Magazine
Published by Galvanizers Association
Once again entrants for the GAGAs proved that a simple and robust technique, which is over two hundred years old, could still be harnessed to produce visionary architecture and engineering that integrates innovative design with the benefits of sustainability.
Stand out projects included the Greenwich Low Carbon Energy Centre by C.F. Møller Architects, the largest new build residential heat network in Europe.
As winner of the Galvanizing in Architecture Award, the energy centre forms part of a major urban development initiative on the Greenwich Peninsula and will save over 20,000 tonnes of carbon every year.
At Hastings Pier, judges were impressed by a £14.2m rebuild that has seen the replacement of 90% of the historic structure. After decades of neglect and having been all but permanently destroyed by fire in 2010, the Pier won the Galvanizing in Engineering Award. Extensive use of galvanizing in the marine environment has secured the pier against future degradation, creating a lasting legacy central to the local seaside economy.
Another coastal win went to Snug Architects who took home the Galvanizing in Detail award with their design for the Milford-on- Sea beach huts, whilst the best use of a duplex coating went to Ian Ritchie Architects for the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre in London, where galvanizing and painting were used to provide visual consistency and a durable and robust fire protective system.
Recognition went to Global Rail Construction in winning the Sustainability award for their steel signal structures. Not only does their design demonstrate significant cost efficiencies it also promises new strategies for reuse and recycling of galvanized steel structures.
