Victorian house transformation in Rathmines wins building of the year

Ireland’s €2.8 billion architecture industry celebrated its success at the seventh annual Building and Architect of the Year Awards in April.

Judges had to whittle down more than 120 entries to award just 20 prizes. Event host author, broadcaster and comedian Colm O’Regan gave out the gongs at a black-tie gala evening at the Shelbourne Hotel. Nearly 200 top architects and building designers joined the celebrations on April 12th.

Among the honours, the building of the year award went to DMVF Architects for The Faceted House. The judges’ citation for this award said the firm was “showcasing expertise in blending innovative design with functionality”.

The judges commented: “Celebrated for its unique geometric forms and meticulous material detail, this project exemplifies modern architectural excellence and sustainability. This award recognises DMVF Architects’ ability to create spaces that are both visually striking and harmoniously integrated into their surroundings.”

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The architectural practice of the year went to Dublin and Cork-based Henry J Lyons for “their innovative approach and consistent excellence in design”. The judges said: “Their projects integrate complex ideas into sustainable architectural solutions that set new industry standards. This prestigious accolade underscores their profound influence on the industry, affirming their status as leaders in creating aesthetically remarkable and socially responsive spaces.”

The green architectural practice of the year went to passive house designer Helena McElmeel Architects. The judges said the practice was “distinguished by their deep commitment to sustainability, evident in their One Planet Living vision”.

The judges added: “Their holistic approach to design and dedication to addressing the climate crisis is exemplary, showcasing a practice that truly embodies and advances the principles of sustainable architecture across all its projects.”

It was Dublin-based urban architect David Williams who bagged the rising star in architecture award. The judges said: “Our judging panel was won over by David Williams, celebrating the practice’s dynamic and high-quality sustainable architectural work. David himself impressed our judges with an inspirational focus on sustainability, social housing, and low carbon construction, demonstrating a profound understanding of architecture’s potential for human and social impact.”

Britt Berentzen, programme director for the interior design and interior architecture programmes in the design faculty at Griffith College, was judging co-ordinator. She said: “These awards are truly a celebration of Ireland’s best architects. These awards showcase Irish architecture excellence, and architectural and design practices’ continuous striving for new and innovative sustainable solutions.

“With an impressive 125 total submissions, the judging was not easy. The entry composition and design, adherence to the category criteria were excellent, and each submission showed an outstanding quality of supporting evidence to the information provided. There were various aspects of each project that we found impressive, and each entry required thorough review and consideration. We were impressed by the high standard of entry submission.”

Gold Sponsor Noyeks Newmans praised the awards’ focus on sustainability. Graham Harding, sales director said: “Noyeks Newmans’s partnership with the Building and Architect of the Year Awards further highlights the sustainability of the only truly renewable natural resource, wood. Noyeks Newmans sources responsibly, from managed forests using certified practices, and all these innovative products and solutions are showcased at our architectural showroom.”

Another Gold Sponsor was Walls Construction. Barry Hennessy, business development and managing director, said: “It was fantastic to see so many colleagues and clients in person again, celebrating the many achievements of the building and architect community. Walls Construction is delighted and extremely proud to be supporting the Building & Architect of the Year Awards; well done and congratulations to all nominees and winners.”

But awards are never only about the winners. The runners-up and the shortlisted get praise too. Eamonn Doran, architect of Doran Cray Architects, was one shortlisted attendee who enjoyed the awards evening. “Doran Cray Architects and Proctor and Matthews Architects, together with Glenveagh Homes, were delighted to attend the Building and Architect of the Year Awards, where Wilkinsons Brook was shortlisted for Housing Project of the year – Large,” he said.

Ebanie Powell, architect of O’Neill O’Malley Architecture, had no fewer than six shortlisted entries. She said: “O’Neill O’Malley Architecture thoroughly enjoyed this year’s awards night and are thrilled to have been shortlisted in several categories. We’ve been highly impressed by the standard of projects showcased and wish to send sincere congratulations to all the winning practices.”

Speaking at the awards, Kevin O’Driscoll, director of partnership programmes at event organiser Business River said: “Events like this are made possible through the support of sponsors. We are thankful to our 2024 sponsors and professional partners, which include Walls Construction, Noyeks Newmans, Vescom, Texfel, and Texspace. Their investment in the awards underlines their commitment and support of this key business area.”

Full list of judges

• Britt Berentzen (judging coordinator), programme director for the interior design and interior architecture programmes, Griffith College Dublin
• Ann-Marie Aguilar, senior vice-president, SVP
• Brian Bolger, director, C+W O’Brien Architect
• Collette Burns, architectural project leader, TU Dublin
• Derry Kearney, managing director and partner, Cundall
• Pat Kirwan, director, C+W O’Brien Architects
• Michael Lamb, director and head of MMC delivery, Ryan+Lamb Architects
• Jennifer Lynch, design director, Darmody Architecture
• Brian O’Neill, company director, MCORM Architects
• Peter Scanlon, lecturer, Atlantic Technological University
• Michael Stiff, founder, Stiff+Trevillion
• Lydia Szewczyk, senior associate, International WELL Building Institute

Full list of winners

Building of the year (sponsored by Noyeks Newmans)

Winner: DMVF Architects – The Faceted House

Architectural practice of the year (sponsored by Walls Construction)

Winner: Henry J Lyons

Green architectural practice of the year (sponsored by Noyeks Newmans)

Winner: Helena McElmeel Architects

Rising star in architecture

Winner: David Williams Architect – David Williams

Sustainability award for a single building or development

Winner: MosArt Architects – Senan House, Enniscorthy Technological Park

Building of the year – office (medium)

Winner: Henry J Lyons – Clerys Quarter

Building of the year – office (small)

Winner: Craftstudio Architecture – Old Train Station, Monaghan

Building of the year – educational

Winner: Todd Architects – Queens Business School Student Hub, Riddel Hall

Building of the year – medical & health

Winner: Scott Tallon Walker Architects – Rock Wing, The Mater Misericordiae University Hospital

Building of the year – tourism, leisure & hospitality (sponsored by Vescom)

Winner: Reddy Architecture and Urbanism – Royal Dublin Convention Centre One Le Pole Square

Building of the year – commercial (sponsored by Texfel)

Winner: Henry J Lyons – One Charlemont Square

Building of the year – public

Winner: Craftstudio Architecture and Gaffney and Cullivan Architects – Castleblayney Library

Housing project of the year – large

Winner: Shay Cleary Architects – The Residences, Sandford Lodge

Housing project of the year – medium

Winner: Lawrence and Long Architects – Charleston Road Townhouses and Mews

Conservation award for a single building or development

Winner: Henry J Lyons – Clerys Quarter

Building refurbishment for a single building or development

Winner: Pascall + Watson – Rubrics Building

Single house building of the year

Winner: Arigho Larmour Wheeler Architects (ALWA) – Living in a Landscape

House extension refurbishment

Winner: DMVF Architects – The Faceted House

Best use of digital technology

Winner: Henry J Lyons

Social impact award

Winner: DHB Architects – Tramore Town Centre Public Realm