Killyon church work shortlisted for architecture award
Two Meath projects are included in the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Public Choice vote for Ireland’s favourite building, place or public space.
Included on the shortlist is Killyon Church, designed by PG Architects (Patrick Gilsenan). The church was built in the 1950s to accommodate growing numbers attending Mass. The design was very contemporary for its time. Now 60 years later, the building was over-sized, dated and cold. The brief was to adapt the building to make it more intimate, warmer and enhance the space for modern day use. Externally, the building generally looks the same as before. A double height sanctuary space was demolished. A lean-to roof, the canopy link and the existing bell tower were restored and conserved. Internally, the church has changed dramatically. The plan has turned 90 degrees. A new curved sanctuary space with a modern stained-glass window extends out the side. Existing strip windows were refurbished to beam different colours of light into the building.
Also included within the shortlist is the Blackened Timber House, designed by Studio Red Architects. The modern family home nestled in the wooded landscape of Co. Meath has a sheltered entrance to north east, and a southwest facing terrace area. The material palette was stripped back to concrete, blackened timber and corrugated metal roofing. The concrete plinth creates a strong base for the timber clad structures, linked with glazing. The interior, in contrast to the blackened exterior is white, with a restrained yet playful use of colour. The island unit is cast in concrete, rising from the polished concrete floor.
Now marking the 30th year, this year's RIAI Irish Architecture Awards Public Choice shortlist is made up of 41 projects across categories such as Adaption & Re-Use, Culture or Public Building, International, Learning, Living (Homes), Public Space, Well-Being and Workplace.
All of the projects on the shortlist have been designed by RIAI-registered architects, based in Ireland and overseas, and were completed in 2018. The shortlist includes entries from Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Limerick, Meath, Tyrone and Wexford, as well as London and India.
Online voting is now open, and all of the Public Choice projects are available to view on the RIAI website at www.riai.ie. Voting closes at midnight on Friday 31st May.
David Browne, RIAI president said: “We received over 190 high quality award entries this year so our judging panel really had a challenge to narrow this down to a shortlist. The quality and diversity of entries received from across the country demonstrates how adding to the built environment has become a priority in the regions and how architecture is for everyone. We are encouraging everyone to get behind their favourite project, you only get one vote so use it wisely. Voting is available through the RIAI website.”
Projects include social housing at the Dolphin House Regeneration, Cork Criminal Courthouse, the extension to Gairmscoil Einne, Inis Mór, Aran Islands, and a housing development at George’s Place, Dun Laoghaire, the Refurbishment and Extension of No 37 Merrion Square (Goethe Institut Irland), Project Warehouse N3 (Workplace), and The Monkstown Village Project.
The RIAI Irish Architecture Awards, sponsored by Gerflor, will be announced on Friday 7th June at an awards dinner at the Mansion House, Dublin. Additional categories will also be announced on the night including the Future Award; Research Award; Urban Design & Masterplanning; Sustainability; Universal Design and Innovation.
The 2018 RIAI Irish Architecture Public Choice award winner was No. 26 York Street, Royal College of Surgeons by Henry J Lyons.
The Jury for the RIAI Irish Architecture Awards 2019 are:
• Carole Pollard, FRIAI, Chair
• Eamonn O’Reilly, CEO Dublin Port, distinguished guest juror
• Alice Casey, MRIAI
• Peter Carroll, MRIAI
• Aishling Joyce, MRIAI
• Dermot McCabe, MRIAI
• Peter McGovern, MRIAI
• John O’Mahony, FRIAI
• Lenzie O’Sullivan, MRIAI