Recent Winners
Winners of the 2025 Excellence in Concrete Construction Awards
ACI recognized 17 winners at the 2025 ACI Excellence in Concrete Construction Awards during the ACI Concrete Convention on October 27, 2025.
Overall “Excellence” Award Winner
Repair and Restoration – First Place
Capitol Dome - San Juan, PR, USA. The Capitol Dome restoration involved structural and architectural rehabilitation of the 1929 dome in San Juan, Puerto Rico, addressing extensive concrete segregation, corrosion, and deteriorated terra-cotta façades. Innovative techniques included micro-cement injection to fill voids in the dome and slabs, fiber-reinforced polymer reinforcement, and installation of over 800 specialty Cintec anchors to stabilize the terra-cotta. MasterRoc MP 900 cement was used for watertight penetration into fissures, while carbon-fiber laminates enhanced shear capacity. The project also included meticulous cleaning, replication, and stabilization of marble and terra-cotta surfaces, integrating mechanical and electrical upgrades and ensuring both historic preservation and long-term structural integrity.
Project Team Members: Owner: Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico; Architectural Firm: PQC Architectural Studio LLC (PQCAS); Engineering Firm: Porticus CSP - Ingenieria; General and Concrete Contractor: Building Preservation Material Technologies; Concrete Supplier: Master Builders Solutions/Sika MBCC Puerto Rico Corporation; Specialist Anchor Supplier: Cintec; Terra-Cotta Manufacturer: Gladding, McBean
Nominator: ACI Puerto Rico Chapter
Repair and Restoration – Second Place
UC San Diego York Hall - La Jolla, CA, USA. The University of California San Diego (UC San Diego) York Hall seismic improvements project in La Jolla, CA, involved retrofitting and strengthening this 1966 historic building while preserving its architectural heritage. Concrete was critical for foundation strengthening, shotcrete walls, infill and topping slabs, and the replacement of four intricate fluted columns using custom fiberglass formwork. High-strength concrete improved seismic resilience, distributing forces and mitigating structural vulnerabilities. Locally sourced materials and efficient construction minimized carbon emissions, while concrete’s durability ensures long-term performance. The project successfully integrates modern engineering with historic craftsmanship, demonstrating concrete’s versatility in revitalizing heritage structures, enhancing occupant safety, and sustaining architectural legacy on the UC San Diego campus.
Project Team Members: Owner: Regents of the University of California; Architectural and Engineering Firm: LPA Design Studios; General Contractor: PCL Construction; Concrete Contractor: Pacific Southwest Structures, Inc. (PSSI); Concrete Supplier: Cemex
Nominator: ACI San Diego International Chapter
Low-Rise Structures (Up to 3 Stories) – First Place
The Altamura Home - Santa Rosa, CA, USA. Designed and built for maximum efficiency, the Altamura residence in Santa Rosa, CA, is a net-zero home that uses a Geo-Passive Insulated Concrete Shell to naturally regulate temperature without mechanical systems. The unique X-shaped layout places every room near natural light, with radiant floors, central air, and operable windows for ventilation. The lower-level concert hall, made entirely of insulated concrete form (ICF) walls, is fully soundproof. IntegraSpec and Insul-Deck ICF systems were used to achieve complex roof pitches, large cantilevers, and multi-angled dormers. Innovative forming allowed roof and wall concrete to be placed monolithically, creating unmatched structural strength. Every element, from footings and retaining walls to gables and dormers, was built with concrete for durability and performance.
