Congratulations to our 2024 Shortlist
Don’t forget to vote now.
Building Project of the Year Over £5M
Project name
1000 Aztec West
Organisation
Scott Brownrigg
Project Overview
Aztec 1000, refurbished with a £17 million investment, has been transformed into a contemporary masterpiece, prioritizing occupant experience and sustainability. Led by Scott Brownrigg and their client CEG, the project stands out for its dramatic exterior overhaul and modern amenities.
Key Facts:
1. Dramatic Transformation: The refurbishment revamped the building's appearance and functionality, including a new floor, updated external envelope, and modern facilities like a café, gymnasium, and rooftop/lakeside spaces.
2. Enhanced Occupant Experience: The layout was reconfigured to prioritize well-being, offering picturesque views, inviting spaces for relaxation, and collaboration hubs. Modern amenities elevate the overall tenant and visitor experience.
3. Sustainable and Accessible Design: Aztec 1000 embodies energy efficiency and accessibility, boasting efficient office spaces, improved public areas, and top-tier cycle facilities. By retaining the existing steel frame, the project significantly reduces embodied carbon emissions, demonstrating responsible resource stewardship and contributing to global climate change efforts.
These three aspects - transformation, enhanced experience, and sustainable design - position Aztec 1000 as a strong candidate for Building Project of the Year, showcasing innovation, functionality, and environmental responsibility.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Project name
Bristol Beacon
Organisation
Willmott Dixon
Project Overview
Preservation of a stage that The Beatles graced. Ornamental plasterwork restored by craftsmen that worked on the Palace of Versailles. Three unchartered Elizabethan wells. A hall the size of 6.5 Olympic swimming pools and foundations strengthened by enough concrete to fill 1,280 bathtubs. £13m contribution to the local economy annually, 800+ events a year and 30,000 children able to access music technology labs. What do these things have in common? Bristol Beacon: a flagship project putting Bristol on an international stage.
When the building roof was removed, the 120-tonne birdcage scaffolding put in place to hold the original walls in place as the largest on any building project in Europe. This was no normal project; it tested every facet of Willmott Dixon’s delivery team.
Throughout the project, Willmott Dixon adopted a one team approach. The collaborative relationship with our customer, supply chain partners and stakeholders enabled us to meet the challenges we faced and overcome them together. Through Covid, Brexit, skills shortages, material shortages and structural issues, we worked tirelessly to deliver this iconic building, the largest concert venue in the Southwest of England.
- One of the UK's most intricate and complex transformation projects in the last ten years.
- Delivers its aspiration to be a world-leading concert venue.
- Proven to be an exemplar project with countless visits from representatives of the Chartered Institute of Building, local schools and universities, and a sounding board for Willmott Dixon teams across the country carrying out similar heritage schemes.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Project name
Bristol Dental School
Organisation
Kier Construction
Project Overview
The University of Bristol (UoB) embarked upon an ambitious project to reimagine dentistry education and care delivery by breathing new life into the former NatWest Building at Trinity Quay in Bristol.
This visionary project aimed to establish a primary-care clinical provider within Bristol Dental School, extending the reach of free dental treatment to the community. With the capacity to accommodate up to 400 patients daily, this innovative facility not only caters to the city's oral health needs but also nurtures the growth of future dental professionals, with c320 students receiving hands-on training each day.
Central to the success of this project was the commitment to collaboration, embodied in a 'One Team' ethos fostered among all stakeholders. This cohesive approach, coupled with a flexible design philosophy, minimised disruptions and costs, ensuring optimal value.
Embracing a digital-first approach, challenges were confronted head-on, with technology bridging gaps in building information and streamlining processes. This forward-thinking approach not only accelerated progress but also allowed for enhanced efficiency and innovation.
Spanning six floors with 11,159sqm of space, the scope of work included demolition, alterations and installation of state-of-the-art MEP services. The crowning achievement, however, lies in the creation of 106 treatment bays, outfitted with 119 dental chairs.
The transformation of Trinity Quay is a triumph in repurposing and collaboration. The City of Bristol can look forward to a future where access to quality dental care knows no bounds and where the legacy of this endeavour continues to inspire generations to come.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Project name
EQ
Organisation
Buro Happold
Project Overview
EQ is a new commercial office building in the heart of Bristol. EQ sets a new standard in workplace design, integrating the practical demands of modern businesses with the desire to live and work sustainably. EQ is not just an office building, it provides unrivalled dedicated amenity space to allow every occupier the opportunity to make the most of their time at EQ. Amenities include a rooftop restaurant and terrace with views across the city, a fitness studio, exemplary cyclist facilities for including a dedicated cycle entry ramp and generous shower / changing provision, a communal event space and a modern ground-floor café that is open and welcoming to the general public.
EQ has taken time to come to the market, with the same team involved in each iteration of the design. Throughout the building development every decision has been made with the Tenants and Occupants in mind. The result is a building that is well thought, carefully developed and exhibits quality in every aspect. As a result it is no surprise that Tenants engaged early with the project. EQ provides a wide range of accommodation, from multi-floor tenancies to individual let-ready studios.
EQ engages technology and embraces sustainability. EQ was the first building globally to achieve SmartScore status, is WiredScore Platinum and has its own building App. EQ is BREEAM Outstanding, a very high ‘EPC A’ and the first net-zero carbon in operation commercial office in Bristol. EQ has set the standard for workplace design in the city.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Project name
InterCity Place
Organisation
Kier constuction
Project Overview
InterCity Place is a ten-storey former office building completed in 1962 as part of Plymouth Railway Station and in line with the post war Abercrombie plan for Plymouth. The building had lain dormant for at least a decade and at time of possession was in a semi-derelict condition.
In 2018 the opportunity to take a long lease of the former InterCity House building arose and the University embarked on a transformational project to revitalise the building. InterCity Place provides the start of a new chapter for the University’s health education.
InterCity Place brings together the University’s School of Health Professions and School of Nursing and Midwifery. It co-locates two complementary groups of future healthcare workers where they have previously been dispersed at various sites across Plymouth.
The building accommodates specialist teaching spaces including biomechanics and neurophysiology laboratories, a physiotherapy studio, paramedicine science suite, optometry practice studios, postgraduate research space, a community home with fully-equipped bedroom, bathroom and kitchen, simulated hospital wards and office accommodation.
1) Transformation - Re-use of a building that was deemed derelict and now co-locates two complementary groups of future healthcare workers in a state-of-the-art training and research facility has the clear and obvious potential to significantly benefit and touch everyone living and working in the South West and beyond.
2) Sustainable credentials – Achieving EPC B on a 1960’s building.
3) InterCity Place is a catalyst for the wider Brunel Plaza regeneration project.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Building Project of the Year Up To £5M
Project name
Ilfracombe Watersports Hub
Organisation
Grainge Architects
Project Overview
We believe the Ilfracombe Watersports Hub is an outstanding example of how collaboration can overcome a complex set of constraints to deliver a facility of fantastic value and quality for the local community.
The Watersports Hub provides essential purpose-built facilities for local watersports clubs alongside commercial facilities to boost tourism to a previously underused area of Ilfracombe. A café with wraparound balcony offers stunning panoramic views of the harbour.
Constructed using robust, natural materials that will weather well over time in this exposed location, the project was delivered on an undoubtedly challenging site. Improvements made to the ramped access ensures that all levels of the site can be enjoyed by everyone. 10 years in the making, bringing this project to fruition has been a true collaborative effort with all parties from client, contractor and design team to statutory bodies and the local community contributing to the project’s success.
Key stand-out aspects:
1. An extremely challenging site and financial context was successfully navigated to produce a high-quality facility offering great benefits for the local community.
2. The design successfully achieves an aesthetic that is sympathetic to its Conservation Area setting and the local maritime heritage, while at the same time presenting a gently contemporary appearance that reflects the council’s aspirations to rejuvenate the local area.
3. As originally hoped, Ilfracombe’s Watersports Hub is now acting as a catalyst for regeneration within Ilfracombe and bringing more people and investment into the area.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Project name
New Sixth Form Block, St Bede's Catholic College
Organisation
Speller Metcalfe
Project Overview
The new sixth form building at St. Bede’s school created a two-storey learning facility in the heart of the school grounds. The structure is entirely timber with an octagonal ground floor and circular first floor shape, creating a unique looking building. One of the notable features about the project was that it was located within a courtyard in the centre of the school, so access and egress had to be managed, noisy works were planned around exam timetables and additional health and safety measures were put in place to protect students and staff.
The shape of the sixth form block and the mixture of various timber elements and species makes the project a very unique building which showcases the use of natural and sustainable products finished to a high standard.
1. The unique octagonal and circular timber frame design of the building
2. The level of collaboration across all members of the project team from design stage through to project completion. This ensured each member of the team’s expertise was valued and contributed to the overall success of the project.
3. The early engagement facilitated with specialist supply chain partners at design stage to ensure the client’s vision could be achieved.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Project name
Pennoweth Primary and Nursery School
Organisation
Poynton Bradbury Architects
Project Overview
The aim of Cornwall Council's 'Schools Basics Needs programme' is to improve and expand schools across the county to ensure sufficient pupil places are provided. As part of this programme it was proposed to expand Pennoweth Primary School from its existing capacity of 315 to 420 pupils.
