Structural Steel Design Awards 2025: Merit projects and finalists

Part of the restoration of the Grade II* listed Barmouth Viaduct’s metallic spans have been replaced with new replica steelwork elements.

Carrying a single-track railway line over the Mawddach Estuary in North Wales, the 760m-long Barmouth Viaduct has now reopened following an extensive restoration programme.

The five metallic spans (the remainder of the viaduct is timber-framed) have been meticulously replaced with new steelwork elements.

Using the existing foundations, the new structure required a large number of bespoke steelwork details and complex connections (detailed to look like Edwardian rivets) in order to replicate the original viaduct.

The new steelwork sections were delivered by rail across the existing timber viaduct.

Bespoke gantry cranes were developed to run along the top of the new bridge during the steelwork installation programme. This method ensured no lifting operations were carried out beyond the footprint of the structure and thereby avoiding unnecessary disruption to the marine environment.

Spanning a busy highway and delivered on time and on budget, an iconic steel bridge provides a safe connection between two parts of a private estate.

The 33m-long Manor Farm Bridge links two parts of the Emily Estate (home of the award-winning Newt boutique hotel) in Somerset, providing access across the A359 for farm traffic, residents and visitors alike.

The structure was designed and fabricated with complex curved steel girders, which were fitted with architectural steel fin cladding, a pedestrian handrail and a concrete anti-cracking road surface.

To allow the structure to be transported from Beaver Bridges’ Wigan fabrication yard, it was manufactured in 12 dismountable sections. Once on site, the bridge was fully assembled and then lifted into place using a 600t-capacity crane.

The bridge should require minimal maintenance during its lifespan as it has been painted offsite with multi-layer anti-corrosion protection.

The Spectra building is the largest and most flexible building on the University of Hertfordshire’s Hatfield campus.

Formed with a composite steel frame, Spectra has brought together the university’s numerous STEM faculties into one multi-functional building.

The design of the five-storey building creates four separate teaching zones, divided by full-height atriums, feature stairs and central open-plan collaboration spaces.

The regular column grid, lack of transfer structures, robust vibration resistance and flexible floorplates have created an adaptable structure ideal for modern education and research hubs.

The upper floors accommodate offices, IT laboratories, dark rooms, simulator suites, clean rooms, wind tunnels and robotics workshops, while the ground level houses workshops, with an internal crane and a strong floor, capable of withstanding large forces.

The majority of the steelwork, which is exposed throughout the completed building, was sourced from Electric Arc Furnace production facilities, providing a low carbon content to the primary frame.

Produced by BCSA and Steel for Life in association with Construction Management.