Portlaoise House shortlisted in RIAI Irish Architecture Awards 2013
Hillside House in Portlaoise, Co. Laois designed by Architecture 53seven & Adrian Hill Architects isshortlisted in this year’s Irish Architecture Awards, which was recently announced by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI). Now in its sixth year, the popular Public Choice Award gives the Laois public the opportunity to have their say by voting for their favourite shortlisted project. Laois locals can vote for their favourite building online at www.riai.ie
This house is situated into the side of a hill, with distant views toward the Rock of Dunamaise and closer views to Stradbally Hall, home 
of the Electric Picnic. The house is situated against the demands of changing topographical conditions. Primary access is afforded by means of a bridging element that is immediately adjacent to a lower level courtyard. From this point of entry, the internal and sectional arrangement of the house become clear, as one can read the lower bedroom courtyard set three metres below. The conventional living-bedroom arrangement is inverted in order that living spaces are afforded primary sunlight and views, whilst the bedrooms are more closely connected to the ground. A central stair moderates the plan on both floors, whilst visual connectedness is ensured by subtle offsets of structure and wall positions.
This year’s awards received 100 entries across 13 categories, including best commercial, best educational and best health building, best house, best house extension and best housing project, best public building, best international project, best sustainable project and best universal design. There are also awards for best research and for the best emerging practice. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on July 4th in the Woodquay Venue, Dublin City Council Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8.
Speaking at the announcement of the shortlist, Michelle Fagan, President, RIAI, commented: “We are honoured, once again, to profile this year’s diverse shortlisted projects from across Ireland. The entries continue to highlight the unique architectural excellence and homegrown talent that Ireland possesses. Architects add value by integrating innovative design solutions with a wide range of concerns, from our business and public buildings to our homes; saving clients time and money in the process. The result of which is the inspiring entries in this year’s Irish Architecture awards.”
Eddie Conroy, Chairman of the Judging Panel, added: “This year we have received the most entries in the best house and best house extension categories, showing us that people are now investing in their homes and working with their local architect. It is also encouraging to see Irish architects entering projects from aboard in the international category showcasing Irish talent from across the seas”.
For more information and to vote for the Public Choice Award, please visit www.riai.ie.