The single-storey extension provides a new glazed entrance for the school and resolves a number of circulation issues within the existing school layout.
The new block provides four KS2 classrooms, a multi-purpose small hall, a new office, administration spaces and upgraded WC facilities.
Three key things make this project stand out :
1. Elevated status and arrival : The design is innovative and modern and creates an entrance to the school that is viewed with pride by the community it serves. On arrival to the school, a large corner window to the new small hall welcomes visitors and provides an opportunity to gain a glimpse of activity before entering reception.
2. Increased school capacity : Delivery of additional teaching spaces allowed the school to move away from mixed-age classes and meet in-take targets, therefore contributing to the wider educational strategy and needs of the county.
3. High-quality internal environmental standards: The bespoke mechanical ventilation heat recovery system (MVHR) is a highly efficient, low-energy system that greatly improves internal air quality, delivering better health standards for the building’s occupants.
Pennoweth Primary School is an excellent example of the successful creation of quality learning facilities within the constraints of an existing active site.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Project name
Liskeard Cattle Market regeneration
Organisation
Ward Williams Associates
Project Overview
Completed in September 2023, the reimagined Cattle market aims to attract and provide a venue for multiple artisan SME’s, creating a springboard for local and Cornish creative industries. 1. Set in a conservation zone and prime location, the client was also keen to retain the character of the Old Cattle Market, restoring pride whilst creating an efficient and productive space for future industry. The Workshed has transformed the former Liskeard Cattle Market site, into a hub for SMEs that are a lifeblood for Cornwall.2. The construction achieved BREEAM 'Excellent' rating with efficient design and enhancements to biodiversity and re-using materials on the brownfield site. 3. Generating 33 jobs and £1.2 m a year for the local economy, the project also pays homage to its roots; a vibrant space where communities convene for commerce, connection, and a shared identity.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Project name
St Andrews House
Organisation
ZED PODS Limited
Project Overview
St Andrews House comprising of 6 zero-operational-carbon apartments has unlocked an infill, contaminated garage site to design-led, good-quality, social-rented scheme. Designed and built by ZED PODS working in close partnership with Mid Devon District Council (MDDC), it is the first-of-its-kind NZC development in the Devon County, addressing the need for rapid-build, energy-efficient, affordable social homes on brownfields.
Manufactured offsite, this pioneering MMC scheme has bridged the gap between standardisation and design flexibility in response to planning and client requirements, matched the benefits of manufacturing with design flexibility of traditional builds. This exemplar NZC scheme has inspired other LAs to consider difficult-to-build lands, the collaborative workflow, featured in ‘MMC Playbook’ by the Housing Festival, marks a paradigm shifts in the UK’s MMC-led social-rented sustainable development.
Early stakeholder engagement addressed NIMBYism, won ‘hearts and minds’ (99% consented to sustainable development) and dispelled myths on MMC. Our collaborative approach secured two government grants (AHP and BLRF) and is the first project to achieve completion under BLRF.
We’ve integrated bespoke design, manufacturing efficiency, low-embodied carbon materials, fabric-first principles, onsite renewables, digital tools (BIM), minimal disruption, and offsite construction with zero-waste policies. Residents were trained on “low-carbon living” using easy-to-understand “Home User Guide” to establish “zero-energy, zero-carbon" community. We have trained MDDC’s maintenance team & local businesses on green skills.
Results: on-time completion, zero H&S incidents, saving 296.51 tonnes carbon over 30 years, water savings (107 kilolitres pa), as-built SAP 100A+ rating; over 300 tenancy applications; unlocked 400 MMC-led sustainable homes in the MDDC.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Client of the Year
Organisation
ZED PODS Limited
Submission Overview
Mid Devon District Council (MDDC) has demonstrated pioneering leadership by overcoming numerous barriers for MMC-led developments. Working closely with ZED PODS (Principal contractor), they have built 14 zero-operational carbon, 100% social-rented homes on difficult-to-build garage sites and Flood Zone. They have developed an exemplar partnership model with innovative community engagement and effective project management, earning multiple national awards and securing two government grants (AHP and BLRF). It has not only boosted local economy and delivered significant social impact, but also served as a model for other LAs. The Cullompton scheme is UK’s first project completed under OPE’s BLRF national funding program.
Engagement: Early stakeholder engagement addressed NIMBYism, won ‘hearts and minds’ (99% consented to sustainable development) and dispelled myths on MMC.
Collaboration: The project involves early involvement of maintenance teams and engages local schools and communities, fostering collaboration.
Zero-carbon: The schemes exemplify zero carbon goals, featuring super insulation, low-energy heating, and renewable technologies aligned with MDDC's carbon neutrality targets.
Design & Build: Adapting to site constraints, the units are tailored to local housing needs, with up to 90% construction completed in a UK factory, minimising disruption and waste.
Building Safety: Ensuring that each home achieves structural integrity and fire safety standards that surpass regulations.
Social Value: Employed local supply chains (70%), enhances local business opportunities. ZED PODS employed and upskilled day-released prisoners under the PBH Program (an initiative by 5 SW-based PCCs).
Long-term Savings: Utilising durable materials and embracing proactive maintenance through BIM ensures cost-effective upkeep, promoting sustainable living practices.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Organisation
BAM Construction
Submission Overview
South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) are a progressive local authority and we at BAM are delighted to be nominating them for Client of the Year. BAM have worked with SGC over many years and are proud of the projects we have delivered together, most recently on Elm Park, Lyde Green and Frenchay Schools
An example of SGC's aspirations and achievements is that there are only 15 certified Passivhaus schools in England and Wales, with SGC now adding three
SGC are:
Progressive: promote a collaborative approach with delivery partners
Ambitious: a wide-reaching capital programme and commitment to quality buildings
Responsible: decision that all capital projects must now be constructed to Passivhaus standard
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Organisation
Holistic Housing Solutions Ltd
Submission Overview
Stonewater Housing Association stands out as an exemplary candidate for the Client of the Year award for several compelling reasons:
Willingness to Engage on Favourable Financial Terms: Stonewater's proactive approach to engaging with partners on favourable financial terms demonstrates its commitment to fostering mutually beneficial relationships. Their willingness to negotiate and find equitable solutions not only benefits their partners but also contributes to the success and sustainability of the projects they undertake.
Keenness to Incorporate New Technologies into Developments: Stonewater's forward-thinking attitude towards incorporating new technologies into their developments sets them apart. By embracing innovation, they not only enhance the quality and efficiency of their projects but also contribute to the advancement of the industry as a whole. Their openness to adopting cutting-edge solutions demonstrates their commitment to staying at the forefront of development practices.
Allowing SMEs Freedom of Choice to Add Value and Be Creative: Stonewater's recognition of the value that SMEs bring to the table is evident in their approach to allowing them the freedom to add value and be creative. By empowering SMEs to contribute their expertise and unique perspectives, Stonewater fosters an environment of collaboration and innovation. This approach not only leads to more dynamic and successful projects but also supports the growth and development of smaller businesses within the industry.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Organisation
Willmott Dixon
Submission Overview
Working in partnership with Torbay Council is a huge opportunity: a customer who is committed to investing in regeneration projects to ensure Torbay continues to thrive as a place to live, work and visit.
From our first engagement with Torbay Council, we knew that this was a customer with a vision, committed to driving Torbay forward as a destination for inward investment, assisting on issues such as strategic master planning, transport and infrastructure.
This presented an opportunity for a strategic partnership that would create a catalyst for change across the Bay, continuing and building upon the Council's inspired 'Torbay Story' corporate vision.
Together, Willmott Dixon and Torbay Council have established a partnership that will help generate further economic growth, create new job opportunities, and encourage more inward investment into Torbay, so this development will make a lasting contribution to the region’s future prosperity.
1. We have already delivered the Harbour View Hotel, a 120-bedroom hotel will generate new employment opportunities of around 30 permanent jobs. Attracting thousands of guests each year,
2. Our long term partnership will now work in conjunction with Torbay Council to establish bay wider regeneration through focused town centre sites.
3. The partnership is focused on leaving a lasting legacy with a specific focus on educating the next generation and care leavers, working with the council and local colleges to equip these young people for work and bolster the future economy.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Climate Action
Project name
Centurion House, Bath
Organisation
Ridge and Partners
Project Overview
Centurion House provides much-needed, high-quality student accommodation on the grounds of Bath Cricket Club in the heart of Bath, close to the university. The scheme, designed for University of Bath students, was finished to the university’s (and students') requirements and standards and all 150 rooms have been let. This, in turn, has relieved capacity pressure on the university’s own campus and on affordable housing in the city.
The energy-efficient and wellbeing-friendly project realised a commercial opportunity on a challenging site, securing an income stream which allows the cricket club to increase its community outreach programme (aided by a new training facility we provided as part of the project, which can also be used for community events). It significantly visually improved the site, which had been a drab expanse of tarmac and concrete, providing a commercial and social use where others were unviable.
