This bronze-clad extension to a Victorian house on Palmerston Road, in Rathmines by Boyd Cody Architects has won one of two special award from the Architect Association of Ireland.

It was described as "a bespoke Rolls Royce . . . that it is bordering on the bling” by Angela Rolfe, assistant principal architect with the Office of Public Works.

“You are straying into Victoria Beckham territory, as far as I'm concerned", she added.

However, Irish assessor Martin Henchion said of this "trophy" project, "Even if it is Victoria Beckham, it's Victoria Beckham on a good day."

Francis Rambert, director of the Institut Français d'Architecture, also regards its sculptural façade as brilliant.

"Compared to the houses we have seen - very conservative, very déjà vu - I think it's much more creative, much more interesting," he said.

Artist and photographer John Gerrard sees its "hyper-modernity" as a "breath of fresh air", something that "shimmered in from some futuristic place" to bedazzle the jury.