2024 Winners
Building Project of the Year Over £5M
Sponsored by
Bristol Beacon
Organisation
Willmott Dixon
Project name
Bristol Beacon
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What was said on Awards night....
<p>An incredible shortlist which was made entirely from refurbishment & retrofit projects (although we did get some great new build submissions!). The winning project demonstrated collaborative team behaviours that led to a long-term spirit of partnership that saw this project overcome Brexit impact on trades, Covid lockdowns and inflation triggered by the war in Ukraine.</p><p>The judges were unanimous in singing the project praises…. Teamwork. Client leadership. Quality of finish. Technical performance. Celebration of existing fabric. Shining a light on the industry and people at their best.<br></p>
Submission 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.
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Building Project of the Year Up To £5M
Sponsored by
St Andrews House
Organisation
ZED PODS Limited
Project name
St Andrews House
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What was said on Awards night....
<p>The winning project exhibited excellence from the outset which was carried forward to the initial design phase and then through to construction, resulting in a remarkable building that will serve as a standard for the future. A robust digital strategy was seamlessly embedded within the project, enhancing efficiency and precision at every stage.</p><p>Sustainability was a cornerstone of this project, with high levels of sustainability practices implemented and clear, demonstrable actions taken to significantly reduce carbon emissions. Furthermore, the project demonstrated a strong commitment to social value, prioritizing community engagement and benefits.</p><p>We are delighted to announce that the winner of the Building Project of the Year Award is ZED PODS Limited with St Andrews House. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement!<br></p>
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.
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Client of the Year
Sponsored by
Stonewater Housing Association
Organisation
Holistic Housing Solutions Ltd
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What was said on Awards night....
<p>The 'Client of the Year Award' recipient prioritises customer satisfaction and community well-being, excelling in housing solutions that create thriving neighbourhoods. They invest in local initiatives, provide employment opportunities, and focus on sustainability and innovation.</p><p>Eco-friendly, energy-efficient designs are paramount, with plans to implement Net Zero Operational Carbon Standards for new developments from April 2025.</p><p>Older properties will also be upgraded to match these standards.</p><p>The client collaborates with local authorities and supports SMEs in the industry. With over 50 years of history, they manage more than 36,000 affordable homes across England. Their commitment to superior housing and community development continues to grow, ensuring high-quality living for all residents.<br></p>
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.
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Climate Action
Sponsored by
St Andrews House
Organisation
ZED PODS Limited
Project name
St Andrews House
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What was said on Awards night....
<p>The winning project was a real stand out for the judges and showed how, with the implementation and adoption of a fully sustainable design from the outset, whilst in use and through to end of life, we can achieve the carbon reduction required to achieve our climate action targets by 2050.</p><p>The project team achieved 85% pre-manufactured value, with a low carbon design and procurement of green materials, they considered carefully the cost-of-living savings for occupants, included 35% social value from a prisoners’ home-building scheme for factory labour and also included ecological and biological enhancements to the scheme, collaborating with local neighbours throughout.</p><p>By working with a forward thinking openminded client, this project has allowed the entrant to set the gold standard for future sustainable development & full circularity, a project the judges would hope to see delivered on a national scale to set a pioneering precedent demonstrating a new way of working to achieve net zero in the UK residential market.<br></p>
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.
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Delivering Value
Sponsored by
St. Bernadette's Rugby Club
Organisation
Stepnell
Project name
St. Bernadette's
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What was said on Awards night....
<p>The winner of this award is the project that we considered the most value compared to the project budget and had the biggest impact on the wider community. Among other things, the project achieved a social value over 8 times the target set at the start of the project, a social value that almost matched the total project value. As well as the statistics presented, the judges were impressed with the impact the project provided on a deprived community. During the project support was provided to community kitchens and foodbanks, a police-led intervention scheme in local schools was sponsored, nutrition and youth schemes were funded. The project has also left a legacy of apprentices in bricklaying, carpentry, plumbing and electricians in the local area and has brought life back to a site that had been abandoned and the focus of antisocial behaviour since 2011.<br></p>
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.
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Environmental, Social and Governance
Sponsored by
AWW
Organisation
AWW
Project name
AWW
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What was said on Awards night....
