Ryebridge Construction and London Luton Airport have made the shortlist for the 2024 Building Innovation Awards.
They have been recognised in the Best Retrofit Innovation or Project for their recent work in LLA’s International Departures Lounge (IDL).
Ryebridge was contracted to construct a new mezzanine floor above the second floor IDL, and carried out all of the work in a live airport environment without any disruption to operations.
Building out was simply not possible, so it was decided to take advantage of the high level spaces above the IDL and build a new 675 sqm mezzanine level supported by a steel structure coming up from the baggage area and through the ground floor check-in area.
The foundations for the 18m steels were increased to make them more structurally sound, and the steels were then pulled through check-in, through the IDL and up to create a support for the new floor.
Penetrations in the floors and ceilings took place at night, ensuring the steels could be set in one shift after being transported into the empty check-in area.
Because there was no room for machinery in the narrow spaces in the baggage area, some of the excavation work was carried out by hand, adding to the challenges Ryebridge faced.
The project was delivered in partnership with the LLA Development Team, and required collaboration between designers, structural engineers, sub-contractors, airside operations, airport security, airport technical services, terminal duty managers and airport concessions.
The Building Innovation Awards are the UK's largest celebration of innovation and tech in the construction sector, recognising and celebrating the pioneering individuals, organisations and partnerships that are embracing emerging technologies and digital transformation in order to take UK construction to the next level.
Ryebridge managing director Sean Scully said: “We are honoured to be shortlisted in these prestigious national awards. This project was a complex and highly technical job, and its successful completion is testament to the professionalism and commitment of the entire team.”
The winners will be announced at a gala dinner and awards ceremony on October 17 at Hilton Deansgate in Manchester.
