Iveragh House Co Kerry

Five projects designed and built in Ireland have been shortlisted for the prestigious 2008 Brick Awards.

The five Irish entrants include Iveragh Renewal Project in Killorglin, Co Kerry, designed by architects Murray O’Laoire and built by brickwork contractors Eamon Costello, and Cork’s Breastcheck Clinic, designed by architects Cullen Payne and built by Wallis Construction.

The other three buildings are located in Dublin - Lincoln Place, Dublin, by architect McCullough Mulkin, and built by Hassett Construction, the Fuse project at Lennox Street, designed by Box Architects and Irish Conservatories and a private house in Killiney by ABK Architects and Cedar Building Company.

Five of the total of six shortlisted for the international award are Irish entrants in what is one of the industry’s most widely respected design competitions, which is run by the UK based Brick Development Association (BDA).

The other international entrant the five will have to compete against is a private house built in Moscow.

Lincoln Place Dublin

“The calibre of entries this year has been absolutely astonishing,” says Katherina Lewis of the BDA. “And the strong presence from Ireland is testimony to the quality of design and workmanship in that country. This award also goes to show what an outstanding building material clay brick is.”

There are 12 category awards, each seeking excellence in different aspects of design and construction. The categories include best private housing development, best commercial building, innovative use, best craftsmanship and best international project.

The international category is judged on design, craftsmanship and contribution to exports.

All six contenders used brick supplied by BDA member Ibstock Brick, part of the CRH building materials group.

Alongside the 12 category winners, there’s also one top trophy, the BDA Building of the Year – Supreme Award, which goes to the project judged the finest overall.

The 2008 Brick Awards will be presented at the Marriott Grosvenor Hotel in London on 5th November.