The unique challenges posed by the constrained flood zone location in a conservation area and World Heritage Site city centre were overcome by working collaboratively and employing best practice.
We realised the main building within budget, and, despite a nine-month pandemic delay, the scheme completed in time for the 2022 intake, as envisaged - our use of modern methods of construction (a Metsec steel frame and offsite-constructed bedroom/bathroom pods instead of the initially proposed masonry construction) helped accelerate the programme and reduce waste. The site was planned to allow the main building to be easily reconfigured, and uses added, and the cricket club itself to expand in future.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Project name
EQ
Organisation
Buro Happold
Project Overview
EQ is a new commercial office building in the heart of Bristol. EQ sets a new standard in workplace design, integrating the practical demands of modern businesses with the desire to live and work sustainably. EQ is not just an office building, it provides unrivalled dedicated amenity space to allow every occupier the opportunity to make the most of their time at EQ. Amenities include a rooftop restaurant and terrace with views across the city, a fitness studio, exemplary cyclist facilities for including a dedicated cycle entry ramp and generous shower / changing provision, a communal event space and a modern ground-floor café that is open and welcoming to the general public.
EQ has taken time to come to the market, with the same team involved in each iteration of the design. Throughout the building development every decision has been made with the Tenants and Occupants in mind. The result is a building that is well thought, carefully developed and exhibits quality in every aspect. As a result it is no surprise that Tenants engaged early with the project. EQ provides a wide range of accommodation, from multi-floor tenancies to individual let-ready studios.
EQ engages technology and embraces sustainability. EQ was the first building globally to achieve SmartScore status, is WiredScore Platinum and has its own building App. EQ is BREEAM Outstanding, a very high ‘EPC A’ and the first net-zero carbon in operation commercial office in Bristol. EQ has set the standard for workplace design in the city.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Project name
St Andrews House
Organisation
ZED PODS Limited
Project Overview
St Andrews House comprising of 6 zero-operational-carbon apartments has unlocked an infill, contaminated garage site to design-led, good-quality, social-rented scheme. Designed and built by ZED PODS working in close partnership with Mid Devon District Council (MDDC), it is the first-of-its-kind NZC development in the Devon County, addressing the need for rapid-build, energy-efficient, affordable social homes on brownfields.
Manufactured offsite, this pioneering MMC scheme has bridged the gap between standardisation and design flexibility in response to planning and client requirements, matched the benefits of manufacturing with design flexibility of traditional builds. This exemplar NZC scheme has inspired other LAs to consider difficult-to-build lands, the collaborative workflow, featured in ‘MMC Playbook’ by the Housing Festival, marks a paradigm shifts in the UK’s MMC-led social-rented sustainable development.
Early stakeholder engagement addressed NIMBYism, won ‘hearts and minds’ (99% consented to sustainable development) and dispelled myths on MMC. Our collaborative approach secured two government grants (AHP and BLRF) and is the first project to achieve completion under BLRF.
We’ve integrated bespoke design, manufacturing efficiency, low-embodied carbon materials, fabric-first principles, onsite renewables, digital tools (BIM), minimal disruption, and offsite construction with zero-waste policies. Residents were trained on “low-carbon living” using easy-to-understand “Home User Guide” to establish “zero-energy, zero-carbon" community. We have trained MDDC’s maintenance team & local businesses on green skills.
Results: on-time completion, zero H&S incidents, saving 296.51 tonnes carbon over 30 years, water savings (107 kilolitres pa), as-built SAP 100A+ rating; over 300 tenancy applications; unlocked 400 MMC-led sustainable homes in the MDDC.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Delivering Value
Project name
Bluemay New Mezzanine and Offices
Organisation
EW Beard Ltd (Beard)
Project Overview
Bluemay Office Development was a Two Stage Design and Build Project carried out under the JCT 2016 by the Beard Project Team from RIBA Stage 1 through to RIBA Stage 5.
The deliverables were to design and construct a new office space consisting of five individual offices within a pre-existing warehouse. This warehouse was to remain in use and undisturbed throughout the project duration.
The office development included the design and installation of a new Mezzanine floor along with the adaptions to the envelope of the building to provide new windows, doors and suitable M&E services through the existing brickwork and cladding panels.
The construction phase ran from the 29th September 2023 through to the 12th January 2024 whereby PC was achieved.
One stand out factor is that we remained in close communication with the client directly, communicating concerns and queries where suitable. Of which we have since been congratulated on our co-operation and open and honest approach to the project by the project client.
Despite the short project duration and limited work space, we ensured that the clients operations within the warehouse we maintained with no issues or concerns. Furthermore to this the project itself was completed both timely and within the clients budget; that had initially been set out at the pre-construction stage.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Project name
Forest of Dean Community Hospital
Organisation
Speller Metcalfe
Project Overview
This multi-million-pound state-of-the-art facility replaces two current hospitals in the surrounding area, while expanding and improving all of the existing medical services in a brand-new building with minimal upkeep costs and maintenance. The new 24 bed in-patient facility, alongside provision for X-ray, dental and other key services will save the Trust money in the overall and provide a much nicer environment for patients and staff. The new hospital is in a prime location for all those in the catchment area.
There are a number of reasons that this project stands out in terms of value, not least:
1. An epic scale of site abnormalaties – sometimes with conflicting resolutions – that the team had to work together to overcome.
2. Unprecedented budgetary/ inflationary pressures navigated during pre-construction, done so in a way that maintained affordability for the Trust while managing contractor and supply chain risk.
3. Sustainability performance achieved – not through cash injection – but through design rationalisation and focus on a fabric-first solution.
Alongside these key areas, the project also achieved:
• Coordination and extensive enabling works prior to finalisation of main hospital design and costings;
• Collaboration through staff and patient visits due to community concern of merging two hospitals in a new location;
• Absolutely radical redesign, tearing up the rule book, achieved through the bravery of the client, which included replacing the design team to ensure the right people on the project
• Significant VE savings at design stage;
• £6.33m social value achieved
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Project name
St. Bernadette's
Organisation
Stepnell
Project Overview
The new rugby club represents an important investment in a South Bristol community that faces acute socio-economic challenges and is generally recognised as having suffered from chronic underinvestment over many decades.
The project had been through the tender process twice previously with both of those contractors having subsequently pulled-out deeming the project undeliverable. The outcome is a facility that could not only be delivered within the constraints of the funding available, but crucially, will also serve the people of South Bristol well for many years to come.
Stepnell formulated a delivery strategy that successfully achieved the best possible value provided to the client, end-user and the local community. We invested significant time, energy and money into generating wide-reaching social value outcomes beyond the creation of a new first-class grassroots sports facility. These included a significant focus on generating employment for local people and various community, environmental and workforce oriented initiatives.
To try and mitigate the crime that had been happening on the site we held a community barbeque. Crime that had happened included the site being constantly broken into, fire extinguishers stolen, plant and machinery stolen and dumped and more concerning was a machete left on the site manager’s desk.
We approached our supply chain and consultants who each sponsored the event. Sponsors included Arcadis, Greens Plant Ltd, Hawk Group Services Ltd, Inspire Architects, and Sportsfields.
Following on from the barbeque, crime has reduced and residents stop to see the progress happening on site and talk to the site manager.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Environmental, Social and Governance
Project name
AWW
Organisation
AWW
Project Overview
It is our ambition to bring about positive, sustainable impact through transformative change. We are committed to making an impact; placing people at the heart of what we do to enhance quality of life and create sustainable and resilient communities. We are proud to be an employee-owned trust (EOT). As an EOT we strive to be an equitable business, promoting responsible leadership and innovation.
We hold ourselves accountable through AWW’s ESG Framework, weaving our environmental, social and governance targets through both practice and projects. We do this for our partners, employees and supply chain, for the projects we design and deliver and for the people we deliver them for.
At AWW, we’re passionate about the way people interact within an environment and understand that buildings and spaces give us the opportunity to live healthy, sustainable lives. Through good design and leadership that enables positive social and environmental outcomes, we support our clients and partners to deliver their ESG targets.
Social Value: AWW is the first architectural practice to have achieved Social Value Quality Mark® Silver accreditation. The Quality Mark recognises commitment to doing business in a way that benefits society and the planet.
Partnerships: AWW is characterised by our dedication to client collaboration and inclusive stakeholder and end-user evaluation. This involves ongoing analysis of both social value quantitative data and qualitative insights.
Commitment to Circular Economy: AWW is committed to addressing the embodied and operational whole life impact, natural resource, and habitat impact of our projects.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Project name
The Mermaid Centre
Organisation
Kier Construction
Project Overview
This project started in October 2022 and was completed on time and on budget in October 2023. Predominately used by outpatients, the Mermaid Centre provides symptomatic and screening mammography services.
The project involved the replacement of three end of life mammography and scanners, sequentially, with new and ultra-modern equipment. This also meant that the power supplies and ventilation systems within the building had to be upgraded.
Additionally, some of the space within the Mermaid Centre was reconfigured to create a further ultrasound room, new and improved reporting and viewing rooms for clinical activities, and better staff facilities.
