adamson Associates
Structural engineer – Arup
Steelwork contractor – Elland Steel Structures Ltd
Main contractor – Canary Wharf Contractors
Client – Canary Wharf Group
Leicester City FC Training Ground

Architect – KSS Group Ltd
Structural engineer – TRP Consulting
Steelwork contractor – BHC Ltd
Main contractor – McLaren
Client – Leicester City Football Club
Majestic Leeds-1.jpg

Majestic, Leeds

Architect – DLA Architecture
Structural engineer – Buro Happold
Main contractor – Sir Robert McAlpine
Client – City Square Developments Ltd
Manchester Aiport T2 Transformation-1.jpg

Manchester Airport Terminal 2 Transformation

Architect – Pascall + Watson
Structural engineer – Buro Happold
Steelwork contractor – William Hare Ltd
Main contractor – Laing O'Rourke
Client – Manchester Airports Group
Murdoch's Connection, A63 Castle Street, Hull

Architect – Matter Architects
Structural engineer – Arup
Steelwork contractor – S H Structures Ltd
Main contractor – Tilbury Douglas Construction
Client – Highways England
Pinewood Studios Phase II-1.jpg

Pinewood Studios Phase II

Architect – McAlpine Design Group
Structural engineer – McAlpine Design Group
Steelwork contractor – Billington Structures Ltd
Main contractor – Sir Robert McAlpine
Client – Pinewood Group
Pooley New Bridge, Cumbria

Architect – Knight Architects
Structural engineer – GHD
Main contractor – Eric Wright Civil Engineering
Client – Cumbria County Council
The Catalyst, Newcastle upon Tyne

Architect – GSSArchitecture
Structural engineer – s h e d
Main contractor – Bowmer and Kirkland Ltd
Client – Newcastle University
The Hickman

Architect – DSDHA
Structural engineer – Heyne Tillett Steel
Steelwork contractor – Hillcrest Structural Ltd
Main contractor – Ellmer Construction
Client – Great Portland Estates plc
Winchester West Downs-1.jpg

The University of Winchester, West Downs Campus

Architect – Design Engine Architects
Structural engineer – Heyne Tillett Steel
Steelwork contractor – Hillcrest Structural Ltd
Main contractor – Osborne
Client – The University of Winchester

100 Bishopsgate, London

Architect – Allies and Morrison
Structural engineer – Robert Bird Group
Steelwork contractor – William Hare Ltd
Main contractor – Multiplex Construction Europe Ltd
Client – Brookfield Properties
100 Liverpool Street, London

Architect – Hopkins Architects
Structural engineer – AKT II
Steelwork contractor – William Hare Ltd
Main contractor – Sir Robert McAlpine
Client – British Land
RCOG Union Street-1.jpg

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Union Street

Architect – Bennetts Associates
Structural engineer – Integral Engineering Design
Main contractor – 8build Ltd
Client – The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Wenlock Works

Architect – Buckley Gray Yeoman
Structural engineer – Heyne Tillett Steel
Steelwork contractor – Billington Structures Ltd
Main contractor – Sir Robert McAlpine
Client – Stanhope PLC

[top]Structural steel design awards 2020

Full details of the 2020 award winning projects, the judging panel and the other finalists are available in a special SSDA 2020 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 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.

[top]Awards

[top]Commendations

[top]Merits

[top]Structural steel design awards 2017

Full details of the 2017 award winning projects, the judging panel and the other finalists are available in a special SSDA 2017 brochure produced by the BCSA and Steel for Life in association with Kovic Design Limited.

[top]Awards

[top]Commendations

[top]Merits

[top]Structural steel design awards 2016

Full details of the 2016 award winning projects, the judging panel and the other finalists are available in a special SSDA 2016 brochure produced by the BCSA and Steel for Life in association with Kovic Design Limited.

[top]Awards

[top]Commendations

[top]Merits

[top]Structural steel design awards 2015

Full details of the 2015 award winning projects, the judging panel and the other finalists are available in a special SSDA 2015 brochure produced by the BCSA and Tata Steel in association with Kovic Design Limited.

[top]Awards

[top]Commendations

[top]Certificates of Merit

[top]Structural steel design awards 2014

Full details of the 2014 award winning projects, the judging panel and the other finalists are available in a special SSDA 2014 brochure produced by the BCSA and Tata Steel in association with Barrett, Byrd Associates.

[top]Awards

[top]Commendations

[top]Structural steel design awards 2013

Full details of the 2013 award winning projects, the judging panel and the other finalists are available in a special SSDA 2013 brochure produced by the BCSA and Tata Steel in association with Barrett, Byrd Associates.

[top]Awards

[top]Commendations

[top]Structural steel design awards 2012

Full details of the 2012 award winning projects, the judging panel and the other finalists are available in a special SSDA 2012 brochure produced by the BCSA and Tata Steel in association with Kovic Design Limited.