The restored Tenement Museum in Dublin has scooped two major awards at the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Architecture Awards.

The Henrietta street building was awarded Best Conversation and Restoration Project and Best Overall Project with a Special RIAI Jury Award.

In 2008 Dublin City Council initiated emergency stabilisation works to prevent the imminent collapse of No.14 and No.3 Henrietta Street. This work was followed in 2011 by a project to reinstate 136 windows and doors that had been largely replaced by ones of inferior quality in the 1970s. Working on behalf of Dublin City Council and the Heritage Section, Shaffreys Architects led a multi-disciplinary design team to carefully conserve and adapt 14 Henrietta Street for its new cultural use.

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The museum will bring to life the stories and history of the house and street including its beginnings in the mid 18th century and its one hundred years of Tenement life. Three floors of the house will offer visitors the opportunity to journey through time, exploring immersive rooms, exhibition films and soundscapes. 

When awarding the Best Overall Project the Jury noted: "This is a gift to the city of Dublin made possible by an inspiring client and a highly skilled team of architects and contractor."

The museum will officially open in September, but advanced tours are currently available on Fridays and Saturdays.

(CM/MH)