Building Awards 2024 shortlists: International Project of the Year

Earlier this year Building announced all the firms who made it on to the shortlists for our prestigious annual Building Awards.

Now we are shining the spotlight on each category in turn and publishing a selection of the images that impressed the judges.

Today’s shortlist is for International Project of the Year.

Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York 

Entered by Alchemy

 

 Alchemy demonstrated exceptional construction management skills in delivering the world’s first modular cricket stadium in Nassau County, New York.

Completed in just 106 days despite challenging weather conditions, including 27 days of rain or snow, this 34,000-seat temporary venue was transformed from a grass field into a world-class facility for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

The project showcased innovative approaches to temporary stadium construction, using modular design with components sourced from various global events such as the F1 Vegas Grand Prix.

A standout feature was the drop-in pitch, cultivated in Florida and transported 1,000 miles, highlighting cutting-edge logistics and turf management, with comprehensive drainage and irrigation systems to ensure long-term viability.

The entire stadium was elevated to create greater C-values, enhancing spectator experience with improved sightlines and bringing fans closer to the action. Sustainability was a key consideration, with the stadium designed for dismantling and reuse, minimising waste.

The project’s success was underpinned by seamless collaboration between multiple stakeholders, including the ICC, Nassau County and various contractors, resulting in a venue that exceeded expectations and set new standards for temporary sports facilities.  

Oaks Phase 1, Prague 

Entered by JTP 

JTP’s Oaks project in Prague showcases a contemporary interpretation of a traditional Czech village, emphasising healthy, active, outdoor living. The masterplan, developed through collaborative workshops, creates four neighbourhoods around a restored 19th-century chateau and a new village square.

JTP’s innovative approach included creating a pattern book analysing the unique characteristics of Czech villages to inform every aspect of the project. This comprehensive study guided the design responses from architects worldwide, ensuring a contextually sensitive development.

The first phase features a village square with mixed-use buildings, including award-winning villa courtyard apartment buildings designed by JTP.

These apartments boast dramatic double-height living areas and extensive glazing, framing views of the surrounding countryside.

The project’s success lies in its collaborative process, bringing together multiple architectural practices through regular design charrettes and using a large-scale physical base model for co-ordination.

This approach resulted in a harmonious, diverse community that respects Czech rural traditions while embracing modern design principles.

The development is set in a landscape of woodland, footpaths and cycle routes, as well as the PGA National Czech golf course, with the restored chateau serving as a clubhouse featuring a restaurant, gym, spa and tennis courts. 

SkyLight, Madrid  

Entered by Buckley Gray Yeoman 

Buckley Gray Yeoman’s SkyLight project in Madrid’s Nuevo Norte district exemplifies innovative design that prioritises environmental performance and tenant wellbeing. The flagship building features seven 4,900m2 office floors with column-free spaces and dedicated private terraces, offering flexibility and abundant natural light.

SkyLight incorporates more than 1,000m2 of private terraces and gardens, including a rooftop with a padel court and event space. The project sets a new standard for sustainable, tenant-focused office spaces in Madrid’s developing tech and creative district.

This is exemplified by the scheme achieving net zero carbon in operation, consuming 25% less energy and reducing water usage by 45% compared with current building regulations. It has secured LEED Platinum and WiredScore Platinum certifications, with WELL Platinum pending.

The building’s sustainability credentials are further enhanced by its all-electric design and energy procurement through COX energy, providing 100% renewable energy.

A lifecycle assessment demonstrated a 20% reduction in embodied carbon emissions compared with baseline projects.

SkyLight’s focus on occupant wellbeing is also evident in its biophilic design, natural light, ventilation and landscaped interiors.  

The Brewhouse and Trident Park, Malta 

Entered by ritchie*studio 

In this ambitious project in Malta, ritchie*studio transformed a former gravity-fed brewery into a dynamic, interactive destination that seamlessly blends heritage and modernity.

Faced with restrictive height limitations set by the Maltese Planning Authority, the team developed a carefully considered design approach to create a publicly accessible development that respects the site’s cultural and historic significance.

The project’s sustainability credentials are highlighted by the implementation of a thermally active building system, a pioneering climate control solution with correct installation and operation ensured.

At Trident Park, the studio’s innovative architectural design embodies centuries-old local environmental practices, integrating thermal mass, cross-ventilation, shading and large rainwater reservoirs to create workspaces that require no air-conditioning.

The project’s emphasis on natural light, flexible co-working spaces and sensory courtyard gardens demonstrates ritchie*studio’s ability to deliver transformative, multi-faceted developments that cater to the diverse needs of the community.

By seamlessly blending heritage, sustainability and contemporary design, this project sets a new benchmark for adaptive reuse and placemaking in Malta.