The home of Munster rugby secured another victory tonight as Thomond Park was crowned the people’s choice at the Irish Architecture Awards.
The €40 million redeveloped stadium pulled in more than a third of the 5,000 online votes in the public award.
Hugh Murray, of Murray O’Laoire Architects, said he was proud of the stadium as an architect, a Limerick man and a Munster supporter.
“Maintaining the atmosphere and close relationship between players and spectators was a key requirement of the brief,” he said.
“The required capacity was 26,000, with 15,000 seated and 11,000 standing positions.
“Site constraints included the retention of the main and practice pitches, the Shannon RFC clubhouse as well as the north, east and south terraces.
“Following successful negotiations with Limerick City Council and the property owners on the east side the development area extended to Knockalisheen Road.”
Sean O Laoire, president of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland, praised entrants in this year’s awards.
“What all of this year’s award-winning projects show is that good design is relevant and possible for all building types not just the ‘grand projects’ — this includes smaller projects and once-off housing,” he said.
“By promoting good quality design of our buildings, as well as of our towns and cities, Ireland can position itself as an international standard setter and help attract more high-end investment in the economy.”
Other winners at the ceremony in Farmleigh included
- Wexford Opera House for best cultural building.
- Timberyard Social Housing, Cork Street, for best housing.
- Leixlip Garda Station for best public building.
A special assessors’ award went to the St George’s & St Thomas’ Church Insertion, on Cathal Brugha Street, Dublin designed by Clancy Moore Architects.
Chair of the assessing jury, Greg Tisdall, explained, “This very special building did not sit squarely in any category yet could have been placed within four.
“This project is a delicate yet bold insertion of ancillary functions into the church of St George and St Thomas.”
PA