The purpose of the project was therefore not only to replace the outdated scanners, but also to increase or re-provide rooms to maximise efficiencies and comfort to the benefit of all users.
• The new compliant air handling strategy has elevated staff experience.
• The risk of infection transmission has been reduced through the specification of easy to clean surfaces.
• Improved patient screening and symptomatic flows have improved patient confidentiality, privacy, and dignity.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Project name
Winterstoke Hundred Academy
Organisation
Kier Construction
Project Overview
Winterstoke Hundred Academy is a Net Zero Carbon (in operation) new build Secondary School procured through the Southern Construction Framework on behalf of North Somerset Council, with the provision being run by Cabot Learning Federation (CLF)
The CLF’s mission is to consistently deliver excellent educational experiences for pupils aged 3-19, improving their life chances and serving its communities The project was designed to ensure this mission was met and excellence was achieved.
Functionality, practicality, and adaptability were the key criteria for the new school, with environmental sustainability integral to the design and operation of the building.
The school will have space for 900 pupils, with infrastructure for 1200 should an extension be required in the future. It’s spread over 8 hectares, including a main school building, sports-hall, Sustainability Lab, MUGA area, car park, Sport England Compliant pitch and playing fields. The new school facilities are 8260m2, set within a total site area of 8.38 hectares.
The school is designed to be net-zero carbon in operation achieved through a variety of methods including using high performing building fabric, extensive roof mounted photovoltaic panels and Passive design measures. The team worked closely with ecologists to minimise impact on site and look for further opportunities to improve biodiversity.
1) Sustainable credentials - Net Zero Carbon in Operation use of passivhaus principles
2) Daylight and views = positive effect of wellbeing for staff and students
3) Added value sustainability delivery and lab
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Project name
St Andrews House
Organisation
ZED PODS Limited
Project Overview
In partnership with Mid Devon District Council (MDDC), ZED PODS have designed and built two NZC modular projects, a total of 14 social-rented apartments, on brownfield sites for local vulnerable households. These first-of-its-kind projects mark a paradigm shifts in MMC-led social-rented sustainable development.
Environmental: These SAP100A+ rated homes have low running costs for residents faced with “fuel poverty” and help MDDC to achieve its carbon neutrality by 2030. Following “Fabric first’ + renewables” approach, the homes collectively save 326.40 tonnes of carbon emissions over 30 years. They were manufactured following DfMA principles (with PMV 85%) in UK factory with strict ‘zero-waste-to-landfill’ policy.
Social:. These projects have unlocked constrained sites like Flood Zones and were built 50% faster than traditional methods. Modules were transported over 5 days, minimising disruption & noise for local community. Extensive training on “heat pumps” was imparted to council’s maintenance team. 60% of onsite survey works were conducted by Devon-based consultants. 15 day-release prisoners built the modules as part of the “Prisoners Building Homes” program. Local businesses were upskilled through Building Growth (SW) Skills Bootcamps. Extensive stakeholder engagement with 400+ local people helped to dispel myths on MMC.
Governance: The projects were procured via SWPA’s NH3 procurement framework, designed & constructed using BIM software enabling data driven decision making and embedding “golden thread”. The projects were funded by two government grant schemes after strict due diligence. They met all the regulatory compliance, and the innovative partnership have been featured in the “MMC-Playbook” by Housing Festival.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
G4C Future Leader
Organisation
Galliford Try
Submission Overview
Since joining Galliford Try, through the Shared Apprenticeship Scheme and being named the G4C Trainee of the Year at the 2018 CESW Awards, Henry’s career has progressed exponentially, becoming a highly valued and key member of our business.
Henry is an emotionally intelligent leader, delivering a number of key projects, utilising modern methods of construction in education and commercial projects, and using technology as an enabler in key defence schemes. His passion for work is clearly evident and he is committed to continual improvement in everything he does. He actively promotes the construction industry and mentors early careers people within our business.
He is aware of the key challenges that face the construction industry and tackles them through improving the culture around areas such as mental health, environmental issues and quality. He sets high standards, leading by example to bring out the best of those around him.
3 key facts
1. Passion and promotion of wellbeing, driving positive cultural change to develop a more efficient and sustainable industry.
2. Drive for sustainability in all stages of construction, practically realising the potential of MMC and digital construction to deliver real benefits
3. Henry is an advocate of apprenticeships and on-site training. Having lived experience from an NVQ level 2 in Joinery, to achieving a degree Construction Management, he
actively promotes and supports people into the industry, acting as a mentor supporting careers events.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Organisation
Willmott Dixon
Submission Overview
Since joining Willmott Dixon as a Management Trainee, Megan Llewellyn has already accomplished much in a short space of time. During her time on the Willmott Dixon Management Trainee Programme, Megan has always approached her work with an enthusiastic energy and curious mind, often going above and beyond the related topic to provide context and further enhance her research.
Megan has proven to be asset to every team she has worked with whilst completing her placements within Willmott Dixon and the feedback from colleagues, peers and the wider region is nothing short of consistently glowing. The progress Megan has made since joining us in 2021 is indisputable; not only professionally, but personally. From the outset, she has demonstrated her value time and time again.
Megan has an infectious personality, outgoing, good energy, determined and passionate about her role within the industry, and what difference she can make within our business.
Whenever the opportunity may arise, Megan is keen to promote our Sustainability credentials and supporting wider communities. Megan’s passion aligns with Willmott Dixons values which was one of the key reasons she was initially attracted to our business.
Megan's active involvement and leadership in STEM activities, including presenting independently and engaging young minds in construction, exemplify her dedication to fostering interest and awareness in construction.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Organisation
Jubb Consulting Engineers Ltd
Submission Overview
Will is a Principal Civil Engineer at Jubb. Joining as a Senior Engineer three years ago and deserving being promoted last year. He has made a positive impact on our team through his technical design knowledge and developing his leadership skills. Throughout his work, he champions sustainable solutions, particularly when related to surface water design, influencing, and educating our clients and project partners on best practice and emerging solutions.
Working collaboratively, he has acted as design lead on high-profile projects making a real difference and contributing to their success. Recent experience highlights include large-scale developments and extensive city centre public realm improvements. He has taken a keen interest in sharing knowledge and encouraging others to join the industry. Will has delivered talks to local construction apprentices giving them a wider awareness of his role and has also guided our own apprentices and placement students.
Three winning facts:
1. Will has championed sustainability on the projects he has worked on since joining. This has encouraged the use of a sustainability hierarchy approach and involved many natural solutions such as rain gardens and blue/green roofs.
2. Will works closely with our project partners to ensure successful outcomes. Alongside his extensive technical expertise, he has great communication skills enabling him to offer our clients clear advice, demonstrating leadership through complex technical challenges.
3. Will has shared his knowledge with those looking to join the industry and those in the very early stages of their career, through delivering external talks and offering mentoring support.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Health, Safety and Wellbeing
Project name
Ethical Power Connections
Organisation
Ethical Power Connections
Project/Initiative Overview
A positive and proactive SHEQ culture, inclusive to all and accessible across all offices and project sites is of great importance, especially for a business involved in highly specialised construction activities, with heavy machinery and high-voltage powerlines. We introduced a modern new way to access and input any relevant SHEQ related information efficiently and instantly via a custom-made online portal. It allows for submission of observations (good or bad, including near misses) and incident reporting, but also enabled us to record and track senior leadership site visits, input site daily diaries, weekly site manager inspections reports and SHEQ team audits.
A full system integration of this level is unique in the construction industry. The system captures all the relevant information, pulls out action logs and shows any positive or negative trends. The wealth of data lets us identify and reward positive behaviours and proactively rectify any negative trends before they become an incident, resulting in a direct and definite improvement to our safety statistics.
Three key facts:
1. A full SHEQ system integration of this level is unique in the construction industry. A single action log collates actions from each module/area making it easy and efficient for the project teams to monitor closure.
2. All information can be inputted via a QR code without a logon so the system is accessible to all, including non-employees.
3. The ease of using the system resulted in our observation reporting going up more than 400% in comparison to same time last year.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Project name
Millwrights Place and Coopers Court
Organisation
Willmott Dixon
Project/Initiative Overview
Millwrights Place and Coopers Court is a £63m residential development in the new Finzels Reach neighbourhood of Bristol. This 297-apartment development completed in March 2024, ready to become a new community for people to live and work in.
When it comes to health and safety at the project, we are incredibly proud of both the performance of the scheme during delivery but vitally the way that fire safety was embraced. This exemplar approach makes this submission noteworthy.
Three key features are:
1. Scale and location – this is a large project: a multiple-block, 297 apartment development in Bristol city centre. Willmott Dixon were already employed at the adjacent Halo development and contractors ISG and Kier were also on site nearby, and access needed to be maintained to the nearby Avon Fire and Rescue service, so our approach had a direct effect not just on people on our own site, but others and the local community.
2. The project was in the preconstruction phase whilst the Building Safety Act was being developed, meaning that design and planning needed to dynamically evolve as the legislation did. In construction, it was one of the first high rise schemes post-Grenfell to take place in Bristol, so safety and compliance were firmly in the public eye.
