Temple Bar's Printworks gets silver

The Printworks, one of the acclaimed developments in the Temple Bar area of Dublin, has won the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland's triennial Silver Medal for Housing for 1994-1996.

The award was presented last night to Derek Tynan Architects, who designed the mixed-use residential and commercial scheme on Temple Lane and East Essex Street for Temple Bar Properties.

Consisting of new and conserved buildings, the Printworks comprises 10 apartments grouped around a private first-floor courtyard over retail and office units at street level.

The jury described it as "a thoroughly considered ensemble of uses and volumes, consistently and thoughtfully detailed with a scale and orientation that make it an oasis in the midst of urban activity".

Chaired by the Fingal county architect, Mr David O'Connor, the jury said the Printworks stood as "a singular example of how highly crafted design can contribute to . . . the future of urban living".