Project Team Members: Owners: Peter and Catherine Altamura; Engineering Firm: Zenith Engineers; General Contractor: Mackillop Construction; Concrete Contractor: Fuego Construction Inc.; Concrete Supplier: Northgate Ready Mix, A CRH Company; Other: IntegraSpec ICF; Castle Concrete Pumping, Inc.; BoDean Company Quarry
Nominator: ACI Northern California and Western Nevada Chapter
Low-Rise Structures (Up to 3 Stories) – Second Place
Project Heat - Chicago, IL, USA. This two-story, 250,000 ft² (23,230 m²) industrial warehouse is Chicago’s first multi-level facility designed for full-size semitruck access on both floors. Built on a tight urban site, the structure includes clear spans of up to 60 ft (18 m), 32 ft (10 m) ceiling heights, and a rooftop parking deck for 1200 vehicles, connected to a five-story garage by an enclosed walkway. Over 73,000 yd³ (55,813 m³) of concrete were placed, with slabs-on-ground, slabs on metal deck, post-tensioned truck docks, and buckling-restrained brace (BRB) concrete-encased steel braces. Precision placement methods achieved floor flatness well above requirements, while lightweight concrete on the roof improved thermal performance and reduced structural weight. Sustainable practices included CarbonCure technology, supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), and Grade 80 reinforcement to minimize material use without sacrificing strength.
Project Team Members: Owner: Logistics Property Company, LLC; Architectural Firm: Ware Malcomb; Engineering Firm: DCI Engineers; General Contractor: Walsh Construction; Concrete Supplier: Prairie Materials; Other: Flood Testing Laboratories, Inc.; Braun Intertec
Nominator: ACI Illinois Chapter
Mid-Rise Structures (4-15 Stories) – First Place
City of Hope – Hope Plaza, Duarte, CA, USA. Hope Plaza is an eight-story, 352,000 ft² (32,700 m²) outpatient facility and campus in Duarte, CA. Cast-in-place retaining walls and a radiology vault with high-density concrete provide radiation shielding. Site features include colored concrete walkways, custom-formed amphitheater seating, and a cascading water fountain with white cement. Decorative paving and custom benches required precision forming and finishing. More than 80,000 ft² (7430 m²) of architectural concrete surfaces enhance the surrounding park, blending durability with visual appeal. Coordination across the expansive site ensured seamless integration of structural and landscape concrete elements, creating a functional and welcoming environment for patients, visitors, and staff.
Project Team Members: Owner: City of Hope; Engineering Firm: KPFF Consulting Engineers; Architectural Firm: CO Architects; Building Concrete Supplier: Holliday Rock; General Contractor and Building Concrete Contractor: DPR Construction; Site Concrete Contractor: Bomel Construction Company Inc.; Site Concrete Supplier: National Ready Mixed Concrete Company
Nominator: ACI Southern California Chapter
Mid-Rise Structures (4-15 Stories) – Second Place
National Taiwan University Humanities Hall - Taipei City, Taiwan. The Humanities Hall is a modern academic building at National Taiwan University in Taipei City, Taiwan, linking campus, heritage, and city with a 50 m (164 ft) sky bridge. Designed with a vision for longevity over 100 years, the Hall aspires to stand as an emblem alongside the University’s iconic Main Gate and College of Liberal Arts. The Hall features fair-faced concrete shear walls, composite slabs, and ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) sunshades for seismic strength, thermal comfort, and durability. Cedar-patterned formwork and a precise mixture design create natural texture without cladding. Sustainable practices include river-dredged aggregates; 30% ground-granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) cement replacement; and elimination of secondary finishes, reducing over 2000 tonnes (2205 tons) of carbon emissions. The result is a landmark that merges contemporary design with historic surroundings.
Project Team Members: Owner: National Taiwan University; Architectural Firm: Chien Architects & Associates; Engineering Firm: Envision Engineering Consultants; General Contractor: Feng Yu Construction Co., Ltd.; Concrete Contractor and Supplier: Ho Chang International Co., Ltd; Other: Feng Yu United Engineering Co., Ltd.; Feng Yu Group; Taiwan Concrete Institute (TCI); China Steel Corporation (CSC); Global Reengineering Company (GRC); FBC Formworks Systems Co., Ltd.
