News and Events

Double win for Arup at FAÇADE2015 Awards

UK Press Team
11 December 2015

Arup celebrated success at the Society of Façade Engineering’s annual international awards FAÇADE2015 – celebrating façade engineering excellence.

The Bombay Sapphire Distillery in Hampshire, UK, was presented with ‘Outstanding Façade Innovation’ and Guy’s Hospital Tower in London was crowned ‘Façade of the Year’ in the Refurbishment category.

The Arup team supported Heatherwick Studio with geometrical optimisation, structural and detail design of the glass façade of the Bombay Sapphire Distillery. The greenhouse-style structures demonstrate a unique and innovative approach of employing curved glass as a structural component. The award was given jointly to Arup and the contractor, Bellapart, because the project stood out for the tight integration of the design team as well as the structural glass innovation.

On Guy’s Hospital Tower, Arup was appointed to deliver a high quality, energy- efficient solution that would go on to secure the future of the tower for the next 30 years. A once in a generation opportunity was taken to improve the performance of the building using the best current façade technologies and the finished scheme exceeds current building regulation requirements. Key to the success of the project, the judges highlighted that the hospital was able to remain operational throughout the refurbishment works.

These awards celebrate the best in international façade engineering and we are delighted that all our hard work has been recognised by our peers. The two winning projects couldn’t be more different, yet they both showcase the extraordinary vision of our clients, outstanding engineering and design, and collaboration between all involved. ” Dave Richards UK Facade Engineering Leader

The Society of Façade Engineering was formed in 2004 as a joint initiative of CIBSE, IStructE and the RIBA.

It brings together architects, façade engineers, building services engineers, structural engineers and contractors in a forum where they can work together to advance knowledge and promote good practice in facade engineering.