Building Innovation Awards 2024: Rising high in Manchester
This post was originally published on this site
A rip-roaring celebration of construction innovation and excellence saw guests and finalists alike gather to applaud the winners who took home a prize
Always the bridesmaid, was host Justin Moorhouse’s good-natured jest with Skanska UK, on the night the winners of the Building Innovation Awards 2024 were announced; then came the punchline – the company went on to win a trophy.
Skanska was clearly feeling confident, having entered five categories but had lost out to rival finalists, as is the way with awards – hence the tongue-in-cheek observation.
Still, you can say the company had the last laugh. Plus, there’s consolation in knowing the standard of competition was – as ever – extremely high; then there’s that well-earned kudos in taking the prize for Best Energy Efficiency Innovation.
This wasn’t the only banter that helped entertain guests; there was some snappy chat with Andrew Carpenter, chief executive of the Structural Timber Association. On stage to hand out an award, their ‘double act’ was so on the ball you’d think it was scripted and rehearsed. But no, it was entirely off the cuff.
Well, if you’re going to task a successful comedian to serve as host, expect to be on the receiving end of the comedy in more ways than one; all given and taken in good humour, of course. The audience, finalists, and guest presenters, it is fair to say from the laughs, had a blast.
Underneath the humour, of course, the evening at the Hilton Deansgate in Manchester had a serious purpose. It was all about celebrating the achievements of those who are taking construction and the built environment sectors onwards and upwards.
Innovation was the focus, with the awards both saluting and showcasing the new technologies, the mastering of data and AI, the improved techniques, and the better ways of working forged by the those competing for a prize. It’s all about overcoming the many challenges faced by the sector, making construction more productive, efficient, and greener too.
Those who featured among the finalists are all at the top of their game; as ever, the standard of entries was exceptionally high.
All told, there were 27 awards up for grabs at this year’s Building Innovation Awards, but in between announcing the winners, guests were treated to a three course meal, entertainment from the host, Justin Moorhouse, and an inspiring speech from guest speaker, Danny Crates.
The former Paralympian had quite the story to tell; compelling, optimistic, and a genuine tale of triumph over adversity.
Crates lost his arm in a horrific accident at the age of 21, but undeterred he chose to overcome this hurdle in life, focus on the future, and regain his positive mental activity. He was back on the rugby field after six months.
Shortly after that, he began his Paralympian athletic career, winning gold in the men’s 800 metres at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens. Twenty years on, and he still holds the British 800 metre record. And that’s just a small taste of his achievements as an athlete.
Since retiring from international athletics, Crates has gone on to enjoy success as a business speaker, and a leadership and performance coach; he’s also a published author, television presenter, and the founder of his own consultancy, 1404 Performance.
Sport remains very much close to his heart, though, so it’s no surprise he chose Sports Aid as the charity partner for the evening.
The charity is dedicated to supporting the next generation of athletes, who may struggle to find the means to otherwise fulfill their potential. Its mission is to encourage, enable and empower athletes, regardless of their background and the financial challenges they may face.
Guests showed their support for Sports Aid via donations and a charity raffle. Prizes were a framed “Legends of English Football” signed print; a Champagne afternoon tea for two in the Hilton Deansgate’s Cloud 23; and a two-night luxury getaway break. Thanks to the generous donations, a total of £2,200 was raised.
The night wound down as guests relaxed to the sounds of Oasis tribute band Definitely MightBe, and the Stone Roses tribute, Adored. Between them, they transported their audience back to the heyday of Manchester’s world-famous musical scene of the late ’80s and ’90s.
Finally, the event would not be complete without giving thanks to the judging panel, and also thanks to the sponsors: Brilliant Ideas; Cupix; Egnyte; Fexillon; Flowlio; hsbcad; MPBA; Nemetschek Group; Nima; Pinnacle Infotech; and Synertec.
Indeed, thanks to everyone who took part and made it an evening to remember.
And now…
The winners of the 2024 Building Digital Awards
Best Use of Advanced Materials
Winner: WorkStack – B&K Structures
Summary: The Judges were impressed with the way that WorkStack can be successfully delivered, with a rigorous focus on durability, fire safety and collaboration. This is a forward-thinking approach, that makes this company a market leader in timber construction.