3. The team embedded a view that health and safety is not just about measurement and monitoring, but about creating the right environment for safe working. Planning, site set up and working culture all contributed to safe delivery.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Project name
Orchard Grove Primary School
Organisation
BAM
Project/Initiative Overview
BAM are delivering a new Passivhaus Primary School on the outskirts of Taunton. Connection to the main power network was always going to be towards the end of the project and therefore required that the project is powered via a generator. To facilitate an efficient solution of minimising generator running time and maintaining power to site 24/7 power to the project is supplied through a battery bank.
This allowed us to provide power without generating disturbance to local residents. As a result of this we discussed our requirements with BAM site solutions and developed a strategy providing a 70 KVA generator powered by HVO fuel this which charges a battery unit that efficiently retains charge to power the site needs when required.
1. Effective use of Low carbon fuel to provide 24/7 power to the site.
2. Minimise noise, disturbance fumes on site.
3. Use of modern battery technology at all stages of construction
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Infrastructure Project of the Year
Project name
Devonport Water Management Framework - Assets Upgrades & Disposals
Organisation
Babcock International & SMS Group
Project Overview
Babcock International own and operate Devonport Royal Dockyard (DRD), a crucial part of the UK Ministry of Defence, DRD is the UK’s sole licensed dockyard for refitting and refuel/defuel of nuclear-powered submarines and warship fleet. Established since 1691, DRD is Western Europe’s largest naval support site.
Babcock provides a naval base management service of both historic and modern highly complex assets, comprising the operation, maintenance, repair, upgrade, and disposal of above and below waterline infrastructure including floating vessels, marine civils structures, caissons, penstocks, jetty’s, pontoons, catamarans, cambers, and water management equipment.
Much of the infrastructure is aging and at the end of its maintainable service life. Many assets require major refits/upgrades. In Spring 2023, an investment programme >£18M spend was announced to upgrade waterfront assets over the next 5 years.
Prior to contract award, Babcock’s project procurement team spent a significant period of collaboration time with supplier cohorts/stakeholders to market research and strategize the procurement model, before forming a unique single-source framework with Southampton Marine Services (SMS Group).
What truly sets this waterfront infrastructure framework as a catalyst and a differentiator when compared to conventional routes to market is our visionary plans to:-
1/ Nurture socio-economic impact to increase business placed locally and ensure naval dockyard investments have a positive ESG impact on the South West region
2/ Monitor contract supply performance, induce digital skills and capacity build a world-class supply chain
3/ Advancing programme deliverables through innovative value engineering, establishing onsite manufacturing cells to improve productivity & supply scope.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Project name
MRI and Oncology Unit, Royal Cornwall Hospital
Organisation
BAM Construction
Project Overview
The new £34.6m MRI/Oncology Unit at RCHT co-locates imaging services (MRI, Ultrasound and X-Ray) on the basement (ground) level and provides a permanent home for Lowen Ward (Oncology) on the first floor. The second floor contains extensive plant rooms serving the building. These include 13 individual air-handling units, the majority serving the isolation rooms in Lowen Ward.
Lowen Ward now has 24 beds including a palliative care suite with its own dedicated courtyard garden and Iodine 131 suite. Additionally, an outpatient assessment and treatment unit is provided.
The design of the isolation rooms provides RCHT with the capability to safely isolate immuno-compromised patients, plus the flexibility for them to be adapted and used for the isolation of infectious patients. The design of the ventilation systems and air transfer paths were carefully considered and designed along with the appropriate levels of filtration to protect all patients.
The Trelawny Scanning Suite provides a cluster of three MRI suites, with two brand new 3T-enabled scanners. Co-locating the MRI with a new ultrasound imaging suite and existing CT scanners creates a new diagnostic imaging hub with further capability. The cutting-edge multi-sensory MRI suites provide patients with greater control of their environment. They can pre-select their preferred room ambience, alongside a film or programme visible from within the bore of the scanner, significantly increasing levels of comfort and patient choice. This innovative solution has contributed to decreased levels of abortive scans and reduced anaesthetic volition, driving new levels of service efficiency and imaging quality.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Project name
The Saints Trails Cycling Safety Integration Project
Organisation
Cormac Solutions Ltd
Project Overview
The Saints Trails Cycling Safety Integration (CSI) project is an exemplary candidate for Project of the Year. The project has transformed disused railway lines into 4Km multi-use trail for walkers, cyclist and equestrians linking Perranporth to Goonhavern.
This innovative infrastructure scheme establishes long-term impacts It combines environmental stewardship, community engagement and construction techniques to promote sustainable travel choice, benefitting local communities. Its success in integrating community feedback, adhering to environmental protocols and enhancing local economies sets a benchmark for future sustainable development.
This trail does more than connect points on a map; it enhances the social fabric and economic vitality of the communities it links. Central to the project's success is its commitment to sustainability. The use of local, eco-friendly materials minimised environmental impacts, while innovative landscaping techniques enhanced biodiversity along the trail.
Three key facts that make the Saints Trails project stand out are:
1. Cultural and Historical Enhancement: The trail preserves a significant Cornish heritage asset; the disused railway line originally built as mining infrastructure for mineral transport and passenger services in the early 20th century.
2. Environmental and Health Benefits: The trail promotes physical activity and a healthier lifestyle choice, encouraging cycling, walking and riding over car use. This environmentally friendly scheme contributes to reduced traffic congestion and pollution.
3. Economic Impact and Sustainable Development: The project is projected to boost local economies by attracting tourists and providing new business opportunities along the trails. It supports future urban development by providing practical and eco-friendly transport infrastructure.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Innovation
Project name
N/A
Organisation
CGL
Submission Overview
CGL have always tried to be at the forefront of geotechnical consultancy, looking for new ways to better support our clients. Using remote sensing technologies and satellite data CGL have been able to provide solutions to a range of ground problems without the need for intrusive investigation, including identifying areas of peat, ground water flow models, slope instability and ground settlement.
This has been made possible through bespoke use of remote sensing data to meet our clients needs. More recently we have supplemented this use of remote sensing with a passive seismic geophysics capability which allows an image of the subsurface geology to captured and interpreted. This as a package has enabled CGL to develop realistic ground models of complex sites before a boot has hit the ground, allowing for targeted investigation in the right areas to answer key questions. This has saved clients both time and money.
This approach is not being utilised by others to this degree, allowing CGL to standout for its excellence.
CGL are taking a practical and pragmatic approach to ground investigation with this method, not digging holes for the sake of it, but trying to understand what our clients need and trying to provide answers.
CGL are trying to change ground investigation for the better, to make the industry more sustainable in its use of materials and limiting waste by taking a targeted approach.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Project name
JG Student Lets - Retrofit Windows with coating
Organisation
Holistic Housing Solutions
Submission Overview
Introducing Window Insulations’ revolutionary Retrofit® Window Coating, a game-changer in cost-effective, scalable glass insulation solutions. Engineered to provide Low E performance for a minimum of 10 years, this coating is a monumental time and money saver.
During winter, our Retrofit® Coating minimizes heat loss by reflecting energy, ensuring internal spaces remain warm with reduced energy consumption for heating. In summer, it mitigates heat build-up without compromising natural light, maintaining consistent and comfortable indoor temperatures. This not only enhances comfort but also significantly reduces cooling energy requirements during peak summer days.
Moreover, our Retrofit® Coating fosters better health and well-being by curbing condensation, thus preventing rot and mould growth. It also safeguards interior decor from excessive fading and offers enhanced skin protection against harmful UV rays.
With a proven track record spanning over two decades worldwide, our Retrofit® Coating is now readily available in the UK, empowering homes and offices with superior insulation performance and sustainability. Window insulation Coating mitigates the need for replacement windows at high cost and high carbon emission rates by transforming the existing inefficiencies. Window insulation is the future of energy-efficient glass insulation for the retrofit sector.
1. Blocks 99% of UV and 86+% of IR avoiding loss of heat and overheating
2. Can achieve up to 2 SAP points on a residential EPC at a fraction of replacement costs
3. Carbon emission contributions by saving on energy requirements
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Project name
Lowen Ward - New MRI and Oncology Unit
Organisation
JETS Vacuum AS
Submission Overview
Renovating older, inefficient drainage systems can be both costly and time-consuming. This often leads to considerable disturbances (lost of service, noise dust) and necessitates the closure of departments and rooms. Such disruptions are particularly problematic in hospitals, where continuous operation is essential.
Vacuum drainage used in construction of this new hospital ward allowed for phased installation with minimal disruption to the hospital's normal operations, ultimately offering enhanced system flexibility post-completion.
Three key facts about the installation:
- vacuum drainage eliminated the need for the under-slab drainage therefore eliminated excavations, less labour and machine hours together with reduced logistical support associated with the removal of excavated material
- construction program optimisation with less time and effort spent on ground works
- flexibility in re-positioning of appliances (post construction) without the need for slab/under-slab modifications
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Integration & Collaborative Working
Project name
Hinkley Point C
Organisation
BYLOR
Submission Overview
The Bylor Main Civils Works delivery team at Hinkley Point C in Somerset faces significant challenges due to the need for large quantities of concrete, reinforcement steel, and substantial spend through the Tier 2 supply chain amid complex technical requirements and challenging macroeconomic conditions. To address these challenges, Bylor and the NNB (New Nuclear Build) client team have implemented innovative approaches to project management and collaboration.
