After an earlier postponement due to Covid-19 restrictions, results of the 2021 SCNZ Excellence in Steel Awards were finally announced at an awards dinner at the Hilton Auckland last month.
Close to 270 structural steel industry leaders and specialists gathered to celebrate the best of the best at an event that showcased the sector’s commitment to innovation, best practice and collaboration.
Judges whittled 34 award entries down to 15 finalists, which demonstrate the exceptional design and execution possible when steel is used as the principal construction material.
SCNZ chair Frank Van Schaijik said the high standard of projects on show reflected the experience, skills and commitment of those in the industry.
“It’s what sets our local structural steel industry apart from the rest of the world, which is critical in a Covid-impacted environment when local expertise is in high demand.”
The 2021 winners were:
• Supreme Winner and $1.5 million to $3 million category winner: Eastbridge & Beca for State Highway 2 Wairoa River Bridge Cycleway Widening.
The existing, 177m-long bridge was too narrow for cyclists or pedestrians to safely cross. Neither its deck nor the pier columns offered adequate spare capacity to retrofit a cycleway at deck level.
Lightweight modular steel construction was the solution to adding a cycleway to the existing bridge in a safe and innovative manner.
• Under $500,000 category: D&H Steel Construction for Waiouru Point Development
The project included two adjoining warehouses that overlook the Tamaki River. Its striking design was inspired by the local estuary birdlife. The project demonstrates steel’s versatility as an architectural feature, particularly the complex “Y frames”, which deliver a flawless finish.
• $500,000 to $1.5 million: VIP Structural Steel for Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement
Before reinstatement of the iconic Christ Church Cathedral could begin it had to be stabilised, so a prominent structural steel frame was designed and fabricated to restore key structural load paths at the western end of the building.
Impressively, it was lowered into position and secured to the building in the space of a single day.
• Over $3 million: D&H Steel Construction for Sylvia Park Galleria
Sylvia Park’s $277m, 20,000sq m south mall expansion involved retrofitting a new upper-level floor to the shopping mall.
Steel provided practical solutions to complex details related to geometry, connections and accessibility. Its light weight also meant the project was commercially viable.
• Standalone Residential: All Steel Services for Gawor Beach House, Coromandel
The stunning home boasts a completely exposed steel structure, cruciform columns, and a massive eight-metre cantilevered second lounge.
The matt black cruciform columns support three apex portals that align to frame breathtaking views of the Coromandel ranges and Matarangi harbour.
