Leeds School of Arts

Greatham Creek project wins at the 2019 Structural Steel Awards

Greatham Creek seal and bird hides, designed by students of the architecture Abstract Machine Studio, received an award for producing 'two truly unique hide structures'.

The Seal hide

The design and construction team gathered on 02 October at the 2019 Structural Steel Awards Competition held in Shoreditch London and were extremely pleased to be awarded a Merit for the Greatham Creek Seal & Bird hide project.

The project was designed by the students and alumni of Abstract Machines architectural studio, in collaboration with the contractor and engineer BMMJV, SH Structures and the client comprising the Environment Agency and the RSPB.

The team with their awards

The judge’s comments were as follows:

‘An enlightened client and an innovative response from architecture students at the Leeds Beckett University, has resulted in two truly unique hide structures. The existing conventional wooden hides had to be removed as a part of a flood alleviation scheme. Their replacements are formed from sculpted weathering steel and provide a legacy to be enjoyed by visitors to this vibrant wildlife area.’

This the second time that the work has been recognised at the national level the first being when the project was shortlisted for the RIBA North East Awards.

Further Information

Keith Andrews

Senior Lecturer - / Leeds School Of Arts

Keith is Deputy Head of the Leeds School of Architecture, coordinator of postgraduate architectural technology, and the course leader of the MA Architecture. He also directs the MArch (Master of Architecture) studio Abstract Machine.

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