Exemplary façade projects which push the boundaries of technologies and set new benchmarks for what’s achievable in the field of façade engineering were recognised with awards at the SFE Façade 2024 Design and Engineering Awards.
The awards, which took place on 6 November in London, are run by the Society of Façade Engineering (SFE) and CIBSE and recognise excellence and achievements in façade engineering from around the world.
Arup were the outstanding winner on the night taking home three trophies in the Project of the Year categories. They won the Special Structures International Award, for Airshade, the world’s first air-powered shading device, developed by Arup in Masdar City, UAE, an innovation which judges said had potential to benefit projects across all economic regions to improve comfort and operational energy.
They also won the New Build Project of the Year – UK, for the Grand Courtyard and Pavilion at The Old War Office. The project saw the addition of a contemporary dining space which revitalised a historic space whilst respecting the Grade II listed surroundings and set benchmarks for future projects. The Special Structures UK award also went to Arup for the Barn Elms Ecological Kiosk.
Octatube’s refurbishment of the Grade II listed cable net façade of the Channel Four headquarters was another standout project, claiming two awards for Refurbishment of the Year UK, and Innovation of the Year UK. Judges said that this was a true refurbishment which improved safety, whilst sensitively protecting the original design.
International projects from Europe, Beijing, Singapore and Pakistan also took home prizes, and notably, the Beijing City Library and Eckersley O’Callaghan which won New Build of the Year – International. The project, designed to celebrate the act of reading, features a 16m tall frameless folded plate glass wall which is believed to be the tallest façade of its type ever completed.
Individuals recognised for their achievements in the field of façade engineering included Roberta Giacalone, from Wintech, named Young Façade Engineer of the Year, whose dedication to technical excellence and ongoing professional growth sets a strong example for the future of façade engineering. And John Downes awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for his impactful career advancing industry standards in health, safety, and sustainability. Dr Hywel Davies was also recognised with an Honorary Fellowship of the SFE for outstanding commitment to the Society and the industry.
Congratulating all winners and shortlisted, Saverio Pasetto, chair of judges, said: ‘The ambition and innovation on display across the awards is truly groundbreaking, and will help set new benchmarks in what can be achieved in the field of façade engineering.’
With special thanks to headline sponsor Reynaers Aluminium.
For the full list of winners visit: www.cibse.org/what-s-on/sfe-facade-2024-design-and-engineering-awards/2024-winners