Nominator: ACI Taiwan Chapter
Mid-Rise Structures (4-15 Stories) – Honorable Mention
Shanghai Grand Opera House - Shanghai, China. The Shanghai Grand Opera House in Shanghai, China, features a striking outdoor spiral staircase shaped like an open Chinese fan, uniting architectural beauty and structural innovation. Rising with a 32 m (105 ft) radius, the staircase combines prefabricated and cast-in-place UHPC to achieve long cantilevers up to 15.5 m (51 ft). Its composite structural system reduces material use, shortens construction time, and lowers carbon emissions while maintaining strength and durability. Tuned mass dampers minimize vibration, ensuring comfort for visitors. This landmark showcases China’s first large-scale public application of UHPC technology, delivering a functional rooftop, public gathering space, and a symbol of engineering and cultural achievement.
Project Team Members: Owner: Shanghai Grand Opera House; Engineering Firm: East China Architectural Design & Research Institute Co., Ltd.; Architectural Firm: East China Architectural Design & Research Institute Co., Ltd. and Snøhetta; General Contractor: Shanghai Construction No. 4 (Group) Co., Ltd.; Concrete Supplier: Sobute New Materials Co., Ltd.; Other: Shanghai Tongji Building Technology & Engineering Co., Ltd.; Shanghai Construction Building Materials Technology Group Co., Ltd.
Nominator: ACI China Chapter
High-Rise Structures (Over 15 Stories) – First Place
Satsukita 8-1 - Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. Satsukita 8-1 is the tallest skyscraper in Hokkaido, Japan, at 48 stories, rising 175 m (574 ft). Designed for cold, snowy conditions, the building uses reinforced concrete for earthquake and wind resilience, with high-strength columns, girders, and shear reinforcement. Approximately 65% of the structure consists of precast members, accelerating construction while maintaining quality. Ultra-high-strength concrete, polypropylene fibers, and locally sourced materials enhance frost resistance, strength, and sustainability. This landmark integrates structural innovation, construction technology, and environmental responsibility, transforming a redeveloped urban gateway into a modern architectural icon.
Project Team Members: Owner: Sapporo Station North Exit 8-1 Area Urban Redevelopment Association; Engineering Firm: Taisei Design Planners Architects & Engineers; General and Concrete Contractor: Taisei Corporation; Concrete Supplier: Sanko Precon System Corporation; Other: Hokkon Co., Ltd.; Aizawa Concrete Corporation; Hokkaido Taiheiyo Namakon Corporation; Fuji Komuten Co., Ltd.; Kunigami Komuten Corporation
Nominator: Japan Concrete Institute (JCI)
High-Rise Structures (Over 15 Stories) – Second Place
The Ayer - Seattle, WA, USA. The Ayer is a 45-story, 576,000 ft² (53,510 m²) residential tower in Seattle, WA. Its cast-in-place concrete structure features 8 in. (203 mm) post-tensioned slabs, perimeter cantilevers up to 12 ft (3.7 m), and a shear wall core for seismic and wind resistance. Vertically aligned columns eliminate transfer beams, while steel fiber-reinforced concrete simplifies coupling beams. Innovative construction techniques, including mesh-wrapped column cages to prevent slab puddling, accelerated the schedule. The 454-unit residential tower incorporates innovative and leading-edge structural concrete and embraces sustainability. The Ayer exemplifies leading-edge concrete technology, structural innovation, and efficient high-rise construction.
Project Team Members: Owner: Holland Partner Group; Architectural Firm: Weber Thompson; Engineering Firm: Cary Kopczynski & Company, Inc. (CKC Structural Engineers); General Contractor: Holland Construction Inc.; Concrete Contractor: The Conco Companies; Concrete Supplier: Stoneway Concrete
Nominator: ACI Washington Chapter
Bridges – First Place
Delhi-Meerut Rapid Rail Transit System - Meerut, India. India’s first semi-high-speed rail in Meerut, Western Uttar Pradesh, India, connects regional nodes with a dedicated corridor, cutting travel time between Delhi and Meerut to 55 minutes. The 42 km (26 mile) viaduct uses precast segmental box girders and portal beams to minimize construction disruption. High-performance concrete mixtures, including M60, ensured durability in extreme heat, while chilled water and careful logistics maintained quality. Innovations included precast U-shell station pier arms, self-consolidating concrete in congested zones, and monolithic casting. Ecological measures reduced carbon dioxide emissions, natural sand use, and water consumption.
