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

Full details of the 2021 award winning projects, the judging panel and the other finalists are available in a special SSDA 2021 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 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.