The Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) has announced the winners of its 2026 awards at a sell-out gala dinner in Liverpool.
Attracting more than 430 guests, the event celebrated excellence across the industry, recognising 24 projects across five categories. All entries were judged anonymously by an independent panel of industry experts with four categories assessing project complexity, workmanship, problem solving, and aesthetics.
The Sustainability Project of the Year award returned for its second year and was judged against five themes: Reduced Environmental Impact, Beneficial Social Impacts, Product and System Innovation, Carbon Management and Reduction, and Responsible Supply Chain Practices.
As well as a winner of each project category, there was a highly commended accolade for those that just missed the top spot.
The event also celebrated the talents of individuals working in liquid roofing and waterproofing.
- Student of the Year (Sponsored by Unilin Insulation):
Harry Robinson: Blackpool Industrial Roofing
Student of the Year (sponsored by Unilin Insulation) was awarded to Harry Robinson from Blackpool Industrial Roofing in recognition of his outstanding dedication and professionalism throughout the Specialist Applied-skills Programme (SAP). Never missing a day and consistently first to arrive, Harry’s drive, organisation, and genuine passion for the industry saw him complete his NVQ several months ahead of his peers.
- Trainer of the Year:
Shane Copestake: Triflex
Shane Copestake from Triflex was crowned Trainer of the Year. The award followed a rigorous new process which saw LRWA members nominate candidates who were then shortlisted through online interviews and observed delivering a live training session. Shane stood out for his dynamic, visually engaging presentations and well-structured practical demonstrations, earning praise for his knowledge, clear communication, and learner‑centred approach.
- Special Contribution to the Liquid Roofing & Waterproofing Industry :
Ray McCarten
Ray McCarten was honoured with the LRWA’s Special Contribution Award in recognition of a career spanning more than four decades and his profound impact on skills development in the sector. After running a successful contracting business, Ray moved into training in 2015. Working for Polyroof, he became a passionate advocate of the Basic Competency Programme (BCP) and in 2019, joined the LRWA as training manager. He went on to redevelop the SAP Programme while helping to establish a new training model that has delivered consistently full courses and more confident operatives.
- Liquid Roofing Project of the Year Under 1000m² (Sponsored by Instar):
Murray Edwards College: Westwood Liquid Technologies & Millane Contract Services
Located in a conservation area, this Grade II listed barrel roof required a full strip after surveys revealed saturation. A warm roof system, with pre-spliced PIR insulation and a PMMA liquid-applied membrane was installed. As no mechanical fixings were permitted, contractors undertook bespoke training to practise adhering the warm roof to the curved structure. Multiple resin layers were applied, low areas filled, and extensive sanding carried out to achieve a glass-like finish. Aluminium trims supported insulation over ventilation gaps, and a PMMA layer, applied in two directions, replicated the roof’s original stippled render.
- Liquid Roofing Project of the Year Over 1000m² (Sponsored by Ravago):
Christ’s College, Cambridge: Sika & Emperor Roofing
Known as the ‘Typewriter’ building due to its stepped form, this distinctive structure is a Grade II listed brutalist landmark designed by Sir Denys Lasdun. Contractors overlaid the existing roof coating with a low-odour polyurethane liquid-applied membrane prior to solar panel installation, preserving the original stepped geometry and angular detailing. Deep drainage channels, integrated gutters, tight corners and complex shapes added to the installation challenges while precise colour matching preserved the roof’s original form. Narrow, busy streets around the building required phased deliveries, and scaffolding to protect the façade.
Highly Commended awarded to Marks & Spencer, Putney: Proteus Waterproofing & APA Roofing & Waterproofing
- Liquid Roofing Project in a Buried Application (Sponsored by Quantum Insulation):
One Leadenhall: Lindner Prater & Radmat
Located next to the Grade II listed Leadenhall Market in London, this new 35-storey commercial building comprises multiple terraces, plant decks and roof areas totalling more than 2,700 sq m. Hot melt waterproofing was installed across each area, together with cold-applied liquid waterproofing for junctions, penetrations, and party wall interfaces. Terrace greenery, including urban planting and attenuation crates, improved views and ecological performance. High-rise logistics, sequencing with multiple trades, and working at height over a busy central London street added complexity.
Highly Commended awarded to 19-35 Baker Street: Lindner Prater & Radmat
- Liquid Waterproofing Project of the Year (Sponsored by Polyfoam XPS):
Bell Street Green Transport Hub: StructureCare & CPG Europe
Constructed in 1973, this multi-storey car park was suffering severe chloride induced deterioration. A methyl methacrylate (MMA) liquid-applied membrane was used for the refurbishment, transforming the site into a new green transport hub for Dundee. Contractors removed and replaced more than 19,000 sq. m of deck coating, carried out thousands of concrete repairs, and installed 7,500 galvanic anodes. Over 150 tonnes of waste were cleared, 80 percent of which was recycled. An anti-carbonation coating was complemented by different coloured deck zones and refreshed line markings to enhance aesthetics.
Highly Commended awarded to Buckingham Road Car Park: Makers Construction & Triflex
- Sustainability Project of the Year (Sponsored by Unilin Insulation):
76 Southbank: Lindner Prater & Radmat
This central-London Grade II listed building has been refurbished into 11,000 sq. m of office space powered by renewable energy. Delivering more than 200 per cent biodiversity net gain (BNG), the project incorporates landscaped terraces, biodiverse roofs and a blue roof. Electric melters were used to install hot-melt waterproofing, melting packaging into the process for zero waste. Timber pallets were recycled, and just-in-time deliveries reduced storage and emissions. The project delivered apprenticeships, local recruitment, and community volunteering initiatives. Responsible sourcing, guided by an in-house BREEAM professional and ISO 14001, supported circular principles and helped to reduce the contractor’s carbon footprint by 30 percent.
- View all the Award Category Projects
Industry Winners & Highly Commended