Project Team Members: Owner: National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC); Engineering Firm: SYSTRA and Ayesa-Italferr-Ayesa India Consortium; General Contractor: L&T Construction; Concrete Contractor and Supplier: L&T Construction
Nominator: ACI India Chapter
Bridges – Second Place
Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway - Cebu City, Philippines. This 8.9 km (5.5 mile) Philippines expressway on Mactan Island connects Cordova to Cebu City, easing congestion and boosting regional economic activity. Completed despite the challenges presented through COVID-19 and Super Typhoon Rai, the project used 185,000 m³ (241,970 yd²) of concrete, leveraging advanced technologies such as a launching gantry and large-diameter paver. Concrete mixture designs emphasized sustainability, durability, timeliness, and localization, including Type II cement, fly ash, admixtures for early strength, and locally sourced materials. Site laboratories closely monitored mixtures to optimize performance, while construction carefully balanced environmental protection and community activities, delivering a resilient, world-class toll expressway and a new regional landmark.
Project Team Members: Owner: Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway Corporation
Nominator: ACI Philippines Chapter
Decorative Concrete – First Place
California Firefighters Memorial - Sacramento, CA, USA. The California Firefighters Memorial in Sacramento, CA, expands Capitol Park’s existing tribute, honoring over 1500 firefighters who died in the line of duty since 1850. The memorial blends monuments, statues, and a meticulously designed decorative concrete hardscape to create a reflective and lasting public space. Featuring 10,000 ft² (929 m²) of 6 in. (152 mm) flatwork with a custom white concrete mixture, bronze inlays, benches, circular pedestals, and sign walls, the project used 350 yd³ (270 m³) of concrete. Thoughtful material selection, artisanal craftsmanship, and cohesive design establish the memorial as both a technical achievement in decorative concrete and a meaningful civic landmark.
Project Team Members: Owner: California Fire Foundation; Architectural and Engineering Firm: Lionakis; General Contractor: Turner Construction Company; Concrete Contractor: Trademark Concrete Systems, Inc.; Concrete Supplier: CEMEX; Other: Adan Romo - Romo Studios LLC
Nominator: ACI Northern California and Western Nevada Chapter
Decorative Concrete – Second Place
Campus Development Project of Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (Phase-2) – Package 3B, Telangana, India. The Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad Phase-2 campus integrates advanced architectural form-finish concrete across lecture halls, department buildings, dining halls, and core labs. Using over 10,000 m³ (13,080 yd³) of self-consolidating concrete, the project features coffer slabs, ribbed arches, circular columns, murals, helical staircases, and perforated walls. Post-tensioned (PT) beams and SCMs including 25% fly ash, enhance sustainability while reducing energy and CO₂ emissions. With emphasis on aesthetics, durability, and low maintenance, this campus exemplifies innovative decorative concrete use, delivering a cohesive, world-class learning environment with functional and artistic architectural expression.
Project Team Members: Owner: Shapoorji Pallonji and Company Private Limited; Architectural Firm: CCBA Designs; Engineering Firm: JW Consultants LLP; General and Concrete Contractor: Shapoorji Pallonji and Company Private Limited
Nominator: ACI India Chapter
Flatwork – First Place
Low-Carbon Concrete: Bus Charging Station - Salt Lake City, UT, USA. The Salt Lake City, UT, electric bus charging station demonstrates innovative low-carbon concrete using Roman Cement LLC’s patented technology. The redesign of standard concrete mixtures improved cement hydration, particle packing, and workability while reducing cement use, cost, and CO₂ emissions by 20%. Completed in September 2022, the project showcases exceptional durability, with compressive and flexural strength gains and improved alkali-silica reaction (ASR), rapid chloride permeability test (RCPT), surface resistivity, and scaling resistance. After three winters, the concrete shows no cracking or spalling. This project highlights high-performance, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible flatwork, setting a benchmark for sustainable concrete applications in public infrastructure.