<p>The winning organisation showed a strong commitment to all three elements of ESG. They have set themselves key targets, held themselves accountable and achieved excellent accreditations as a result of their efforts. </p><p>The judges felt that this organisation is delivering on ESG to a high standard both through the projects it works on, and also as an organisation itself. We were impressed by the business's efforts to put ESG front and centre of their external and internal offering, something which we understand is appreciated equally by clients, staff and wider stakeholders. The submission was well presented with impressive qualitative and quantitative data to back it up.<br></p>
Submission 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.
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Winterstoke Hundred Academy
Organisation
Kier Construction
Project name
Winterstoke Hundred Academy
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What was said on Awards night....
<p>The winning project was a real stand out for the judges and showed how, when a Contractor is given a full sense of ownership of a project from project design to completion what can be achieved when it comes to environment, social value and governance.</p><p>The requirement for a Net Zero carbon in operation building, minimal impact on ecology, setting of targets for social value required a collaborative approach to achieve the following gains:</p><ol><li>Biodiversity Net Gain of 30%; </li><li>BREEAM Excellent; </li><li>376 waged training weeks on site; </li><li>45 hours volunteering, which included the set up of WSM’s GLOW Festival; </li><li>20 career and guidance events.
</li></ol><p>The project team achieved this by instilling a positive culture from the moment you stepped through the gate – the warm professional welcome from the gate person, first class welfare facilities and induction ensured a successful project.<br></p>
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
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G4C Future Leader
Sponsored by
Megan Llewellyn
Organisation
Willmott Dixon
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What was said on Awards night....
<p>The judges were really impressed with all the submissions especially our shortlisted candidates Henry, Megan and Will. During the interviews all the judges felt that the nominations gave inspiration and hope about our next generation of leaders. The winner really demonstrated leadership attributes especially in taking on the role of mentoring new trainees, and there advocation for sustainability initiatives and improvements.</p><p>The judges expressed their excitement to watch all the candidates’ careers develop over the next 10 years but in particular our winner whom we predict big things for!<br></p>
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.
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Health, Safety and Wellbeing
Sponsored by
Millwrights Place and Coopers Court
Organisation
Willmott Dixon
Project name
Millwrights Place and Coopers Court
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What was said on Awards night....
<p>This team had to overcome numerous and significant logistical and practical challenges on this complex project. It was one of the first projects in Bristol having to contend with the new Building Safety Act. This led to an open and constructive dialogue with stakeholders such as the new Building Safety Regulator. To overcome these challenges, the team fully embraced the notion of early contractor involvement. As well as offering certainty to their supply chain, this ensured that the designs and plans for the project, which included modern methods of construction, were achievable, compliant, healthy and safe. The careful planning also meant that the right work/life balance was achieved, and we commend the team for their focus on mental health and wellbeing. <br></p>
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.
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Infrastructure Project of the Year
Sponsored by
MRI and Oncology Unit, Royal Cornwall Hospital
Organisation
BAM Construction
Project name
MRI and Oncology Unit, Royal Cornwall Hospital
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What was said on Awards night....
<p>The judges were very impressed with all the finalist's entries and presentations. However, one project stood out as a testament to visionary design, engineering prowess and project delivery. From its inception, this project set new benchmarks in sustainability, efficiency, community impact and social value. The project team demonstrated exceptional collaboration, overcoming complex logistical challenges and ensuring seamless integration with existing infrastructure.<br></p>
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.
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Innovation
Sponsored by
Holistic Retrofit Solutions Window Insulation Coating
Organisation
Holistic Housing Solutions
Project name
JG Student Lets - Retrofit Windows with coating
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What was said on Awards night....
<p>This year's Innovation Award recognizes an innovation that, while seemingly simple, demonstrates the power of comprehensive research and product development.</p><p>Tackling critical issues like overheating and regulatory compliance with a simple and seamless application while also successfully navigating the complexities of pricing, warranties, and customer feedback.<br></p>
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
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Integration & Collaborative Working
Sponsored by
Forest of Dean Community Hospital
Organisation
Speller Metcalfe
Project name
Forest of Dean Community Hospital
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What was said on Awards night....
