The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI ) last Friday announced Killsallagh by Aughey O’Flaherty Architects, as the winner of Connacht House of the Year at the 2017 RIAI Irish Architecture Awards. The prize was awarded at a ceremony in Dublin’s Mansion House, attended by over 400 RIAI members.
The RIAI Irish Architecture Awards celebrate the quality of work carried out by RIAI members in 2016 and highlight the contribution that architects make to society for everyone’s benefit. Now in its 28th year and with a record 18 categories, this year’s shortlist included 60 projects, spanning 13 counties across Ireland as well as three international projects in Hungary, Palestine and Poland. The jury chose 21 Winners and gave awards to 28 Highly Commended and 14 Commended entries. Full details and images of all the winning projects are available at www.riai.ie
Killsallagh is a newly built house in 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.
Speaking at the event, Carole Pollard, President, RIAI, said: “I would like to congratulate Aughey O’Flaherty Architects on their win for Connacht House of the Year. This year this category is split into five sub-categories, Dublin, Leinster, Munster, Ulster, Connacht and it is great to see the spectacular architecture and designs that are manifesting throughout the country. We hope that the beautiful designs seen across the winning entries demonstrate the value that using an architect brings when planning a home.”
Speaking following their win Jennifer Duffy from Aughey O’Flaherty Architects said, “We at Aughey O’Flaherty Architects are honoured to have been awarded Connacht House of the Year by the RIAI. It is great to see the work of architects being acknowledged in this way and awards such as this are wonderful recognition for our profession. We would like to thank the RIAI for hosting this lovely evening.” The RIAI Irish Architecture Awards are sponsored by Gerflor. The RIAI House of the Year category is sponsored by Miele. For more information, please visit www.irisharchitectureawards.ie and www.riai.ie
