The English National Ballet has been named Overall Winner and Steel Category Winner at the 2020 Schueco Excellence Awards. The awards are judged on innovation, technical expertise and collaboration in the design of projects that incorporate Schueco facade, window and door systems. NACWL was responsible for the design, supply and installation of Schueco curtain wall glazing solutions for all four floors of The English National Ballet building.

Constructed by main contractor Ballymore and in a striking design developed by Glenn Howells Architects, the external façade of the steel building is a combination of glazing and semi-opaque cladding, allowing passers-by to view dancers practising inside – a design feature that aims to open up the building and the art of ballet to the wider community.

The project impressed the judges with its engineering excellence, particularly the ability of the steel curtain walling to support very large and heavy glass panels while retaining a lightweight and elegant aesthetic.