<p>The winning nomination was very robust, factual with successful outcomes well defined. The high level of collaboration between the contractor, client and other stakeholders was clear to see. Without this, the project could easily have failed, given the enormous project challenges. This level of collaboration and willingness to work together shone through during the finalists’ interviews.</p><p>Bravery and trust are two words that sum up the winners in this category. To put this in context, brave decisions to rip up the original design and start again, made the project affordable and workable. The trust within the whole team to make this decision ultimately delivered the success of the finished building.</p><p>Ultimately the client is now able to provide important services to the community exceptionally well, thanks to this wonderful purpose-built facility, excellently delivered.<br></p>
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.
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Modern Methods of Construction
Sponsored by
Assembly Building C, Bristol
Organisation
Galliford Try
Project name
Assembly C, Bristol
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What was said on Awards night....
<p>The judges were impressed with the level of entries for this year’s Modern Methods of Construction award. The bar continues to be raised and this year it was great to see examples of MMC being used as a solution for residential, commercial and infrastructure projects.</p><p>This year’s winner met all of the judging criteria and clearly demonstrated a kit of parts philosophy which could be used repeatedly and safely. In fact, it was only because of the adoption of MMC that the project was viable for the client.</p><p>During their judging interview, the winners told the judges that due to the successful use of MMC on this project, it is already being rolled out on their future buildings. We should therefore all be very excited to see how the future of construction is shaped by their continued adoption of MMC to achieve such positive outcomes.<br></p>
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.
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People & Culture
Sponsored by
BPART - Building Plymouth Aspiring Rising Talent Network
Organisation
Building Plymouth/ Plymouth City Council
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What was said on Awards night....
<p>The judges felt the winner of this award truly reflected the Constructing Excellence agenda of knowledge sharing and collaboration.</p><p>Effectively showcasing the diversity throughout the initiative, embedding positive culture and creating a sustainable model for future generations of the construction industry to develop their skills and collaborate towards better outcomes was inspiring. Our hope is that others in the sector take their lead and adopt this scheme on a national level.<br></p>
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.
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Regeneration & Retrofit
Sponsored by
Bristol Beacon
Organisation
Willmott Dixon
Project name
Bristol Beacon
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What was said on Awards night....
<p>From the initial submission to the live presentation, the panel was impressed by how the team conveyed the impact of the project across multiple levels, including sustainability and social responsibility. Through innovative retrofitting techniques and a commitment to preserving heritage, the project has transformed a derelict building into a vibrant hub that will benefit the community for generations to come. This project serves as a shining example of how thoughtful planning and execution can lead to positive outcomes on a large scale. The panel was particularly impressed by the project team’s approach to lessons learned, making them available to the industry so they can be transferable to other projects to improve safety and delivery. The presenters demonstrated a genuine passion for their work, which was reflected in every aspect of the project. This is a fantastic example of what collaboration beyond standard communication can achieve, showcasing the true essence of what this award stands for.<br></p>
Submission 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
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Residential Project of the Year
Sponsored by
Millwrights Place and Coopers Court
Organisation
Willmott Dixon
Project name
Millwrights Place and Coopers Court
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What was said on Awards night....
<p>The winning scheme for this year’s Residential Project of the Year had to weather the storm in an extremely challenging environment. Delivered at a time when many of us were under lockdown, site conditions and in particular managing staffs mental health would have been a challenge for anyone. If that wasn’t enough, throw in the added pressures of rising inflation and the Grenfell disaster and you can get a feel for the complexity of delivering this scheme.</p><p>In line with the Constructing Excellence core values this project team worked collaboratively to deliver an exemplar scheme that exceeded client expectations in many areas, including safety, social value and sustainability. The project was also 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.<br></p>
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.
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SME of the Year
Sponsored by
Coreus Group
Organisation
Coreus Group
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What was said on Awards night....
<p>The SME of the Year Award was an exciting but challenging category to judge, with several outstanding entries received. However, one company shone through due to their passion; commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment; their focus on sustainability and their impressive growth. This company is truly people-focussed and the range of support for their employees is exemplary, from flexible working to staff recognition.</p><p>This is very much a forward-thinking company with a clear focus on people, growth and sustainability. The company continues to grow from strength to strength through their focus on three strategic pillars and clear performance measures. We look forward to seeing this company thrive and for their reputation as a thought leader to continue to grow.
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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.
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