Best Use of Visualisation Technology
Winner: Advanced Infrastructure Technology Ltd
Summary: The judges thought that this was a great innovation to support smart cities and modern planning, and was far-reaching in its impact. The judges could also see a future in this innovation, by integrating their platform with Net Zero initiatives. It is a very forward-thinking idea.
Best Digital Transformation
Winner: Graham
Summary: The judges said Graham uses technology to enhance delivery for clients, site teams, and the supply chain. They have a strong focus in the adoption of digital technologies, such as AI, automation and gaming engines, which makes them stand out against others. They have managed to create a digital culture in a very ‘hands-on’ industry.
Highly commended: VJ Technology
Most Innovative SME
Winner: Eckersley O’Callaghan
Summary: The judges were impressed with Eckersley O’Callaghan’s portfolio of innovative projects. They commented on their sustainable design practices that push the boundaries of construction. The judges also praised them for their holistic approach, as their tools bring together sustainability, technology and social responsibility.
Most Innovative Urban Regeneration Project
Sponsored by Fexillon
Winner: One Ashley Road – Alison Brooks Architects
Summary: One Ashley Rd was praised by the judges as a bold design solution for an urban site. Their incorporation of smart and intelligent technologies to meet the needs of the occupiers was really taken into consideration. All in all, a great project.
Resilient Infrastructure Innovation or Project of the Year
Sponsored by Fexillon
Winner: Whole of Seabed Programme – The Crown Estate
Summary: The judges said this was a very thorough and well-documented entry. This submission showcased an impressive tool with a built environment application, that meets our future energy needs. Clearly, an important and exciting innovation.
Best Carbon Reduction Innovation or Practice
Winner: Bellway
Summary: The judges said it was great to see a comprehensive solution with the goal to reduce carbon across the organisation and could see how it could be scaled up in the future. One judge commented it was a hugely impressive all-round entry.
Best Energy Efficiency Innovation
Sponsored by The Nemetschek Group
Winner: Skanska UK
Summary: The judges commented that this platform delivers a massive impact, and significantly reduces CO2 emissions. This entry showcased a powerful combination of digital twins with clear operational data. Overall, a fantastic and brilliant solution in the built environment.
Most Innovative Build Process using MMC
Winner: ZED PODS Limited
Summary: The judges thought that this company has designed the right product and worked on the best method to deliver it with good partnerships. One judge commented it’s a beautiful example of tackling housing issues using existing sites. In summary, it’s a real demonstration of taking a sustainable approach to developing houses for social good.
Best Health & Safety Innovation
Winner: Operance
Summary: One judge said this is a timely solution to the current challenges of the sector. Their initiative and purpose is great and definitely needed with the introduction of the Building Safety Act to fill the gaps across the industry. Providing comprehensive statistics on various aspects and savings, this was deemed an excellent solution to an important problem faced by real estate asset owners.
Best Approach to Company Culture & Wellbeing
Winner: HS Property Group
Summary: The judges said that HS Property Group has demonstrated a robust and inclusive culture and well-being programme. Also, their key performance indicators stand out from the crowd, focusing on development that shows real insight, gathered from real feedback.
Best Asset Management Innovation
Sponsored by Flowlio
Winner: BAM UK & Ireland
Summary: The judges were impressed with BAM’s use of technology to coordinate a number of activities within their building. Using IoT and other innovation techniques, they have created a sustainable building which could be duplicated to create the smart offices of the future.
Best Retrofit Innovation or Project
Sponsored by Cupix
Winner: Retrofit Revisit Research – 10 Design and CIBSE
Summary: The judges commented that retrofitting our housing stock is a major challenge for the UK, and we need this type of research to understand the best strategies so we can deliver improvements without any unintended consequences. The project template they used is a very useful industry tool and overall, the judges felt that the submission tells a good story.
Most Sustainable Building Project
Sponsored by hsbcad
Winner: The Future Homes Trial – Taylor Wimpey
Summary: The judges all liked this entry as they felt that as a national house builder it will positively affect a large proportion of the population. It is an outstanding project that works on investing in the future of net zero. Going further than the project itself, one judge commented that the 12-month results showed great promise in the future of new-build homes.
