Top class awards for Southside buildings

THE iconic Kilmainham Courthouse has won a prestigious architecture award

The Minister of State for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, congratulated the OPW Architectural Service and all involved with the restoration of the building as it was declared Best Conservation/Restoration Building at the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) 2017 Architecture Awards, which were announced at a ceremony in Dublin’s Mansion House.

The awards celebrate the quality of work carried out by RIAI members in 2016 and highlight the contribution that architects make to society for everyone’s benefit.

 “I’m delighted with the news of this award for Kilmainham Courthouse which is a building of great significance to the Irish nation,” Minister Moran said.

“This prestigious award is a welcome recognition of the professionalism and dedication of all those involved in this restoration project and in showcasing the rich history associated with Kilmainham Courthouse and Kilmainham Gaol.”

The Kilmainham site is an iconic heritage location to visit and in 2016 over 390,000 came to see at first hand this historic Dublin museum which is managed by the OPW.

“I would strongly encourage everyone to come and visit the Kilmainham Courthouse and Gaol and the many other heritage sites across this nation of ours,” Minister Moran added. 

 Meanwhile, Twitter’s EMEA Headquarters, based at Cumberland Place, Dublin 2, has been awarded a LEED Platinum level certification for a Repurposed Building.

It is one of the few office buildings in Ireland, and the first Twitter office in the world, to achieve this certification.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a global recognition and certification for sustainability in buildings.

Sean Boyle, Head of Real Estate and Workplace, Twitter EMEA, said: “We are very proud to be certified as LEED Platinum.

“It is a fantastic office space for our employees with an abundance of natural light in a world-class setting.”