SOCIAL HOUSING and innovative private sector schemes feature on the shortlist for Ireland’s premier housing design award, the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Silver Medal, to be presented next Monday.
The five shortlisted projects, all completed between 2005 and 2006, were designed for a variety of users at a range of densities in different site conditions and characterised by an understanding of people’s needs.
Architect Derek Tynan, who chaired the jury, said all of the shortlisted projects were “socially, economically and environmentally sustainable and demonstrate the benefits of architectural design in delivering quality housing and environments.
“What we found striking was the delight of clients in what they got from good working relationships with architects, particularly at this time when professionals are under attack. There’s also a case for using the opportunity we now have to build more social housing.”
Among the nominees is a “transitional housing” scheme in Donabate, Co Dublin, designed by Gerry Cahill Architects for Sophia Housing Association, with 20 two-storey houses grouped around a central space that gives it a communal identity.
Paul Keogh Architects have been nominated for a St Vincent de Paul sheltered housing scheme in Gorey, Co Wexford, catering for elderly residents.
Built in a backland area in the town centre, it was praised as an example of “careful place-making” in urban areas.
Simon J Kelly and Partners are on the shortlist for Cluain Padraig, a private sector scheme of 23 houses on the outskirts of Westport, Co Mayo, which was hailed by the jury for its “innovative house types, taking advantage of view, orientation and sunlight.”
Two housing schemes in the Dublin Docklands, both designed by O’Mahony Pike Architects, have also made the shortlist: Fitzwilliam Quay, overlooking the river Dodder, and Hanover Quay, which faces onto the Grand Canal Docks and the river Liffey.
Referring to Fitzwilliam Quay, which ranges in height from four to six storeys, the judging panel noted its range of innovative, dual- aspect apartments which were “characterised by a restrained architectural language, detailing and care of construction.”
The much larger Hanover Quay scheme, with 292 apartments (including some social and affordable housing) built around courtyards, was described as “an exemplar of mixed-use development”, with a range of shops and restaurants at street level.
Commenting on the shortlist, RIAI director John Graby said: “Everyone in Ireland has a right to live in a sustainable and well-designed home, and it is encouraging to see that this is happening in certain areas around the country.”
All of the projects were visited by members of the jury and viewed in “their settled position”, to see if they had stood the test of time in terms of construction and client use.
The winner will be announced next Monday at the National Housing Conference in Sligo.
