Prestigious award for Cavan architecture firm

RIAI Irish Architecture Awards.

Craftstudio Architecture, with offices in Cavan and Monaghan and led by Killygarry native Ronan Fitzpatrick, won the Special Award for Rural Town Renewal at the RIAI Irish Architect Awards for the Clones Renewal Scheme for Monaghan County Council last Thursday.

The RIAI Irish Architecture Awards are the most prestigious awards of their kind in Ireland. Given annually, the acknowledge achievements in architecture and celebrate the quality of work carried out.

The winning project was Clones Renewal Scheme, an ambitious project to reinvigorate the centre of Clones, by transforming derelict sites and integrating social housing into the heart of the town. The scheme resulted in the renewal or replacement of eleven derelict buildings across 6 sites and the construction of 24 housing units of varying tenures, with each building configured to address the unique urban pattern and challenging topography of Clones. The range of unit types was provided to cater to a broad spectrum of occupants and tenures; young families, single tenants, couples, and those with mobility requirements, with a best practice approach to universal design implemented.

In adjudicating the RIAI judging panel outlined: “What shone here in Clones was the respect for the cultural phenomenon that is the rural Irish town. The success of the project is coupled with active cold-faced delivery of its continued living evolution through examination, decision-making, design development, and constructed proposition resulting in 24 new town centre homes, the project represents a tangible example of renewal in a place with its own story.

“Clones, having roots to the sixth century though regrettably robbed of its hinterland in the last. A constructed artifact, a place to live, love, learn, work, and play, strengthening community in a sustainable enriched town offering support and opportunity into the future. This is a simple, living example of resilience to encourage and empower others.”

Commenting on their win, Directors Ronan Fitzpatrick and Peter McGonigle said: “We are hugely honoured and delighted to have won the Special Award for Rural Town Renewal for the Clones Renewal Scheme. It is a project we are very proud of, stitching previously dilapidated housing units back into the heart of Clones Town.

“Congratulations also go to our client, Monaghan County Council for recognising the importance of repair and infill as a way forward to achieve pioneering and innovative town centre regeneration and for endeavouring to bring life back to this part of Co. Monaghan.”