A key initiative is the establishment of integrated teams, such as the Main Civils Works Integrated Manufacturing Team and Integrated Tier 2 team, comprising stakeholders from various organisations working collaboratively towards common objectives. This approach fosters agile delivery, effective risk management, and a focus on technical excellence, supported by progressive contract models ensuring transparency and joint risk management.
The success of these integrated teams is evident in their seamless daily collaboration, breaking down organisational silos to optimise resources and efficiency. By overcoming supply chain capacity issues through innovative delivery solutions, the teams strike a balance between risk and reward while meeting quality and schedule requirements.
Moreover, this success reflects a cultural shift towards collaboration, with team members prioritising collective project goals over individual interests. Consequently, distinguishing between team members from different organizations becomes challenging, highlighting the depth of integration and cooperation achieved.
Overall, the adoption of integrated teams and collaborative practices enables the Bylor Main Civils Works delivery team to effectively navigate project challenges, driving progress towards shared strategic objectives and delivering tangible results in program delivery and project success.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Project name
Forest of Dean Community Hospital
Organisation
Speller Metcalfe
Submission Overview
This multi-million-pound, state-of-the-art facility replaces two current hospitals in the surrounding area, while expanding and improving all existing medical services in a brand-new building with minimal upkeep costs and maintenance. The new 24 bed in-patient facility, alongside provision for X-ray, dental and other key services will save the Trust money and provide a much nicer environment for patients and staff. The new hospital is in a prime location for all those in the catchment area.
Three winning facts:
1. An epic scale of site abnormals – sometimes with conflicting resolutions – that the team had to work together to overcome from the very start.
2. Unprecedented budgetary and inflationary pressures navigated during pre-construction, done so in a way that maintained affordability for the Trust while managing contractor and supply chain risk.
3. Sustainability performance achieved – not through cash injection – but through design rationalisation and focus on a fabric-first solution.
Alongside these key areas, the project also achieved:
• Coordination and extensive enabling works prior to finalisation of main hospital design and costings;
• Collaboration through staff and patient visits due to community concern of merging two hospitals in a new location and input on design changes;
• Absolutely radical redesign achieved through client bravery, which included replacing the design team to ensure the right people on the project;
• Significant VE savings at design stage to create an affordable scheme post-pandemic and during Ukraine inflation challenges.
• £6.33m social value achieved above £2.6m target through project team collaboration.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Project name
Keynsham Park Memorial Bridge
Organisation
Curtins
Submission Overview
We are currently appointed by Bath & North East Somerset Civil & Structural Engineering Framework. Under this framework we were successful in winning this project: the reconstruction of Keynsham Park Memorial Bridge. This footbridge sits within Keynsham Memorial Park and crosses the River Chew in the vicinity of Avon Mill Lane and Bath Hill. The bridge had been closed to the public since October 2019 when a visual inspection concluded the structure was unsafe for public use, due to deterioration of the timber beams forming the superstructure. Curtins and Lifespan were appointed to design a new Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) superstructure which replaced both spans of the existing bridge with a single span founded on the existing abutments.
1. Our project team comprised a rich mix of engineers, specialists and contractors who worked together to overcome the many design and construction challenges of building a bridge across a river.
2. Working collaboratively throughout, it became clear that this approach allowed solutions to be found more quickly and with greater confidence. Everyone had a voice and was able to share and put their ideas forward until we got the best outcome.
3. Our team delivered an elegant new bridge for the local community, adding tremendous social value to what was also a technically excellent project. It is attractive, low carbon, durable and already becoming part of the local landscape.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Modern Methods of Construction
Project name
Assembly C, Bristol
Organisation
Galliford Try
Project Overview
Assembly Building ‘C’ is the second of three office buildings to be delivered on the Assembly site for developer Bell Hammer and AXA Investment Managers. The building comprises of a 14-stoery tower adjacent to the Bristol Harbourside and provides 92,000ft² of office accommodation. With early contractor involvement, Galliford Try together with their supply chain partner PCE, utilising their experience of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), working with the design team, AHMM Architects and consulting engineers ARUP, we developed a DfMA hybrid frame solution using offsite manufactured structural steel and precast concrete components together with insitu reinforced concrete. This development created a new destination for Bristol and a new type of people-friendly workspace. The plan draws from the character and context of the site, integrating it into the city.
The project embraces the early stages of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) to ensure extensive incorporation of offsite manufacturing. This streamlines the production and delivery process, whilst ensuring the highest levels of quality and control. Assembly Building C exemplifies excellence in construction as a prestigious hybrid DfMA framed office building.
Three key facts that make this project stand out;
1. Early engagement of specialist supply chain partner to incorporate DfMA into design resulted in an efficient building.
2. Kit of parts solution led to certainty of quality, programme and enabled buildability to be fully incorporated, resulting in high levels of safety.
3. Environmental benefits included significant reductions in waste, workforce on site and overall reduction in carbon footprint.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Project name
Parsons Tunnel Rockfall Shelter Project
Organisation
Arup and Morgan Sindall
Project Overview
The Parson’s Tunnel Rockfall Shelter project showcases state-of-the-art engineering, with the objective of ensuring Brunel’s iconic rail link to Devon and Cornwall is resilient to the impact of eroding cliffs. Our design and construction approach epitomises innovation through implementation of a Modern Method of Construction (MMC).
As a collaborative project team, we designed and constructed a new 100m long portal frame rockfall shelter structure over the live railway. The shelter consisted of precast concrete elements fabricated offsite and installed using MMC. Our MMC utilised a gantry crane which straddled the operational railway to enable extremely streamlined, efficient and productive construction delivery. Our method removed the need for marine equipment during construction, improved worker safety and reduced disruption to train passengers.
Key Facts which make the project stand out are:
1. The project is the first UK structure to be built using a travelling gantry crane MMC over an operational railway in such a constrained and volatile environment.
2. Our MMC saved over £6m when compared to the alternative proposals at tender stage.
3. By using the MMC, the majority of construction materials were transported by rail, resulting in less congestion on local roads and minimising disruption to local communities.
We believe our project is a winning entry because our approach epitomises innovation through MMC, utilising off site fabrication and embracing a creative and new construction methodology bringing benefits to all. Our delivery also reflected the project's broader contributions to society and the environment, making it a deserving candidate for recognition.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Project name
Shapland Place, Tiverton
Organisation
ZED PODS Limited
Project Overview
ZED PODS (ZP) in partnership with Mid Devon District Council (MDDC) has designed, secured approvals from the LPA & Environmental Agency, and built “Shapland Place” – a eight high-quality, superior energy-efficient, social-rented modular homes on a brownfield site located in Flood Zone 3A area.
It has unlocked difficult-to-build flood zones, secured twin government funding, developed a pioneering partnership approach, embedded digital construction (BIM), overcame several design & construction barriers to achieve this zero-operational-carbon social housing scheme on Flood Zone using offsite volumetric construction methodology. Homes are built on steel podium with all necessary safety features, flood mitigation strategies and biodiversity measures.
The project dispelled myths about MMC & overcame NIMBYism, upskilled council team and local businesses. The low-carbon design by our architects ensured alignment with local housing requirements, demonstrated VFM construction (e.g. reduced groundwork costs), and achieved success in planning approvals.
We followed “fabric first” + renewables to deliver “energy positive” homes. All homes have roof-mounted PVs, heat-pumps, triple-glazed for low-running costs for residents. They are spacious with private balconies to boost well-being. Our platform-driven strategy facilitated the development of a building system that use common components across housing typologies. Homes were manufactured following DfMA principle (PMV 85%) in our ISO-certified UK factory with strict ‘zero-waste-to-landfill’ policy. They were completed up to 90% in the factory, reduced onsite works and minimum disruption to local community (12 modules were installed in 2 days).
The project is on track to finish on time and within budget, while creating a zero-energy, zero-carbon community.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
People & Culture
Organisation
Building Plymouth/ Plymouth City Council
Submission Overview
Launched in January 2023, BPART the Building Plymouth Aspiring Rising Talent Network aims to bring together local apprentices and recent graduates who are working within the Building Plymouth network to enhance their training experience whilst helping to create new professional relationships. BPART provides a free 12-month programme of CPD activity enabling both trade and technical apprentices at all levels and recent graduates to access structured workshops to support their development, increased knowledge of how the industry works and has created a strong network for peer support.
The BPART initiative is an innovative and pro-active approach to motivating, developing and supporting new entrants joining the industry, whilst also helping to improve retention. As an inclusive programme for local construction apprentices and recent graduates, it offers significant added value to their on-the-job learning.
Networking and building relationships are key to successfully working and progressing in the construction industry. BPART starts these conversations positively at the beginning of the apprentices’ and graduates’ career journeys, creating a new supportive and friendly local network for new entrants.