Most Innovative Affordable Housing Project
Winner: St William’s Development, Wigan – Housing People, Building Communities, and Prima Group
Summary: The judges said that St William’s Development is a community with significant impact in terms of affordability, sustainability practices and resident engagement. The measurable impact is very comprehensive and by using innovative financial models to make housing more accessible, this is inspired and has strengthened social connections. The judges summed it up by saying, very impressive, well done.
Most Innovative Partnership
Winner: Housing People, Building Communities, and Prima Group
Summary: The judges said this was a successful way to use the principles of off-site, in housing. Putting innovation at the core of the project, and a great example of collaboration at its best. Social value is high on the agenda from HPBC and Prima Group and this shines through in the way they conduct their partnerships.
Most Innovative Contech Startup
Winner: Automated Architecture Ltd
Summary: The judges said that this was a highly innovative company with a great explanation of the problem, solution and the real benefits to the construction industry. It’s an excellent example of innovation and sustainability tackling a real-world problem, and the judges felt that this entry stood out from the other start-ups.
Best Use of Remote Monitoring Technology
Winner: Invictus Robotics
Summary: The judges were impressed with this application of drone technology, as it showcases how innovation, safety and risk management have all been considered through the use of advanced technology. The testing model was highly recommended and the judges can see that they have thought hard about rolling this out to main contractors, with minimal risk. Excellent entry.
Best Use of Automation or AI
Winner: Safety Shield
Summary: The judges said this is clear AI addressing a significant safety issue. The submission also included good stats on how this has helped their clients in reducing incidents and is being taken on-board by bigger companies, so shows some staying power. It’s maybe a way in which AI can save lives? A true innovation.
Best Technology Partner
Winner: OryxAlign
Summary: The judges said all the entries in this category were of a high standard, but picked OryxAlign as the winner as they showed a great example of a product addressing an important and often overlooked element. This was a very strong entry with great customer engagement and supported their transformation and success.
Highly commended: ALICE Technologies and Implenia
Most Innovative Supplier
Sponsored by Synertec
Winner: SustainIQ
Summary: The judges found that SustainIQ explained how suppliers help organisations to track their environmental, social and governance standards – what’s not to like? One judge said it is great to see such an initiative having such a big impact.
Most Innovative Contractor
Sponsored by Pinnacle Infotech
Winner: Kier Group
Summary: The judges said that Kier Group has a ‘digital by default’ policy, delivering safer, smarter and more sustainable buildings. Kier adopted digital twins as a core technology in their project delivery workflows as well as IoT and real-time data. They significantly stood out from the pack in their innovation.
Most Innovative New Product (Hardware)
Winner: F1200 – Fibo Collect UK
Summary: The judges had a lot of positive comments to say about the product. Firstly, they said it was an innovation based on a good understanding of supply chain issues. Secondly that it was a clever solution for a significant part of the building sector. And finally, it gave a very impressive line-up of benefits for the end user.
Most Innovative New Product (Digital)
Winner: VJ iStore® – VJ Technology
Summary: The judges all agreed this was a bold innovation and a clear submission with a good case study. They said it’s an Innovative product that brings the technology that’s already available in other industries into construction seamlessly. An excellent submission explaining a great idea.
Digital Construction Team of the Year
Sponsored by Egnyte
Winner: Chetwoods Architects
Summary: The judges said that Chetwoods’ had an impressive approach to digital innovation, with a wide range of use cases. They liked the all-inclusive life-cycle culture in the company and their focus on collaboration and education (including student mentoring). Chetwoods’ benefits in sustainability and cost-saving which was also great to see.
Innovator of the Year 2024
Sponsored by Brilliant Ideas
Winner: Don McLean – IES
Summary: The judges couldn’t praise Don enough for his service to the industry over many years, and felt that he was worth the recognition he deserved. Don stood out due to his impact on the industry to empower other organisations to lead by example. Finally, one of the judges said that this submission gave an impressive holistic solution backed up with good evidence, which eventually won them over.
Building Innovation of the Year 2024
Winner: Safety Shield
Summary: The Editors at Build in Digital deliberated over some of the high-quality innovations that we’ve heard about tonight, but felt that Safety Shield really had the edge in terms of scalability, technology and real innovation – whilst keeping it simple and just solving a very real and massive problem on building sites. AI is saving lives in this innovation, and that’s why it’s so impressive.
Read next: COBOD launches new 3D printer for volume construction
Are you a building professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.
Responses