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Architectural Technology Awards 2019

[edit] Introduction

Showcasing the very best in architectural technology, CIAT’s AT Awards held on 13 September 2019 were a reminder – as if it was needed – of the critical role played by architectural technologists in the realisation of buildings. Held at Village Underground in Shoreditch, the event saw more than 200 attendees enjoy an afternoon of excellence in architectural technology, networking and amiable partying.

The work of each of the finalists demonstrated creativity and innovation backed by a thorough understanding of engineering and science – the key link between design and realisation.

CIAT’s CEO Francesca Berriman MBE said:

“Our annual celebration of architectural technology showcases its value and importance in the complexities of the built environment. Competent professionals are essential to creating environments that are sustainable, healthy and safe and our architectural technology professionals are critical in achieving such communities within the UK and globally... I feel excited, proud and energised having seen and heard the amazing work that has been awarded for excellence in our discipline. The future of AT is in very safe hands.”

The finalists and categories for the 2019 AT Awards were as follows.

[edit] Student award for excellence in architectural technology (Project).

[edit] Winner

Architectural Technology Studio 3, Albert Greenhalgh, Sheffield Hallam University

The project is based on the second phase of an existing development proposed by Extreme, a global lifestyle brand, to create a facility with a feature climbing ice wall as well as other extreme sports facilities.

This complex design balances architectural design aesthetics and technical design, to create a unique form and structural solution. A sustainable services strategy was selected to integrate with the structure and create the necessary comfort conditions in such a multi-functional complex environment.

The judges concluded that the key criteria of functionality, inclusivity, sustainability and performance were comprehensively demonstrated. This indicated a high level and rounded understanding of architectural technology and its place within design.

[edit] Highly Commended

Maggie's Windermere, Kirsten Adjei-Attah, Coventry University

This design project's aim was to create a new day-care support centre for people living with cancer - an inclusive environment for patients, families, friends and carers. The warm and sensitive design response and sympathetic technical resolution has produced a building of great merit. The solution demonstrates a deep empathy and understanding of the brief, exemplifying the social impact of architectural technology.

[edit] Commended

Thorpe Lakes: Museum and Visitor Centre, Aaron Edge-Stenson, Nottingham Trent University

This family friendly centre is a natural home for activities associated with a newly formed sub-regional country park.The complex building geometry has been addressed by the technically comprehensive and well-developed building envelope and its structure and fabric. The materials pallet is successful in connecting, linking and integrating the building within the surrounding natural environment.

[edit] The Student Award for Excellence in Architectural Technology (Report)

[edit] Winner

Testing the compressive strength of timber lattice columns for low-rise construction, Kirsten Adjei-Attah, Coventry University

This report focused on the innovative use of timber lattice structures and the creation of a visually appealing building component that is structurally viable for use in a hospice and palliative care facilities. The project embraced inclusive design and building performance for end users and functional design solutions to create prototypes that were manufactured, assembled and tested.

[edit] Highly Commended

Verifying the positioning of Fire Protection in Ventilated Rainscreen Building Wall Envelopes, Michael Daly, Ulster University

This study focused on the positioning of passive fire protection and the need to optimise detail design, the properties of materials, their function in a given location, the environment in which they are positioned and importantly, the method of installation and construction linked to compliance.

[edit] Commended

Wayfinding Design: An Investigation into Wayfinding Design Techniques Employed in Healthcare Facilities in Northern Ireland and the Need for Wayfinding Standards, Catriona Slane, Ulster University

This report investigated the performance characteristics of wayfinding in healthcare facilities and critically appraised current practices. The study exposed the numerous inconsistencies and shortfalls in hospital environments and highlighted the confusion caused to the various user groups, along with the stress and wellbeing of the occupants.

[edit] The Alan King Award for Excellence in Architectural Technology

[edit] Winner

New Dwelling House at Grange View. Stuart Davidson Architecture

The client's brief was to create a contemporary, low energy, accessible dwelling within a former walled garden to nestle into the existing streetscape. The site required two primary elevations, with the formal public elevation designed to reflect the Victorian gabled frontage of the surrounding properties. There is a fine attention to detail and the project has been thoroughly thought through to address the user's needs for now and in the future. Maximum use of solar gain has not created overheating. This is a showcase for demonstrating how technology has supported design.

[edit] Highly Commended

Waterside, Ely, Chris Senior MCIAT, PiP

Waterside features three four-bed detached riverside dwellings transformed from agricultural barns. The roof of each barn was removed and a new building 'dropped' inside the original, making the new buildings two storey in order to take advantage of the stunning riverside views and maximising living space. Waterside is full of clever detailing, which was considered at the early stages of the project and anticipated holistically throughout the design.

The project – which has breathed new life into old and disused buildings while retaining their historic character – is an outstanding design solution, using low maintenance and sustainable materials.

[edit] Commended

New Holiday Let Unit at Rink Hill, Stuart Davidson Architecture

Located in open farmland on the curve of a hillside, the brief was to create a high spec, low impact and 'honest' property catering for luxury, short breaks. This was achieved by using a continual curved, glazed frontage pinned either side by two curving natural drystone walls. The clever use of locally sourced materials, combined with the design, assist in blending the buildings within the landscape and create the illusion of a concealed structure.

[edit] The Award for Excellence in Architectural Technology

[edit] Winner

Beacon of Light, FaulknerBrowns Architects

The Beacon of Light is a unique activity hub consisting of four distinct interactive zones: education, health and fitness, sport and play, and the world of work. Appearing as a shining beacon, the simple design solution is innovative through its use of technology and materials. It minimises energy use and reduces energy losses. Fine attention to detail ensures minimal waste, a great use of space and effective buildability.

A welcoming structure for all the community, the building demonstrates the very best in architectural technology, with a coordinated design team approach.

[edit] Highly Commended

Woodmansterne Secondary School & Sixth Form, PTAL

The Woodmansterne Secondary School and Sixth Form building forms the second phase of the site’s redevelopment. Well thought out, the project's holistic design demonstrates architectural Technology at its highest level. With a high-performance building envelope and exceptional functional and robust design and detailing, the project’s lengthened design process shortened the construction period.

[edit] Commended

Hawley Mews, healycornelius design consultancy ltd

This project comprised a terrace of three two-bed mews houses, delivered on a difficult and confined site in Camden, London. Each house is carefully detailed and designed to maximise light, space and storage. An innovative technical solution which maximises natural light and compliance with planning requirements was managed in an creative and transparent way.

[edit] The Chartered Architectural Technologist of the Year Award

[edit] Winner

Oliver Henshall MCIAT, Chartered Architectural Technologist

Oliver is the driving force for the development and growth of his peers, and has climbed the hierarchy within Powell Dobson to become a technical associate before the age of 30.

Oliver is ambitious, hard-working, dedicated and learned from his experiences, enabling him to grow and develop to adapt to new situations and challenges. Empathetic and able to read a room, Oliver has the fundamental core competencies critical to building successful relationships.

The best way to demonstrate Oliver's excellence as a chartered architectural technologist and technical associate for Powell Dobson, is the fact that clients continue to return and request that Oliver is their lead consultant for the delivery of their projects. By creating an inclusive, relaxed but ultimately engaging environment for a design team to work in, he gets the best out of people, time and time again.