The Ark, an inspiring building on the outskirts of Wexford in Southern Ireland has won the prize for best Architect designed and Specified Project at the 2009 Icynene annual awards.

The 24,000 sq ft building, designed by Stephen Carr Architects, is recognised as a model for energy efficient construction and renewable development. The building will be used by different types of professional services that wish to be based in a high quality, bright and energy efficient building.

Stephen Carr chose to use a timber frame for The Ark and selected Icynene to give a high level of thermal insulation and air tightness along with excellent acoustic performance between offices. One of the key factors in choosing Icynene was that it enabled the architects to achieve the air tightness required without using various tapes, glues and sealing agents. DKS Insulations Wexford undertook the project.

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"The unusual shape and prerequisite for air tightness meant that a number of conventional insulations fell short of the mark," said Aidan Kelly Managing Director of DKS Insulations. "Icynene's ability to completely insulate the most unusual shapes, together with its Green credentials and water blown technology meaning it contains no harmful chemicals, was crucial to winning the contract."

"This building is the first of its kind in the country," said architect Stephen Carr. "The design is derived from how people live and work and an understanding of light, materials and space. Extensive research was carried out, both on the creative side and also on the practical decision level to ensure we used the best and most appropriate materials and they were able to deliver the results we needed to achieve."

(PR/KMcA)