The programme of monthly BPART workshop sessions is delivered in-kind by prominent construction employers along with sessions covering mental health and well-being, health and safety, leadership and teamwork, mentoring, and equality, diversity and inclusion. Regular site visits are organised so that technical apprentices/graduates are able to get hands on to see how their drawings and plans need to come to life, and trade apprentices are better able to understand the design processes that inform the build.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Organisation
Poynton Bradbury Wynter Cole Architects
Submission Overview
Poynton Bradbury Wynter Cole Architects are a leading Cornish architectural practice known for its innovative designs and sustainable practices. Celebrating our 50th year in 2023, we are one of the largest practices in Cornwall.
We believe this is an award-winning entry because we have a ‘people-first’ ethos ingrained in everything we do, which has led to many successes including incredibly high staff retention rates and staff satisfaction.
Our team provides the studio’s creative energy, working together as a group of individuals who share the aspiration to design and deliver environmentally and socially responsible architecture.
Three highlights about PBWC’s focus for People & Culture:
1. Employee Owned - In 2019 we became a 100% employee-owned practice, reinforcing our collective approach to success and ensuring that collaboration is at the centre of everything we do. Everybody in the practice has a say in what we do and how we work.
2. B-Corp – In 2024 we joined the ethical B Corp movement, proving our commitment to the highest standards of social and environmental impact. We're delighted to have achieved an overall impact score of 120.3, making us the fifth highest scoring employee-owned architecture firm in the UK.
3. People-first ethos - We sponsor and encourage workers to participate in health and wellness including lunchtime walks or morning wild swims. We have paid volunteer days and we have held Investors in People accreditation since 2010. In our last assessment 100% of staff felt that PBWC was a great place to work.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Organisation
Ward Williams Associates LLP
Submission Overview
Since 2021, the WWA P&C team have built a successful apprenticeship scheme: taking it from its infancy to a robust programme that nurtures the next generation of talent, backed by the company's substantial investment in learning and development. By August 2024, 30 apprentices will have been placed in all 7 WWA offices: making up 18% of the total number of employees.
Our P&C Lead has a passion for degree apprenticeships which stems from his background as a former secondary school teacher - recognised by UCEM as 'Employer Representative of the Year - 2024'. He is committed to personally select each apprentice (alongside the relevant office lead) to ensure consistency of approach. Apprentices are recruited based on a diverse range of criteria: academic excellence, cultural fit, values, and passion for the industry; as well as being assessed through rigorous face-to-face interviews.
3 Key Facts:
1. Having a clear recruitment strategy - starting the recruitment process in December; paying apprentices the Real Living Wage; ensuring that apprentices come from a diverse range of backgrounds and education/qualification types.
2. Building strong relationships - working in partnership with key stakeholders in FE colleges and Sixth-Forms that are local to individual offices; organising residential development opportunities throughout the year to give apprentices that "university experience"; providing training/on-going support for line managers;
3. Having high expectations - ensuring that apprentices are involved and doing "real" work from Week 1; expecting high grades in academic study with 1-2-1 support from senior leaders for assignment
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Regeneration & Retrofit
Project name
Bristol Beacon
Organisation
Willmott Dixon
Project Overview
Preservation of a stage The Beatles graced. Ornamental plasterwork restored by craftsmen that worked on the Palace of Versailles. Three unchartered Elizabethan wells. A hall the size of 6.5 Olympic swimming pools and foundations strengthened by enough concrete to fill 1,280 bathtubs. £13m contribution to the local economy annually, 800+ events a year and 30,000 children able to access music technology labs. What do these things have in common? Bristol Beacon: a flagship project putting Bristol on an international stage.
When the building roof was removed, the 120-tonne birdcage scaffolding put in place to hold the original walls in place as the largest on any building project in Europe. This was no normal project, and it tested every facet of Willmott Dixon’s delivery team.
Throughout the project, Willmott Dixon adopted a one team approach. The collaborative relationship that we had with our customer, supply chain partners and stakeholders enabled us to meet the challenges we faced and overcome them together. Through Covid, Brexit, skills shortages, material shortages and structural issues, we worked tirelessly to deliver this iconic building, the largest concert venue in the Southwest of England.
- One of the UK's most intricate and complex transformation projects in the last ten years.
- Delivers its aspiration to be a world-leading concert venue.
- Proven to be an exemplar project with countless visits from representatives of the Chartered Institute of Building, local schools and universities, as well as proving a sounding board for Willmott Dixon teams across
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Project name
InterCity Place
Organisation
Kier Construction
Project Overview
InterCity Place is a ten-storey former office building completed in 1962 as part of Plymouth Railway Station and in line with the post war Abercrombie plan for Plymouth. The building had lain dormant for at least a decade and at time of possession was in a semi-derelict condition.
In 2018 the opportunity to take a long lease of the former InterCity House building arose and the University embarked on a transformational project to revitalise the building. InterCity Place provides the start of a new chapter for the University’s health education.
InterCity Place brings together the University’s School of Health Professions and School of Nursing and Midwifery. It co-locates two complementary groups of future healthcare workers where they have previously been dispersed at various sites across Plymouth.
The building accommodates specialist teaching spaces including biomechanics and neurophysiology laboratories, a physiotherapy studio, paramedicine science suite, optometry practice studios, postgraduate research space, a community home with fully-equipped bedroom, bathroom and kitchen, simulated hospital wards and office accommodation.
1) Transformation - Re-use of a building that was deemed derelict and now co-locates two complementary groups of future healthcare workers in a state-of-the-art training and research facility has the clear and obvious potential to significantly benefit and touch everyone living and working in the South West and beyond.
2) Sustainable credentials – Achieving EPC B on a 1960’s building.
3) InterCity Place is a catalyst for the wider Brunel Plaza regeneration project.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Project name
Livingstone Academy Bournemouth
Organisation
Noviun Architects
Project Overview
The Livingstone Academy Bournemouth is an exemplary model for regeneration and retrofit, meriting the SECBE award. The project resourcefully merges the historical 1920s Grade II Listed Coroners Court and 1960s Magistrates Court into a contemporary educational environment, illustrating an outstanding approach to the regeneration and re-use of an existing building.
Design-wise, the project balances preserving historical elements with modern educational needs, creating a balanced blend of old and new. The sensitive refurbishment respects the site’s heritage while catering to future learning demands. Significant environmental enhancements were made, aligning with energy-saving standards.
Old windows, heating, and lighting fittings were replaced with energy-efficient alternatives. The new building features sustainable technologies like PV panels, heat pumps, and modern plant equipment, significantly reducing the campus's environmental footprint. In terms of demolition, the thoughtful removal of the former Police Station after a thorough evaluation highlights our commitment to preserving historical integrity and meeting current educational requirements.
This demonstrates a nuanced approach to retrofitting, where progress and preservation coexist. Collaboration was pivotal in this project. Working closely with local authorities, heritage officers, educational stakeholders, and the local community in Bournemouth ensured an inclusive and transparent process.
This project deserves to win for its remarkable blend of architectural creativity, sustainable development, and community-focused transformation in an educational setting.
Three Winning Facts:
1. Regeneration of Grade II Listed Coroners Court into Primary Education setting
2. Regeneration of 1960s Magistrates Court into Primary Education setting
3. Extensive collaboration with local authorities and heritage officers and the local community
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Project name
Neighbourhood North
Organisation
Stride Treglown
Project Overview
Neighbourhood North is the first of three buildings, collectively known as Neighbourhood, to be transformed into a low carbon workplace community, that nurtures wellbeing.
The buildings are located on Temple Back, Bristol, on the edge of the Redcliffe Conservation Area. Built in the late 80’s, their facades of mostly buff brick, with polychromatic patterning and a pitched terracotta pan-tile roof, were considered ‘negative’ by the local area character appraisal.
Legal & General acquired the site in 2019, with the buildings becoming vacant in upcoming years. The aspiration was to rejuvenate the buildings, improve their appearance, performance, and reposition them for a new generation of occupiers.
The approach on Neighbourhood North sets the precedent for the remaining two buildings, which will emulate its carbon consciousness and external aesthetic.
Neighbourhood North was pre-let to the UK Government during the construction period, the second biggest letting in the city in 2023.
Three key facts that make it stand out:
• The project achieved BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and received an EPC ‘A’ rating of 12. 218 tonnes of CO2 were saved during the design and construction process due to careful material specifications.
• The project demonstrates that existing buildings can be adapted and improved from a visual, performance, and wellbeing perspective, whilst still retaining significant proportions of original building fabric.
• It demonstrates the benefits of a client willing to create a brief and agenda informed by life-cycle carbon from the earliest stages, working collaboratively and using the design team’s specialist knowledge.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Residential Project of the Year
Project name
Millwrights Place and Coopers Court
Organisation
Willmott Dixon
Project Overview
Millwrights Place and Coopers Court is a £63m residential development in the new Finzels Reach neighbourhood of Bristol. This 297-apartment development completed in March 2024, ready to become a new community for people to live and work in.
Key facts about the project:
1. The project represents a step-change in the way residential developments are created. Far from simply being a place to live, the development has been designed with modern life in mind. Shared spaces exist for residents and their guests to socialise, exercise or take yoga classes. Multiple outdoor terraces bring the outside in and contribute to a better quality of life, and contemporary coworking spaces on the ground floor enable people to both work and play in this fashionable new part of town.
