Northside project becomes Ireland’s best building

SEAN Treacy House in Dublin 1 has been declared Ireland’s best new building.

Designed by Paul Keogh Architects, the building on Buckingham Street won this year’s RIAI Irish Architecture Awards 2012, which were announced recently.

The architects were challenged by the residents at Sean Treacy House who wanted

“a better quality of life, new friends, new neighbours, and more space for them and their children.

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Working to locals’ desires, the scheme design, with its central courtyard, created a new a community presence.

The tenants are said to be delighted with their new dwellings and have great pride and appreciation of the new neighbourhood.

Seating in sheltered areas and two play areas also encourage socialising and foster a sense of community.

A total of 14 projects received awards and two other local ones included

‘Garden Kitchen’, Marino, designed by LiD Architecture, which was highly commended in Category Best House Extension.

And

‘Mobhi Road’, Glasnevin, designed by CAST Architecture, which was com­- mended in Category Best House Extension.

The Public Choice Award was set up to raise awareness of architecture in Ireland. Since the shortlist of 34 projects was announced the RIAI has received over 12,500 votes.

The eventual winner was the Engineering Building at NUI Galway.

Michelle Fagan, President of the RIAI, said the continuing interest in the Public Choice Award shows that architecture is for everyone.

“The importance of good design on even the smallest of projects can have a significant impact and can create something beyond the client’s expectations,

? she said.

“The build- ings that have been recognised through the awards prove that architecture can deliver something that is not only functional and beautiful but also add real value. This is why the role of an architect is so crucial to every single building project.

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Eddie Conroy, chairperson of the judging panel, added:

“Despite a continuing decline in construction output, this year 120 entries were received with 34 projects being shortlisted. No two projects are ever the same and this reflects the continuing strong diversity we see within Irish architecture.

“This year’s entries clearly demonstrate the prevailing excellence of Irish architects working at all scales and in a variety of contexts – from accomplished school extensions to landmark civic offices and internationally acclaimed cultural institutions. Sean Treacy House is a responsive and complex piece of urbanism underpinned by well chosen design strategies.

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Ms Fagan added:

“Creating a building is an extremely complex process and so many parties are involved in delivering it, from the client to builders to subcontractors and health and safety as well as managing planning and environmental regulations. Architects are the only professionals who can bring all these strands together and deliver a result. It is their ability to do this skillfully as well as design beautiful buildings that we are celebrating.

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