The Concrete Society Awards 2003

The Concrete Society Awards 2003 for Outstanding Structures.

Generously sponsored by John Doyle plc together with McMillan Scott, The Concrete Centre, Byrne Bros, Civil and Marine (Holdings) Ltd and Weeks Laboratories.

The Concrete Society's prestigious annual Awards Dinner was held at the London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square, London on Wednesday 12 November 2003 and was attended by representatives from a wide range of organisations drawn together to celebrate the very best in concrete construction.

The winners of the much-coveted awards were announced by Martin Powell, Chief Executive of The Concrete Society, and the presentations were made by John Newman, Chairman of the Judges, together with Guest of Honour, John Fidler, RIBA, Director of Conservation, English Heritage.

The overall winner in the Society's 2003 Awards for Outstanding Structures was: MANCHESTER ART GALLERY Judges' comments: The new galleries exhibit exposed precast column and roof soffits with an outstanding quality of finish.

The vaulted roofs are exquisite in shape and detail and the colour of the concrete chosen to achieve the necessary light level has worked very successfully.

The quality and finish of all the concrete is exceptionally good.

Winner of the Buildings category was: SAS INSTITUTE: UPPER WITTINGTON, BUCKS Judges' comments: The concrete finish of the atrium and exposed ceiling are very attractive.

The lighting, incorporated within the concrete, is designed to highlight the finish and the shell form helps to reduce noise levels in the open plan offices.

The exposed concrete units provide natural cooling for the building, which is enhanced by the innovative system of pipes cast into the concrete, through which chilled water is circulated.

Workmanship is generally excellent.

Winner of the Civil Engineering category was: NEW MEDWAY BRIDGE, NEAR ROCHESTER, KENT Judges' comments: The bridge was required to be visually attractive in an area of 'outstanding natural beauty' and harmonise with two adjacent bridges.

Much consideration was given to the view from Rochester Castle.

Concrete was selected in preference to steel due to the properties of low maintenance, economics and aesthetics.

Winner of the Mature Structures category was: CARLSBERG-TETLEY BREWERY, NORTHAMPTON Judges' comments: The structure has withstood the test of time.

Minimal maintenance has been required and regular cleaning, using low-pressure water, has preserved the appearance of the structure.

The workmanship and finish is excellent and the walls appear to be as fresh as when constructed.

The design life of 30 years has been achieved and it is likely that it will continue to function adequately for years to come.

The remainder of the short listed projects received either a Certificate of Excellence or a special Commendation in acknowledgement of their worthy submissions.

In the Buildings section: Timber Wharf, Manchester.

Judges' comments: The project exhibits a carefully considered use of concrete with a pleasing aesthetic appearance.

The Space, Dundee.

Judges' comments: The structure blends admirably with the assorted adjacent structures both in terms of form and appearance and is a building of real quality and imagination.

Private House, Hertfordshire.

Judges' comments: The structure harmonises well with its surroundings.

The finish achieved exceeded expectations.

In the Civil Engineering section: Battersea Park Restoration, London.

Judges' comments: The client was entirely satisfied with the results throughout.

The workmanship and finish was satisfactory for the Festival Gardens, good for the prayer platform and excellent for the river wall.

Kent Messenger Millennium Bridge, Maidstone.

Judges' comments: The bridge is the first 'cranked' stress ribbon bridge and fits well with both the river and banks.

It is based on non-linear static and dynamic analysis, resulting in stable construction, and the structure has a good finish.

The judges for The Concrete Society awards were: John Newman: Chairman of the judging panel and immediate Past-President of The Concrete Society Howard Taylor: President of The Concrete Society (inaugurated on 31 July) Bob McKittrick: President of The Institution of Structural Engineers Gordon Masterton: Vice-President of The Institution of Civil Engineers Supported by: Martin Powell: Chief Executive, The Concrete Society John Clarke: Principal Engineer, The Concrete Society Other awards presented at the awards dinner were the CONSTRUCT award for innovation and best practice, The Concrete Centre Ready-Mix Award, the British Precast Award and the Concrete Society Trust Student Award, generously supported by Weeks Laboratories plc.

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