The IstructE Awards, spotlight 30 of the most groundbreaking projects from around the globe. Building on the momentum of previous years, this year’s shortlist continues to showcase sustainability, ethical standards, and technical innovation - cornerstones that reflect the evolving responsibilities and contributions of today’s structural engineering community.

The Gala Fairydean Rovers Netherdale Stand was designed by architect Peter Womersley and recognised globally for its 1960s Modernism. The stand had been closed in 2017 due to structural concerns. The restoration project aimed to preserve the architectural integrity of this Category A-listed building, primarily constructed from reinforced concrete.

The initiative involved thorough condition surveys, innovative repair techniques, and a collaborative effort with various stakeholders to address and mitigate concrete deterioration and structural issues, ensuring the building’s longevity and aesthetic preservation.

The awards maintain a focus on the four judging attributes introduced in 2022: Planet (environmental impact), People (social value), Process (technical innovation), and Profession (collaboration and advocacy). These attributes, which have resonated strongly within the engineering community, are shaping a future where structural engineering plays a central role in addressing global challenges.

Other shortlisted projects include:

• Charlton WorkStack, South East London, UK (Arup): WorkStack is the UK’s first multi-storey light industrial building constructed from mass timber. This five-storey building provides 14 affordable workspace units in South East London, supporting creative and light industrial businesses. Its pioneering use of cross-laminated timber and distinctive stepped cantilever form required careful consideration of timber load paths and fire safety.
• Space House, Central London, UK (Pell Frischmann): Space House showcases the potential of adaptive reuse, preserving built heritage while addressing the climate emergency. As London’s first Grade-II listed structure to achieve BREEAM Outstanding, most of the original structure has been retained, blending the old with new to create additional value.
• Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA), Bugesera District, Rwanda (MASS Design Group): RICA integrates regenerative practices and low-impact materials, reducing embodied carbon by 60% while supporting local economies. The campus, powered by solar and water systems, aims to become climate-positive within 15 years through reforestation and sustainable construction.
• Tibetan Art Museum, Lhasa, China (Tongji Architectural Design Co., Ltd): Built on the heritage site of the Lhasa Cement Factory, this museum repurposes original structures to minimise material use and environmental impact. Located in a high-seismic zone, the design incorporates advanced anti-seismic measures to enhance durability in the fragile Tibetan Plateau.

Championing environmental and social responsibility

As in previous years, the 2024 Structural Awards place significant importance on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria. The shortlisted projects not only showcase extraordinary engineering prowess but also highlight the profession’s commitment to societal and environmental stewardship.

Building on the foundation laid in 2022, this year’s awards continue to inspire a future where structural engineering is synonymous with sustainability and innovation. All entries were required to provide detailed embodied carbon footprint calculations using the IStructE carbon calculator tool, underscoring the industry’s ongoing effort to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Commenting on this year’s awards, Professor John Orr said: “The structural engineering profession stands at the forefront of addressing global challenges, whether through innovative designs that minimise environmental impact or through projects that enhance the quality of life for communities.

“The awards celebrate the incredible talent and vision within the structural engineering community, setting a benchmark for future projects worldwide. I hope this shortlist continues to inspire current and future generations of engineers, driving the profession forward in our shared mission to create a better world.”

The winners will be revealed at the awards ceremony on 8 November in London.