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Last edited 07 Mar 2023

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Architectural Technology Awards 2020

[edit] Introduction

CIAT's AT Awards| 2020 were held on 3 December 2020. Presented by Matt Allwright, the online event was upbeat and polished - relaying an optimistic message to those who were watching around the world. You can see a recording of the awards here.

The show began with Matt at home in his dressing gown, followed by a hilarious race to the studio to get the proceedings underway.

In his opening remarks, CIAT President Eddie Weir PCIAT discussed his positive experience of the profession in 2020 despite the challenges created by the pandemic. Acknowledging the wonderful opportunities to engage with - and support - CIAT members, Weir recognised the significance of ending the year on an inspiring note.

The Finalists for the AT Awards| 2020 were as follows.

[edit] Student Award for Excellence in Architectural Technology| Report

[edit] Winner

Early Design Computational Simulation Tools for Net Zero Energy Buildings, Adeliia Papulzan, Birmingham City University

This report is an outstanding presentation on net zero energy buildings. The comprehensive nature of this technical report showcases many strengths, emphasising the impact that early design decisions have on a building's environmental performance during use. The adoption of simulation tools are vital to embed energy and environmental performance as key aspects of a building design.

[edit] Highly Commended

GenerATive Design – Redefining Roles Within the Design Process, Stuart Cully, Ulster University

This entry explores the significant change currently happening to architectural design as a result of digital disruption. It identifies current generative design tools and applies them to produce a workflow for the design of a hypothetical eco-hotel.

[edit] Commended

Intelligent Assets Tracking with Circular Economy and Blockchain Technology in the Construction Industry to Solve Urban Problems for Sustainable and Equitable Futures, Shehzadi Mohammed, Manipal Academy of Higher Education

This report investigates the application of blockchain technology and intelligent asset tracking to improve circular economy principles through the example of ecovillages. Blockchain technology possibilities were investigated to implement material passports and fourth industrial revolution technologies.

[edit] Student Award for Excellence in Architectural Technology| Project

[edit] Winner

Integrated Project, Karaan Sabherwal ACIAT, University of Derby

This entry presents a well planned and balanced project for a mixed-use development which considers air circulation within the building across the seasons. The project is comprehensive in its approach and demonstrates a strong environmental strategy throughout with appropriate use of materials. The technical resolution displays and rigorous technical detailing make for a functional building with good thought given to buildability.

[edit] Highly Commended

Sheaf Valley Link Project, Henry Yang, Sheffield Hallam University

This project is an imaginative design for a building adjoining Sheffield's train station to promote commercial growth within the city. The solution combines sustainable measures with a mix of structural elements on a very challenging site. The effective resolution of geometry delivers a striking form.

[edit] Commended

Green City, Residential Development, Reece Scattergood, University of Derby

This entry presents a realistic mixed-use project that fits the location well and reflects the wider plans that Derby Council has for the city. The proposal is focused around bringing residents the opportunity for green living. The entry showcases very good 3D visuals to communicate the design which is supported by proficient technical detailing.

[edit] Gold Award

As the 85th recipient of the Gold Award, David Traynor MCIAT, was recognised for his outstanding contribution to CIAT. David has served the Northern Ireland Region and CIAT for more than 20 years and is considered a role model who helps to build excitement for those young people joining the Architectural Technology profession.

[edit] Awards for Excellence in Architectural Technology

In both categories, the entries were assessed for their innovative application of Architectural Technology. Judges looked for robust and functional designs that were:

Constructed economically.
Environmentally sustainable.
Of durable performance.

[edit] Award for Excellence in Architectural Technology| Small to Medium (budget up to £2 million or equivalent)

[edit] Winner

Buchanan House, PJC Architecture Ltd

This individual home in County Durham, classified as a 'Paragraph 55 House', functions well for its occupants with clever use of the site and innovative design. It has sound technical detailing and selection of materials and utilises available resources onsite to overcome site conditions.

