Astrid Madsen
Behind the glitz and glamour of architecture awards are beautiful homes. Take a peek.
The 2017 RIAI (Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland) awards have introduced a total of five regional best house categories.
Munster
Boyd Cody Architects won the Munster House of the Year with the renovation of an old farm settlement at Teeroneer, Co Clare. The ruins consisted of a free-standing gable, a low retaining wall and a derelict barn. The gable was secured, the wall extended and the barn repaired using stone from the original structures which had been disposed of in the nearby lake. The new build rises within the footprint of the old dwelling, bookended by a large beech and an oak tree, it is timber frame built off with concrete ground work with a large, central chimney. The kitchen is sunk into the ground so floor becomes counter.
Ulster
Broadstone Architects took home the Ulster trophy for Tireighter Cairn. The house is made up of three distinct blocks and gable walls to provide shelter in an exposed rural site whilst referencing the primary standing stones of the nearby neolithic wedge tomb. The three central entrance stacks are internal and external lightwells and a chimney for the living room stove. The building orientation, similar to the wedge tomb, provides a blank North façade behind which the house opens up to the South and West and panoramic views of the Sperrin mountains.
Connacht
Aughey O’Flaherty Architects was awarded the Connact House of the Year award for Killsallagh, a newly built house in Co Mayo which boasts views of Croagh Patrick to the east and Clew Bay and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. It is made from two joined forms, each open ended and orientated towards the two different views. Bedrooms are located in one end and living spaces in the others. The forms are held apart to make an entrance and staggered resulting in shelter for each outside space; one for morning, the other as an evening terrace.
Leinster
Boyd Cody Architects bagged yet another House of the Year award, this time for Bleach Road, the renovation of a cottage located in an old abandoned quarry, and new build project on the outskirts of Kilkenny. The new house is at the rear hidden from view, restricted to the roof ridge of the original cottage. The lower floor was excavated to make room for the bedrooms and service areas. A series of courtyards penetrate the volume to provide light, air and additional recreational space. The raised upper level accommodates the living areas and leads onto the established garden level and associated perimeter terraces.
Dublin
ODOS Architects walked away with the Dublin trophy for Prices Lane, a new family home located on a tight site off a narrow laneway in Dublin city centre. By splitting the plan into two main spaces, the open central courtyard resolves the issue of light and has the benefit of creating an outdoor room.
RIBA/RSUA Awards
This year’s Royal Institute of British Architects’ Northern Ireland winners weren’t of homes but shortlisted was Clogher house in Lisburn by McGarry Moon Architects.
AAI Awards
Photography credit: Alice Clancy Photography
The 2017 Architecture Association of Ireland Awards, meanwhile rewarded House on Belgrave, Co Dublin by Clancy Moore Architects and Heated Brick Extension, Dublin by Daire Bracken Architects (pictured above).
English