Winner: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ at Universal Studios Hollywood(sm), Hollywood, California

In a feat of construction wizardry, Hogwart’s Castle and the town of Hogsmeade were re-created at Universal Studios Hollywood™ in California, thanks to the wizards at two AWCI member companies: KHS&S Contractors and Anning-Johnson.

The buildings spill out at all angles, creating a magical environment that welcomed its first guests this April. But it took much more than magic spells to bring Harry Potter’s world to life. The village’s buildings look aged, weathered—even damaged, with finishes replicating weathered stone, plaster, metals and wood. These façades required finishes that included plaster, EIFS, wood cladding, FRP, GFRC and various themed elements.

KHS&S was responsible for the preconstruction services, BIM, framing, drywall themed plaster, various carved plaster finishes and other themed elements. With the precision of master craftsmen, KHS&S used traditional and non-traditional methods for framing, drywall and plaster.