Project Team Members: Owner: Roman Cement LLC; Engineering Firm: CMT Technical Services; General Contractor: Stacy Witbeck; Concrete Supplier: Geneva Rock Products, Inc.; Other: Altaview Concrete
Nominator: ACI Intermountain Chapter
Flatwork – Second Place
Apron and Taxiway Project for Terminal 3, TTIA - Taoyuan City, Taiwan. The Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 3 project in Taoyuan City, Taiwan, involved incorporating over 13,000 rigid concrete slabs and extensive structural concrete work under active airport operations. Designed for a 30-year lifespan, the pavement accommodates heavy aircraft loadings, extreme weather, and salt exposure, while minimizing Foreign Object Debris hazards. Innovative measures included optimal pavement design, use of pozzolanic materials to reduce carbon emissions, precision leveling with light detection and ranging (LiDAR), and specialized curing methods. Extensive planning and quality control ensured durability, joint integrity, and flatness across all slabs. This project exemplifies high-performance, large-scale flatwork executed under complex operational constraints.
Project Team Members: Owner: Taoyuan International Airport Corporation; Engineering Firm: BES Engineering Corporation; Concrete Supplier: Guopu Concrete Industry Co., Ltd.; Other: CECI Engineering Consultants, Inc.; T.Y. Lin Taiwan Consultants Engineers, Inc.
Nominator: Taiwan Concrete Institute (TCI)
Infrastructure – First Place
Romaine-4 Generating Station - Havre-Saint-Pierre, QC, Canada. Romaine-4 is the final hydropower plant of the Romaine complex in Québec, Canada, now producing 1550 MW of clean electricity. Built in a remote region of Québec, the project relied on close collaboration with local and indigenous communities. Workers faced harsh winter conditions, tight schedules, and complex geology, including unexpected bedrock challenges. Concrete was central to the project, from the massive dam and powerhouse to tunnels and penstocks. Special mixtures and prefabricated elements helped maintain quality and speed construction. Safety was also a top priority, with innovative systems ensuring secure operations on steep, icy slopes.
Project Team Members: Owner: Hydro-Québec; Engineering Firm: AECOM; Architect Firm: Régis Côté et associés (RÉGIS Architecture); General Contractor: Nordex SE; Concrete Supplier: Les Excavations Marchand & Fils Inc.; Other: Armature Trépanier; Pomerleau; EBC; Alstom SA; SBP Entrepreneur; Canmec Industrial Inc.
Nominator: ACI Québec and Eastern Ontario Chapter
Infrastructure – Second Place
King Salman Energy Park (SPARK) - Abqaiq, Eastern Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. SPARK, a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, delivers world-class industrial and energy infrastructure across 14 km² (5.4 miles²) of Phase 1. For this project in Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia, concrete was central to building roads, utilities, civic buildings, dry port facilities, and maintenance structures, including deep raft foundations, columns, beams, and slabs using high-performance, environmentally friendly mixtures. Innovative green concrete with SCMs reduced carbon emissions while maintaining strength and durability. Complex site conditions, tight schedules, and environmental requirements demanded precise batching, placement, and monitoring. The project exemplifies sustainable industrial construction, combining advanced concrete technology with high-quality, resilient, and environmentally conscious infrastructure development.
Project Team Members: Owner: Saudi Aramco; Architectural and Engineering Firm: Parsons Corporation; General Contractor: China Railway Construction Corporation Limited (CRCC); Concrete Contractor: Shibh Al Jazira Contracting Co.; Concrete Supplier: Al-Houssain & Al-Afaliq Co.; Other: Dar Al-Handasah Consultants
Nominator: ACI Saudi Arabian Eastern Province Chapter