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.

The ECCA Coated Metal Awards 2024, targeting professionals in architecture and design from Greece and Cyprus, are an initiative of the European Coil Coating Association. The awards aim to highlight the best-executed applications of coated metal elements in architecture, raising awareness about their significant environmental and aesthetic advantages.

Open Call for Entries

ECCA extends an open invitation to architects and designers to submit proposals of completed projects showcasing creative applications of coated metal, without any participation fee. Projects, encompassing architecture, interior design, or art installations, can be submitted under three categories: Small projects up to 500m², medium-sized projects from 500-2000m², and large projects exceeding 2000m².

Prizes and Recognition

For each category, a cash prize of €2000 will be awarded, with the possibility of additional Honorable Mentions without monetary rewards. Submissions are accepted digitally on the ecca-awards.com website, with a deadline of March 31.

Evaluation Criteria and Jury

The evaluation committee, comprising representatives from ECCA and architects, will assess projects based on their aesthetic dimension, design methodology, application innovation, and project sustainability. The jury members include:

– Yvonne Barcelona, Managing Director, ECCA
– Christophe Perin, VP Global Marketing, Beckers
– Panagiotis Tournikiotis, Vice President EIA
– Pavlos Feraeos, Cyprus Architects Association
– Nikos Patsavos, Assistant Professor, University of Ioannina

Announcement and Ceremony

Results will be announced on April 30, with the award ceremony taking place during the ECCA Conference scheduled in Athens from May 22-24. The awards are supported by the Hellenic Institute of Architecture, SADAS-PEA, and the Cyprus Architects Association.

For detailed information regarding the awards and submission guidelines, interested parties can visit www.ecca-awards.com.

About ECCA

Based in Brussels, ECCA is the European Coil Coating Association dedicated to promoting the recognition of coated metal. Its mission is to advocate for the environmental, economic, quality, and design advantages of coated metal.

ECCA conducts activities to develop the market, applications, products, and metal coating processes. Additionally, it establishes quality performance standards and develops testing methods for coated metal, granting quality and sustainability marks based on ECCA Premium® Label handbook guidelines, verified by independent third-party checks. ECCA also represents the industry in engagements with public officials, authorities, professional associations, and stakeholders.