Aluminium's Got The Power

The Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB) were honoured to be the first headline sponsors of the Building & Construction category for the inaugural 'Power of Aluminium Awards' held in April at Warwick University. The initiative conceived and organised by the UK's largest extruders set out to celebrate the extensive use of aluminium in today's society with further categories for transport and packaging being judged.

Of over 50 entries received by the judges for 'Building and Construction', London and Edinburgh based Benson & Forsyth Architects won the top £10,000 award for their project 'The Pod' at Bottle Lane, Nottingham. Leading the judging panel, Professor Michael Stacey said: 'The Pod is a demonstration of the power and excellence of aluminium. An exemplar of how architecture and aluminium can contribute to city living and a sustainable future.'

The £2000 'Highly Commended' award went to Skylight Solutions for the Central Gateway project in Manchester. Three further projects, ARUP Associates for the Kensington Oval in Barbados, the Farnborough Airport Terminal/Operations Building by 3D Reid and the Humanities Building at Plymouth University by David Morley Architects all received commendations.

Justin Ratcliffe, Chief Executive of CAB commented on the awards, 'We have many awards events in the construction industry but few celebrating the best use of aluminium. It was a privilege to present the Winners and Highly Commended awards to well deserving practices who are working with the strengths of this phenomenal material. Not only does aluminium offer properties other materials cannot emulate, it is also one of the greenest metals we can use in construction. Its sustainability benefits are unquestionable, with exceptional life expectancy in use and offering easy and safe deconstruction and virtually limitless recycling.'

CAB membership offers substantial support to businesses involved in the construction supply chain by offering technical feedback on the latest standards and regulations in the UK and Europe and probably most important, offering its membership credibility in the sector. For further information about joining CAB please contact Julie Harley on 01453 828851 or visit the CAB website at www.c-a-b.org.uk.