Building Category and Overall Winner
Winner:Project Fitzwilliam
Project Client: ESBProject Architect: Grafton Architects / O'Mahony Pike Architects
Project Engineer: O'Connor Sutton Cronin
Project Contractor: Admore Structures / P.J. Hegarty & Sons
Major Suppliers: Roadstone / Techrete
More a city block than a project, a terrific addition to James Street East and a nod to the random familiarity of a Georgian street, behind the loadbearing brick of the third ESB building on this site, this project reveals high drama concrete slipform construction, structural gymnastics in hanging staircases and concrete Vierendeel trusses, and finesse in the design and location of strategic precast concrete façade elements.
The design team, contractors and subcontractors have beautifully crafted the materials and spaces to make a great environment for people to work in. Detailing is crisp, tightly controlled and well executed, exploiting the contrast between fine precast and rougher in-situ concrete. Geometric precision of details like the use of longer precast fins on the south courtyard facades brings complexity and interest to simple classic elements.’
Infrastructure Category Winner
Winner:N22 Sullane and Laney River Bridges
Project Client: TIIProject Engineer: Barry Transportation / Martin Heffernan Consulting / Mott McDonald
Project Contractor: Jons Civil Engineering - John Cradock JV
Major Suppliers: Banagher Precast Concrete / Roadstone
The two river bridges of Laney and Sullane are impressive examples of the use of both in-situ and precast concrete. The W19 beams of the Laney and Sullane River Bridges are the longest in Ireland and the UK for both single and two span prestressed bridge beam structures at 50m and 98m respectively – both achievements are fine feats of Engineering design and construction, while pushing the boundaries in the use of prestress concrete.
This was achieved in an innovative manner by utilising the opportunities provided in the design code EC2 to maximise prestress concrete design efficiencies. Not only did this approach allow for longer span beams, it also allowed for significant savings in quantities of both concrete and steel. This is an excellent example of how investment in concrete design excellence results in material savings, which not only benefits the project budget, but also the environment.
Element Category Winner
Winner:National Surf Centre
Project Client: Sligo County CouncilProject Architect: Keys and Monaghan Architects
Project Engineer: Taylor & Boyd
Project Contractor: Arken Construction
Major Suppliers: Flood Precast
Proudly positioned adjacent to the crashing waves of the Atlantic, the striking building envelope includes perimeter walls of concrete panels. Critically these precast panels are designed and manufactured to be durable against exposure to the sea.
Their clear and flawless finish allow for the etchings to be enjoyed in great detail. Locally sourced aggregate along with reused and recycled material ensures the reduced carbon footprint of the concrete.
The jury was particularly impressed by the quality, attention to detail and consistency of finish across all of the concrete elements of this project. The exceptional execution of the exposed aggregate finish in the public plaza, the perfectly fitted and finished eco drains and footpaths and the contrast of the smooth and textured concrete finishes is very cohesive.
This is a flagship example of the use of precast concrete demonstrating the balance of beauty, strength, durability and sustainability.
Highly Commended for Sustainability
Winner:Blanchardstown Main Drainage
Project Client: Irish WaterProject Engineer: ByrneLooby, An Ayesa Company
Project Contractor: Ward & Burke
Major Suppliers: Kilsaran / Tracey Concrete
The Blanchardstown project's design and execution is about understanding the stresses and strains we are imposing on the planet with increasing urbanisation and population growth and makes an elegant solution which sustains us for the future.
Flooding and saturation after intense rain have been problematic in this part of Dublin for many years. This economic and ingenious linked structure - three huge circular concrete tanks and kilometres of tunnelling to connect to existing infrastructure - attenuates storm water and manages the risk of untreated wastewater overflow into the river Tolka. This singular piece of infrastructure therefore protects vital habitats and ecosystems along the Tolka Valley and into Dublin Bay itself, giving us cleaner beaches and healthier seas.
10th International Award
Winner:Osiers Road, London
Major Suppliers: TechreteFor overall excellence in design incorporating variety, complexity and attention to detail to create a high-quality aesthetic façade the Jury chose to award the 10th Irish Concrete Society International Award to Techrete for their project at Osiers Road, Wandsworth, London. The innovative solutions in blending different materials and textures in carefully designed panels to create a rich sharp and intricate façade impressed the judges.
Sculpture Award
Winner:Bile Buadha by Niamh McCann
The selected work for the Irish Concrete Sculpture Award work is ambitious in its use of methodologies within concrete processes. This combined ambition with the conceptual integrity, creative artistic investment of process and thinking makes this Sculpture an excellent example of the diversity and value of the use of concrete within the field of Contemporary Sculpture.
The submission valued the practical concerns of materiality and conceptual criticality throughout the realisation of the Sculpture, from initial concept through the moulding, casting, colouring to realisation and siting the work.
