Top honour for local architect

A Kingscourt architects is celebrating scooping a top prize at a prestigious awards event.

Niall Smith Architects’ design for ‘Cabra House’ was selected by judges as winner in the ‘Single House Building of the Year’ category at the Building & Architect of the Year awards held recently.

This year’s award ceremony was held in the Round Room at Dublin’s Mansion House .

The ‘Cabra House’ site is located within the grounds of Cabra Castle, a protected structure, and boasts panoramic views of mature trees on the estate as well as the rolling foothills in neighbouring Meath to the west.

The linear house is positioned along the eastern boundary of the historic Cabra Castle property, nestled into a bank of mature trees with direct vision of the majestic castle building itself.

The brief provided to Niall Smith Architects was to maximise and frame the views of the castle to the south, while capitalising upon the afternoon and evening light, the mature trees, private gardens, and to orientate the living space around these unique elements.

The final design concept consists of a series of blocks which create various internal and external spaces capped with floating canopies. The materials used include stone and millboard cladding with plastered areas.

"The clients wanted a home that had spaces that flowed from the inside out and that would engage with the site and surroundings," explained Niall Smith Architects in their submission to the judging panel.

Responding to the completed projects, the clients stated that Niall Smith Architects "took the brief and delivered" more than they could ever have expected.

"The house is revealing little gems the longer I live here. The way the reflection pool glimmers on the soffit is magnificent. The linear layout, allows me to see from one end of the house, to the other, with a view out to the large trees, which surround the property. The glazing maximises the natural light and allows for sun-soaked spaces, which I love."