10-12 Hanover Quay in the Docklands voted the nation’s favourite building

Charlotte Sheridan, President of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) has announced today, live on Morning Ireland, RTE Radio One, 10 – 12 Hanover Quay, Dublin Docklands as the winner of the Public Choice category at the RIAI Irish Architecture Awards 2022.

Designed by O’Mahony Pike Architects with MOLA Architects, 10 – 12 Hanover Quay, Dublin Docklands faced considerable competition from a shortlist of 30 projects.

This year’s shortlisted entrants were located the length and breadth of the country in Carlow, Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Wicklow, Kilkenny, Meath and Westmeath, as well as internationally in London and Liverpool, UK, and Chicago, USA.

All of the projects on the shortlist were designed by Registered Architects based in Ireland and completed in 2021.

Winning first place the Hanover Quay project is an excellent example of how historic fabric can be retained and re-used in an imaginative and sensitive way which forms a contemporary project, retains historical essence and contribute to the sense of place and the industrial aesthetic of the Docklands.

The result offers an alternative, distinctive type of office space in a central, docklands location. 10-12 Hanover Quay has a variety of spaces including a roof terrace, large open plan areas within the warehouse, and more compact floor plates within the new glass box.

The building offers fantastic waterfront views with a choice of entrances.

Second Place in this year’s Public Choice Award went to Cobh Public Realm Urban Design Plan project in Cork, designed by Cork County Council, Capital Projects Department.

This fabulous project demonstrates the importance of community engagement in how we redesign our cities and towns as place for people.

The project is an exemplar in creating sustainable communities through a people first approach and highlights the important role that Architects in Local Authorities play in the creation of desirable and attractive town centres.

Reimagining these places breathes new life into areas and attracts more people who want to live, work and recreate here.

This project also supports reuse and adaption of existing structures.

Third place in the Public Choice Awards was awarded to the Bottleworks, Barrow Street, Dublin by Henry J Lyons.

This beautifully restored Bottleworks navigates a confined urban site maximising daylight while minimising overlooking and overshadowing of adjoining residential properties.

The formerly derelict factory is replaced with a screened concrete frame punctuated by five courtyards to draw light deep into the heart of the building.

Reference to the site’s history of a glass bottle-works is reflected in the fit-out with fluted details, circular imprints and green accents while the building’s absolute modernity is asserted through contemporary sustainability and biodiversity installations.

Charlotte Sheridan, RIAI President said:

“We are thrilled to announce that 10-12 Hanover Quay, Dublin Docklands has been chosen as Ireland’s favourite building.

“The shortlist for this year’s Public Choice Award included buildings and spaces at the highest level showcasing the incredible architecture designs associated with Irish architects.

“Our architects are amongst the best in the world and this year’s competition demonstrates the value that our home-grown architects are adding to all aspects of the built environment.

“Their work goes a long way to supporting not just design but Ireland’s economic, cultural and social structure.”

“The RIAI Irish Architecture Awards are the most prestigious awards of their kind in Ireland.

They celebrate the quality of current work by RIAI Members at home and abroad and create awareness of the important role that architecture plays in delivering Ireland’s societal and economic infrastructure.”