A Look Back at the 2023 Shattered Glass Awards
Can you believe that it has already been a year since we hosted the incredible 2023 Shattered Glass Awards?
It feels like just yesterday we were all gathered together, celebrating the brightest minds and most innovative projects in the industry. With the 2024 awards soon to be open for nominations, we thought it would be fun to take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the highlights of last year’s event.
We hold the awards annually, as a celebration of the best achievements in architecture and construction from the previous year, as well as a chance to slow down and appreciate the talent and innovation found in the projects nominated.
First up, let’s talk about our amazing judges
We had a fantastic panel last year, each bringing their own unique perspective and expertise.
- Robert Simcock: A seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in curtain wall and cladding.Robert built up and leads the National Façade team at Sir Robert McAlpine.
- Neesha Gopal: An accomplished architect and façade specialist with a passion for sustainable design. She is a Façade Specialist and Associate Partner at Foster + Partners, as well as a member of the Technical Committee for CWCT and SFE committee member for Events.
- Marco Bianscopino: A structural glazing engineer with a deep understanding of glass technology. Marco was a returning judge, and brought with him a wealth of knowledge from his role as senior engineer at GL&SS Glass Light and Special Structures.
These guys had their work cut out for them, but combined their experience within the industry, and after much discussion, were able to select the winners from a truly stellar collection of projects.
The Winning Projects
There were so many incredible projects submitted last year, and it was a real honour to recognise the winners, once our judges had selected them. We were blown away by the creativity, innovation, and dedication on display.
Here are the winning projects for each of the six categories in the 2023 awards.
Glorious Ambition
This award celebrated the most ambitious and outlandish projects. The winner had to be Sedak GmbH & Co. KG for their work on a South Western Museum.
The Sedak team truly pushed the boundaries of glass manufacturing with their project for a Museum in the South West of England. This included a massive 1157 kg glass panel, the longest of its kind in Europe: a feat of both engineering and logistics. It’s incredible to think that this enormous piece of glass was transported over 1500 km from Munich to its final destination.
Extraordinary Endeavours
This category recognised projects that showcased innovative solutions to complex problems, something that we are sure you will agree: there are no end of within the industry! The winner was Brown and Ralph Ltd & Cowper Griffith Architects LLP for their renovation work on The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge.
The renovation of The Fitzwilliam Museum was a delicate balancing act between preserving history and embracing modern technology. The team’s ability to integrate cutting-edge glazing technology into the museum’s historic glass domes while maintaining their original character was truly remarkable. The hand-made glass panels and innovative solutions like solar-controlled glass, and removable panels demonstrate a deep respect for the building’s past and a clear commitment to its future.
Best Laid Plans
This award celebrated abstract thinking and boundary-pushing concepts, even if they were yet to be realised! The winner was the incredible Super Chalet by Zaha Hadid Architects.
The Super Chalet is a visionary concept that reimagines the future of luxury living. Its focus on sustainability, technology, and accessibility makes it a truly groundbreaking project. We particularly loved the idea of elevated modular living, with automated features, an eco-friendly design, and a strong emphasis on comfort and well-being, all of which showcases the potential for innovative and sustainable living solutions.
Limitless Living
This category was sponsored by Sky-Frame and celebrated projects that seamlessly merged indoor and outdoor spaces, something that is rapidly becoming the focus of many architectural works today. The winner was the Lake District Project by Mary Arnold Forster Architects.
This stunning family home is a perfect example of how architecture can seamlessly blend with nature, without having to hide within it. Featuring a cantilevered terrace, triple-glazed windows, and structurally glazed rooflights to create a harmonious connection between the inner and outer areas. The project’s commitment to sustainable materials and the architect’s ability to enhance the natural beauty of the surrounding area, makes this a truly inspiring example of modern architecture.
Sustainable Solutions
This category recognised projects that demonstrated a commitment to sustainability and eco-centric buildings of the future. The winner was the Beezantium at The Newt in Somerset.
The aptly named Beezantium is a working apiary and education centre for the preservation of bees and their important place within the natural world. But it is the build itself that is equally remarkable. Designed by Invisible Studio, this is a project that demonstrates the power of design to positively impact the environment. It has an unwavering focus on wildlife conservation, sustainable materials -such as the unseasoned oak that makes up parts of the walls, with gaps for the bees to enter– and educational opportunities make it a truly inspiring example of sustainable architecture. The Beezantium is not only a beautiful building but also a valuable resource for the local ecosystem, as it is home to a variety of types of bees.
One to Watch
We couldn’t wrap up this look back without mentioning the winner of our “One to Watch” category: Daniel Newall. Daniel’s dedication to façade engineering and his impressive work on the Battersea Power Station project made him a clear standout.
Daniel’s journey from graduate engineer to a rising star in the façade industry is a testament to his hard work, passion, and commitment to continuous learning. His involvement in complex and iconic projects has provided him with invaluable experience and positions him as a future leader in the field.
We’re excited to see what Daniel will achieve in the years to come and are confident that he has an exceptionally bright future ahead of him.
The Shattered Glass Awards are more than just a competition; they serve as a platform for recognising and inspiring the next generation of architects and engineers. By highlighting the achievements of talented individuals like Daniel Newall, we hope to foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning within the industry.
We believe that by creating a supportive and encouraging environment, we can help to cultivate a thriving and dynamic architecture industry. So let’s continue to celebrate new talent, foster innovation, and inspire the next generation of architects and engineers.
