Ireland’s first net zero energy supermarket has been named building of the year at the Building & Architect of the Year Awards 2026, held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry, Dublin.
The gala ceremony, hosted by Colm O’Regan, drew 258 attendees and saw 23 trophies presented across a field of 105 entries, making it one of the most keenly contested editions in the awards programme’s eight-year history.
The winning building, a Lidl Ireland store in Maynooth that opened in November 2025, features a 575 kWp rooftop solar PV system, more than two and a half times larger than a standard store installation. On-site battery storage can power the store for up to six hours, and overall energy consumption is 40 per cent lower than a standard Lidl outlet.
The development also incorporates EV charging infrastructure, e-bike, scooter and cargo bike spaces, biodiversity-focused landscaping, green walls and rainwater harvesting systems.
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The award was presented to SDS design engineers and their client Lidl Ireland. The judging panel described the collaboration between design and delivery teams as producing a landmark development. “With a strong focus on net zero principles it showcases what is possible when ambition and technical expertise align,” the award citation read.
The Building & Architect of the Year Awards honour the creativity, craftsmanship and vision behind Ireland’s most compelling architectural projects, recognising how design and function come together to create spaces that enrich communities and elevate standards of living.
DMVF Architects received the architectural practice award in recognition of consistent excellence across a diverse portfolio. The citation noted the firm’s emphasis on innovation, sustainability and functionality, describing its work as reflecting “a clear vision underpinned by technical expertise and attention to detail”.
Chief executive Paul Sweetman of Stacked Group said his company is proud to support and sponsor the awards, recognising innovation and excellence across the industry. “The event brought professionals together, showcased best-in-class solutions, and continues to play an important role in driving standards and inspiring progress,” he said.
The design concept award went to ACT for its Scotch House mixed-use project in Ballina, a scheme recognised for its circular approach to town centre regeneration. “For any architect on any scale you see the great range of projects at these awards,” said ACT director Tom Lindsay. “It’s great even just to see what’s going on in Ireland in architecture.”
Swisspearl Ireland managing director Mike Norton said that sponsoring the awards reflected the company’s commitment to high-performance façade solutions and responsible manufacturing. “Strong partnerships with architects who shape resilient, beautiful buildings across Ireland inspire future generations,” Norton said.
Mary O’Connell of award winner MRG Consulting Engineers praised the awards scheme as “a great benefit in terms of creating high standards for all the sector”.
Hassett Leyden Flynn Architects received an award in relation to a housing scheme in Ennis. “It’s the second time we’ve been at the awards and it’s great to receive recognition, particularly for social impact,” said managing director Michael Flynn.
Judging coordinator Britt Berentzen said the awards celebrate what thoughtful, well-executed design can achieve. “The projects honoured here show how innovation and commitment to sustainability can go hand in hand.”
The outstanding contribution to architecture award was presented to Jan van Dijk, who co-founded van Dijk Architects (VDA) with Ingrid van Dijk in 1993. VDA is one of Ireland’s leading architectural practices, active across housing, education, healthcare, civic and commercial sectors. The citation praised van Dijk’s leadership of complex and award-winning projects, his contribution to architectural education, and his understanding of innovation and the commercial realities of development.
“Events like this are made possible through the support of sponsors,” said Kevin O’Driscoll, director of partnership programmes at awards organiser Business River. “We are thankful to our 2026 sponsors, Stacked Group and Swisspearl. I also want to recognise our supporter, Amárach Research. Their investment in the awards underlines their commitment and support of this key business area.”
Awards sponsors and supporters
Gold sponsors
- Stacked
- Swisspearl
Supporter
- Amárach Research
Awards judges
- Britt Berentzen (judging coordinator), programme director, interior architecture and design, Griffith College Dublin
- Ann-Marie Aguilar, head of EMEA region, IWBI
- Robert Bourke, director, Robert Bourke Architects
- Patrick Flynn, head of school of architecture, building and environment, TU Dublin
- Michael Frain, co-owner/director, Bright Design Architects
- Mike Haslam, director, Haslam & Co Architects
- Ciaran Hussey, managing director, Hussey Architects
- Derry Kearney, partner, Cundall
- Aleksandar Kostic, architect and lecturer, South East Technological University (SETU)
- Barry James McCarron, managing director, Kore Retrofit
- Suzanne Moloney, senior architect, associate, Darmody Architecture
- Johann Muldoon, managing director, Manor Architects
- Martina Murphy, senior lecturer, Ulster University
- Brian O’Neill, company director, MCORM Architects
- Emer O’Sullivan, director, Hussey Architects
- Liam Ross, senior lecturer in architectural design, University of Edinburgh
- Maeve Staunton, director, Staunton Henderson Architects
- Michael Stiff, founder, Stiff+Trevillion
- Lydia Szewczyk, manager, EMEA, International Well Building Institute (IWBI)
Award winners
Building of the year
Winner: SDS design engineers & Lidl Ireland - Ireland’s First Net Zero Energy Supermarket
Architectural practice of the year (sponsored by Stacked)
Winner: DMVF Architects
Design concept award
Winner: ACT - Scotch House
Building of the year – industrial
Winner: Office of Public Works (design) and Reddy A+U (delivery) - Rosslare EuroPort Terminal 7
Building of the year – net zero/passive house
Winner: SDS design engineers and Lidl Ireland - Ireland’s First Net Zero Energy Supermarket
Building of the year – retail
Winner: Healy Partners Architects - Keanes Jewellers Limerick
Building of the year - medical & health
Winner: OCMA and KJA - University Hospital Limerick, Acute Inpatient Ward Block
Building of the year – education (over €10m)
Winner: Cotter & Naessens Architects - University of Limerick Students Centre
Building of the year – education (under €10m)
Winner: MRG Consulting Engineers - Sacred Heart University Dingle Campus Redevelopment
Building of the year – public
Winner: MCOH Architects - Portlaoise Library
Building of the year - tourism, leisure & hospitality
Winner: Stephen Carr Architects - Hazel Tree Lodge Bunclody
Building of the year – office
Winner: Henry J Lyons - The Shipping Office
Building of the year – international
Winner: Office of Public Works - Ireland’s Pavilion at Expo 2025, Osaka
Conservation award for a single building or development
Winner: DMVF Architects - Parnell Square
Sustainability award for a single building or development (sponsored by Swisspearl)
Winner: Gottstein Architects - Vantage Business Park
House extension refurbishment
Winner: Arigho Larmour Wheeler Architects - On the Bay
Single house building of the year
Winner: Des Ewing Architects - Irish Countryside Home in Cookstown
Affordable/inclusive housing project of the year
Winner: Studiorogers Architects - Ross Street Mews
Building refurbishment for a single building or development
Winner: NBK Architects - Weston Airport Terminal
Housing project of the year
Winner: Desiun Architects - Bóithrín na Saoirse
Social impact award
Winner: Hassett Leyden Flynn - Clon Road and An tÁrd Housing Developments, Ennis, Co. Clare
Rising star in architecture
Winner: Barry Foote - Reddy A+U
Outstanding contribution to architecture
Recipient: Jan van Dijk
