ECCA Coated Metal Awards 2024: The Winning Projects

The results of the ECCA Coated Metal Awards 2024, honoring the best applications of painted metal elements in contemporary buildings in Greece and Cyprus, were announced on April 30th. Organized by the European Coil Coating Association based in Brussels, the competition received 45 entries, marking great success in showcasing innovation and sustainability in solutions with painted metal in architecture and design.

The selection of projects occurred in two phases, with the shortlisted projects presented by their architects to the jury at a special session held on April 23rd at The K Project venue in Kifissia. The jury comprised Yvonne Barcelona, Managing Director of ECCA; Christophe Perin, VP Global Marketing of Beckers; Alexandros Zomas, Board Member of the Hellenic Institute of Architecture; Pavlos Feraios, Member of the Cyprus Architects Association; and Nikos Patsavos, President of the Department of Architecture at the University of Ioannina. The jury awarded three prizes and one commendation across three categories based on project size.

In the S category, for projects up to 500m², the Bioaroma Museum and Experience Store in Agios Nikolaos, Crete, designed by KAAF Architects, received the award. The building integrates natural materials, predominantly local stone, with painted metal elements such as the double door entrance, showcases, canopy, and outdoor furniture. The choice of colors blends the project with its environment, referencing the ground and local flora.

In the M category, for projects between 500-2,000m², the Residences 316 housing complex in Engomi, Nicosia, by Constanti Architects, was awarded. The building, balancing between the urban development pace of Engomi and the desire for privacy, features a combination of solid and perforated metal panels in different colors on its façade, expressing the unique, dual character with a continuous, flexible surface.

In the L category, for projects larger than 2,000m², the renovated Piraeus Tower, designed by PILA, received the award. The project is characterized by design innovation and practical implementation, achieving not only aesthetic superiority but also sustainability. Challenges arising from the existing structure were skillfully addressed, combining the design requirements of a multi-story building with architectural creativity, resulting in a new, iconic landmark.

In the same category, an honorable mention was awarded to The Orbit office building in Athens, by LC Architects, for the refined application of its metal elements, appropriately adapted to redefine an existing building, setting new standards for urban architecture, and enhancing the aesthetics and environment of the city.

The awards were held under the auspices of the Hellenic Institute of Architecture, the Association of Greek Architects, the Cyprus Architects Association, with Elval Colour sponsoring the awards. The coordination, supervision, and design of the event’s visual identity were undertaken by ek magazine.