2. The project was chosen to represent the ‘gold standard’ of response to the Building Safety Act, with the Building Safety Regulator using the site to inform what they’re looking for on inspections and what good looks like for residential new builds in a post-Grenfell world.
3. Delivering repeated elements at a huge scale enabled opportunities to demonstrate matrix planning, optimised sequencing and MMC options such as prefabricated balconies – optimising the efficiency and productivity on site as well as maximising quality and minimising defects.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Project name
Scott and Bradbury House, National Star
Organisation
Speller Metcalfe
Project Overview
The Scott and Bradbury house project for National Star provides a state-of-the-art residence with specially adapted accommodation features for young people with disabilities and learning difficulties. National Star is a specialist further education, personal development and residential service provider for young people with complex disabilities. As such, it was a robust construction due to the nature of the end-users, with specialist features including wider corridors for motorised wheelchairs and equipment integrated, whilst still maintaining the homely feel of the residency.
Many of the students came from older outdated accommodation in Gloucester which no longer met the specialist needs of many of the students since the charity had begun supporting increasing numbers of profoundly disabled students. As such, the new accommodation block was a necessity to meet the needs of the students and positively impact the support provided by National Star.
The timber frame building had specialist features such as higher acoustic properties internally due to the designated use of various rooms and specialist needs of the residents.
1. The specialist residency has enabled National Star to be at the cutting edge, allowing individuals with complex needs and disabilities to live independently.
2. The building featured a low carbon design with a highly efficient timber frame insulation, lowing energy costs for the charity.
3. High level of collaboration with supply chain partners to ensure the design was buildable and still met the client's objectives
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Project name
St Andrews House
Organisation
ZED PODS Limited
Project Overview
St Andrews House comprising of 6 zero-operational-carbon apartments has unlocked an infill, contaminated garage site to design-led, good-quality, social-rented scheme. Designed and built by ZED PODS working in close partnership with Mid Devon District Council (MDDC), it is the first-of-its-kind NZC development in the Devon County, addressing the need for rapid-build, energy-efficient, affordable social homes on brownfields.
Manufactured offsite, this pioneering MMC scheme has bridged the gap between standardisation and design flexibility in response to planning and client requirements, matched the benefits of manufacturing with design flexibility of traditional builds. This exemplar NZC scheme has inspired other LAs to consider difficult-to-build lands, the collaborative workflow, featured in ‘MMC Playbook’ by the Housing Festival, marks a paradigm shifts in the UK’s MMC-led social-rented sustainable development.
Early stakeholder engagement addressed NIMBYism, won ‘hearts and minds’ (99% consented to sustainable development) and dispelled myths on MMC. Our collaborative approach secured two government grants (AHP and BLRF) and is the first project to achieve completion under BLRF.
We’ve integrated bespoke design, manufacturing efficiency, low-embodied carbon materials, fabric-first principles, onsite renewables, digital tools (BIM), minimal disruption, and offsite construction with zero-waste policies. Residents were trained on “low-carbon living” using easy-to-understand “Home User Guide” to establish “zero-energy, zero-carbon" community. We have trained MDDC’s maintenance team & local businesses on green skills.
Results: on-time completion, zero H&S incidents, saving 296.51 tonnes carbon over 30 years, water savings (107 kilolitres pa), as-built SAP 100A+ rating; over 300 tenancy applications; unlocked 400 MMC-led sustainable homes in the MDDC.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Project name
Treglos at Constantine Bay
Organisation
Poynton Bradbury Wynter Cole Architects
Project Overview
Lying within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this residential development on the site of former Treglos Hotel, provides twenty luxurious 2 and 3-bedroom apartments, duplexes and penthouses along with eight contemporary 3 and 4-bedroom houses.
Poynton Bradbury Wynter Cole Architects (‘PBWC’) designed the scheme, working closely with Acorn Property Group (‘Acorn’).
Key highlights include :
1. Contemporary design
Treglos showcases contemporary architecture that harmonises with its surroundings. The apartments, which are situated at the top of the site, offer commanding views over Constantine Bay from an articulated façade of dormers, balconies and covered garden porticos, each providing a different and unique outlook.
2. Contextual Integration:
The architectural vision was a scheme to enhance the distinctive place-defining characteristics of Constantine Bay.
This included integrating the site layout into the unique village grain defined by Cornish hedges and rural tracks, whilst framing the vistas of local landmarks like Dinas Head and the Quies. Detached houses harmonise with the native landscape, featuring variations in form and green roofs.
3. Sustainable Practices:
Sustainability is at the project's core, surpassing current building standards . Measures include enhanced insulation, a Ground Source Heat Pump, triple-glazed windows and electric vehicle charging. The use of reinforced concrete frames and green roofing further reduces the carbon footprint, aligning with Acorn's commitment to sustainable housing
By integrating sustainable design, contextual sensitivity, and contemporary aesthetics, Treglos is an excellent example of contemporary architecture in the South
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
SME of the Year
Organisation
Aquarian Cladding Systems Ltd
Company Overview
Established in 2007, Aquarian Cladding Systems, based in North Somerset, is an inventive, intelligent and independent distributor of brick cladding systems to the UK Construction Industry. Our entry for the SME category highlights the core attributes that distinguish us as a worthy winner of this esteemed award:
INVENTIVE: Aquarian Cladding Systems offers a versatile range of brick cladding systems, selected to deliver aesthetically pleasing facades. Our solutions undergo rigorous testing and boast advanced technology, demonstrating innovation in material selection, design, and functionality to cater to diverse architectural requirements.
INTELLIGENT: Our small, experienced senior leadership team boasts nearly 100 years of combined expertise, and our market intelligence is our USP. It’s ‘Kryptonite’ to our competitors. Our unique knowledge provides a competitive edge, enabling us to specialise in sourcing and supplying robust brick cladding systems to meet market demands, including new-build, retrofit, HRBs, and MMCs.
By sourcing solutions with a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4, ie validated in laboratory settings, we collaborate closely with our suppliers, ensuring comprehensive solutions are tested to all regulations and requirements - ensuring our clients receive expert procurement and technical guidance, mitigating risks and ensuring seamless experiences throughout design, specification, tendering, and installation phases.
INDEPENDENT: We prioritise adding value across our supply chain, always striving to go the extra mile and surpass the industry norm. Our unique service is evident in our bespoke solutions tailored to each client and supplier's needs, coupled with our commitment to exceptional customer service and integrity throughout a project’s ‘journey’.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Organisation
Bailey Partnership
Company Overview
Bailey Partnership, founded in 1971, is a leading construction consultancy with more than 140 employees in nine offices across England. We offer comprehensive services in design, planning, engineering, procurement, safety, management, and maintenance. Our goal is to surpass client expectations through innovative, high-quality sustainable solutions and design excellence.
Fundamental to the successful delivery of our projects is a clear understanding of the client’s requirements, aspirations, and objectives, yet maintaining a sufficiently flexible attitude to accommodate changes in these areas. This approach has proved our team can efficiently and successfully deliver projects of varying complexity.
We acknowledge the significant impact buildings have regarding carbon emissions and as designers, we recognise our responsibility to reduce this. We work collaboratively with our clients to ensure projects achieve the highest levels of sustainability and have pledged to be carbon neutral by 2030. Changes in the way we approach the delivery of projects has already significantly started to reduce our carbon emissions.
Family-oriented staff approach: High staff retention and long-serving team members reflect our nurturing culture, fostering loyalty and cohesion.
Commitment to local communities: Active involvement in community initiatives demonstrates our dedication to making a positive impact beyond project boundaries, fostering community development.
Environmental leadership: Striving for carbon neutrality underscores our progressive stance, aligning with sustainability goals and contributing to a greener future, while investing in staff development and ensuring continued planned growth with the opening of two new offices in the last 18 months and continual and sustained growth in both staff and turnover.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!
Organisation
Coreus Group
Company Overview
Coreus is an award-winning, dynamic company, originating and operating in the South West. Our energy and drive, combined with a positive ‘can-do’ attitude means we never fail to look for ways to go above and beyond for our clients, people and community.
Our purpose is “to be exceptional in everything we do” and we place people at the heart of that. We go much further than standard, off-the-shelf solutions instead, look to positively disrupt the industry in how we deliver our service and provide opportunities as a local employer.
Key facts we are proud of:
1) This May Coreus will be celebrating its 5th anniversary. During this time the team has delivered over 200 commissions, increasing turnover by over 1200% from the end of year 1 to date, now exceeding £3 million.
2) Such growth, and the variety of sectors we operate in, have created employment opportunities across the region, with the team increasing in size by 54% just this year alone.
3) Our people-centric focus means we continuously strive to create the best possible employee experience. We want to make our team’s work environment flexible and inclusive, so have several initiatives to help achieve this ranging from unlimited leave, and enhanced maternity/paternity pay to peer-to-peer recognition awards. We are proud of our diverse team, with apprentices now making up over 10% of the team and women 35% - well above the industry average.
show more
show less
Voting is not enabled or out of date!