Cover image: Originally published by FCC Construcción on LinkedIn.
Madrid – The Scientific and Technical Association for Structural Concrete (ACHE) has awarded the 2025 Engineering Prize in the “Building Structure” category to the Santiago Bernabéu stadium refurbishment project, highlighting the structural work carried out on the complex envelope and the new retractable roof. The distinction acknowledges the technical complexity and degree of innovation that have defined this intervention, executed by FCC Construcción as the main contractor.
The roof, conceived as a large-scale mobile system, transforms the stadium into a versatile venue prepared for events under all conditions. It is a structure that combines large steel trusses, motorised guiding systems, and a foldable textile assembly designed to protect the pitch and enhance spectator comfort. Far from being a mere aesthetic feature, the roof operates as a precision machine, where every component must function with reliability and synchronisation.
The development of the retractable roof required close coordination among specialists in architecture, structural engineering, automation, and textile architecture. The final solution incorporates large-format ePTFE membranes offering high durability and folding performance, essential for the intensive use it will face.
The award highlights the importance of collaborative work in large-scale infrastructure projects, where architecture and engineering converge to solve complex functional challenges with technical elegance. The recognition of FCC underlines this rigorous and multidisciplinary approach that has enabled one of the most advanced retractable roofs ever applied to the sports sector.
Other notable distinctions of the Bernabéu project:
- TheStadiumBusiness Design & Development Awards 2024: Project of the Year y Façade & Exterior Award
- World Football Summit Awards 2024: Best Stadium in the World
- Premios Caminos Madrid 2024: Mejor Obra
- Architecture Madrid Awards 2024: Extraordinary Iconic Project
- OPAL Awards London 2024: Architectural Design, Mixed-Use
- StadiumDB – Stadium of the Year 2024: 2.º puesto (votación internacional)
- ArchDaily – Building of the Year 2025: Finalista en Sports Architecture
The sum of international awards confirms the structural, urban and symbolic value of the intervention, which successfully harmonises functionality, advanced engineering and large-scale architectural transformation.