Surface World July 2019 Surface World July 2019 | Page 188

THE GALVANIZERS ASSOCIATION
Lewis Glucksman Gallery - O’Donnell + Tuomey
© Dennis Gilbert
the ‘Sainsbury Wellcome Centre’. We have also
been fortunate to be able to call upon studios such
as Sutherland Hussey Harris and be promoted by
industry voices such as Matthew Wells of Techniker.
Over the years we have had some landmark
projects that have ushered in a new era for
galvanizing within contemporary architecture.
Projects like the Lewis Glucksman Gallery in Cork, a
headline grabbing build in Ireland, showcased not
only O’Donnell and Tuomey’s flair for impeccable
design, but also a visionary use of galvanized steel.
Timber clad, galvanized cantilevered gallery spaces,
exhibit and intensify the landscape as well as the
curated objects within.
Another arts proposition that caught our attention
was the Garsington Opera house at Wormesley,
Buckinghamshire. It is unusual as an arts venue as it
is was designed to be dismounted and rebuilt
annually. The structure has significantly upgraded
facilities and acoustics in line with the expectations
of 21st Century opera goers.
Back in 1994 our judging panel included architect
Julia Barfield, one of the leading visionaries on
iconic projects like the London Eye and the i360
Tower. We are delighted that Julia is once again
involved in the awards this year. As a keynote
address, she gave an insightful talk on sustainability
and the re-use of materials and resources.
Galvanizers Association were also fortunate to have
a keynote presentation from Jolyon Brewis. A
specialist in large-scale super-efficient enclosures,
such as those seen at the Eden Project. His insider’s
take on the role of the Eden Project 20 years on was
an authoritative account of the role of the landmark
project in place-making.
Every year we have been struck by the support for
our awards by the construction community.
Galvanizers Association has learned much from
leading practitioners such as Ian Ritchie of Ian
Ritchie Architects, recent winner of a RIBA Award for
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The Eden Project, that geodesic wonder by Nicholas
Grimshaw & Partners as mentioned earlier, stood
out as a sublime lesson in ecology, drawing
attention to the human dependency upon plants.
Transparent domes within a steel structure create
maximum enclosed volume with minimum surface
area. A galvanized coating ensures the longest life
possible for this £57m showcase for global
bio-diversity.
Hengrove Park Leisure Centre - Kier Construction
© Kier Construction
Hengrove Leisure Complex is a state-of-the-art pool
and leisure centre in South Bristol. Its “bubble effect”
roof over the main Olympic size pool is a remarkable
feature, supported on curved galvanized universal
beams. Keir Construction used galvanized steel to
deliver a guaranteed 60 year lifespan in what is a
highly corrosive chlorinated atmosphere. This project
was awarded a BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating.
Lastly, two notable industrial projects designed with
sustainability in mind; Greenwich Low Carbon
Energy Centre and the Waste Water Treatment
Works at Peacehaven. At Greenwich a visitor’s
centre complete with sculptural stack, designed by
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