The development scheme at Hanover Quay in Dublin, designed by O’Mahony Pike architects has been named as Best Housing Project at the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) annual Architecture Awards.

There was nine winning projects, eight of which were presented with awards by Dublin’s City Manager, John Tierney.

The Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr Batt O’Keefe presented the award for Best Sustainability Project. RTE broadcaster Ryan Tubridy hosted the Awards at a ceremony in the offices of the RIAI on Merrion Square.

Hanover Quay in the Grand Canal Dock area of Dublin consists of 292 residential units, crèche, retail and commercial accommodation and a pub.

Speaking on behalf of O’Mahony Pike architects, Conor Kinsella explained: “We are honoured to receive the RIAI architecture award for the Best Housing Project. We wanted to create a balance between the neighbouring residential areas around Pearse Street and the industrial scale of the Grand Canal Basin.

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The area has become a vibrant quarter of the city, combining residential and commercial development. The aim was to create a contemporary residential development that would stand the test of time.”

The eight other winning projects included Architectural Services, Office of Public Works (OPW) for the Marine Institute Headquarters, Galway, which won Best Accessible Project and Carr Cotter Naessens for 15 Henry Street, Limerick which was named best Office Development/Commercial.

Mr John Graby, Director of the RIAI, highlighted the significance of the awards, saying: “The RIAI Awards mark the highest achievements in architectural practice in Ireland in any given year. Now in its 19th year, the emphasis is on the importance of quality in the built environment and ensuring quality is the rule rather than the exception.

“Since the recent enactment of new building control legislation – the Building Control Act – a range of provisions have been designed to improve building standards. The legislation registers the title of architect and protects the public by ensuring that those calling themselves architects have the proper training, experience and adherence to a recognised code of conduct.”

(JM/SP)