Buro Happold has won The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) Yorkshire Branch, Structural Engineering Excellence - Building Award 2011 for Scunthorpe Sports Centre.

You will see a few visuals on this site that capture the process of formfinding and optimisation of this iconic pod geometry. SMART Form software played a significant part in the development of the form and geometry.

The judges said:  ‘The complex geometry of the glued laminated timber beams combined in a triangular arrangement with cylindrical steel nodes to form a series of intersecting domes creates an impressive internal space with a high quality feel. The use of cranked internal steel beams and supporting columns at the dome intersections is a neat and visually simple solution to a challenging geometrical problem. The flowing form of the dome superstructure continues via inclined columns to the raked piled foundations. There is clear evidence of a successful integrated design methodology employed by the structural engineer and the architect to meet the aesthetic and spatial demands of the brief.’

The project has also won the Sustainable Building / Development of the Year Award at the Yorkshire Property Industry Awards 2011.

Congratulations to everyone involved!