Whilst simple in its form, the well-executed design and construction ensure a clean and well thought through scheme. Use of technologies include geothermal heating, mechanical heat recovery ventilation system and thermal mass storage all whilst retaining wall-photovoltaic panels and a sustainable drainage.

[edit] Highly Commended

Formation of STEM Hub, Stuart Davidson Architecture

Clever detailing with attention to detail is a stand out for this STEM Learning Hub, which is an extension to the existing campus at Borders College in Roxsburghshire. Educational in both design and use, the Hub is a robust submission with good architectural technology and design aspects which result in a building that is simple in form and function. It acts as a good test bed and educational learning tool for environmental design and construction and has used the ethos of Passivhaus throughout. The recording of performance during construction and design is a useful asset for future developments so the building can serve as a learning resource.

[edit] Commended

Extension & Renovation, Dore, Sheffield, France and Associates

A thoughtfully designed extension and renovation of an existing home to provide inclusive living accommodation in Sheffield. Carefully matching the specific client requirements, the new extension is in harmony with the original character of the host structure.

There was careful consideration of the existing structure and integration of the technical design throughout the whole process that is reflected in the final design and use. The reconfiguration includes a curved floating ramp, but the home is not dominated by the accessible features.

[edit] Award for Excellence in Architectural Technology| Medium to Mega (over £2 million or equivalent)

[edit] Winner

The Catalyst, GSSArchitecture

The Catalyst is a new build educational and commercial project constructed on the Helix development in Central Newcastle. This landmark building was produced for Newcastle University to house the National Innovation Centre for Ageing and the National Innovation Centre for Data. The detailing and integration of technology has resulted in fantastic spaces with extensive and effective use of BIM for reduction in construction time, clash detection and buildability.

Incorporating solid eco credentials, it attained the highest level of BREEAM and has non-standard shapes and forms which deliver sound technical solutions. A fantastic scheme which demonstrates the very best in Architectural Technology.

[edit] Highly Commended

Norwich City Football Club Lotus Academy, LSI Architects

Norwich City Football Club's new Lotus Academy building provides a host of facilities with its design and structural approaches responding to humans' innate connection to the outdoor environment. It promotes health, wellbeing, productivity and creativity, integrating many natural materials in the design.

Architectural Technology was demonstrated by control of solar gains, maximising daylight, a fabric first approach and heat pumps. This, combined with the use of efficient services and an analysis using thermal dynamic simulation software, meant this building went beyond its performance expectations.

[edit] Commended

Paxman Academy, Concertus Design & Property Consultants

The Paxman Academy makes great optimisation of an existing school to enhance occupant comfort in Colchester as a functional new six form and 900 place secondary school. Architectural Technology was apparent through a fine level of detail and use of BIM during the design phase to run clash detection simulations. This enabled a reduction in queries onsite. Sustainable design principles integrated well with the surroundings.

[edit] The Chartered Architectural Technologist of the Year Award

[edit] Winner

Róisín Ní Chatháin MCIAT, Chartered Architectural Technologist

Róisín is an exceptional talent who combines her architectural ability with dedication to the profession. She is respected, admired and recognised by her peers and other professionals. An exceptional Chartered Architectural Technologist with a keen eye for detail and an in-depth understanding of the industry, she is also an extremely reliable colleague who can always be depended on to carry out a job to the highest standards.

Róisín was instrumental in setting up the BPTW AT Graduate and Placement Programme, overseeing and mentoring individual ATs and demonstrating a strong commitment to the profession and promotion of CIAT. Róisín has integrated BIM into BPTW's work flows; she is passionate about research and development and is always at the forefront of the legislation changes and advancements in design technology.

Nominated by Justin Kelly MCIAT, Róisín mentioned the importance of teamwork and her colleagues as she shared her thoughts after the announcement. She called it “a huge accomplishment and a great accolade to be a female winner of the Award.”