Cork architecture firm wins international award
The Dean Hotel was the only Irish winner at the prestigious International Architecture Awards, which recognises 130 of the best-designed buildings and landscapes from around the world.
Designed by Cork-based Wilson Architecture, the striking building, which is situated in the North Docklands area of Cork city, forms part of a mixed-use development. Following last year's win for their work on Penrose Dock, this marks a second win in a row for the leading architecture firm.
Distinguished by its iconic black exterior, The Dean Hotel stands as an imposing landmark on Horgan’s Quay.
With 120 designed guest rooms and a rooftop restaurant, it represents the inaugural phase of the Northern Quarter masterplan. This masterplan, in turn, forms an integral part of the expansive Horgan's Quay mixed-use development.
Completed in 2021, construction was carried out by BAM Ireland for HQ Developments Limited, and also featured the conservation of a carriage shed building, and the development of the public plaza which is to be followed by a 24 unit apartment building.
Describing the thinking behind the design process, Paud O’Mahony, Managing Director of Wilson Architecture and Lead Architect on The Dean Hotel, Cork said: “The bespoke black panels alternate from tilting in at the top and in at the bottom in an apparently random pattern, creating alternate reflections in the light.
“The windows tend to blend with one or other of the reflections alternating as the sun's direction changes throughout the day. The overall effect has the building appear as a single vibrant, constantly changing object, rather than a solid object punctuated by a rigid set of similar-sized and spaced openings. The black colour contrasts the white limestone of the adjacent Carriage Sheds in a symbiotic relationship where each complements the other.”
The Press Up Group, who own and operate The Dean Hotel added that “the project has been an incredible success and a great addition to the portfolio of the Press Up Group. The building not only looks impressive, but Wilson Architecture’s creative design demonstrates that form and function can combine to deliver a property that operates efficiently and exceeds expectations in all areas.
“We are thrilled to have this design recognised by the world's foremost International distinguished building, landscape architecture, and urbanism awards programme.”
The winning projects will be honoured at a special awards ceremony and Gala Dinner in Athens, Greece on 15 September. This year’s award-winning architects include Steven Holl, Zaha Hadid, and Tonkin Liu.
Winning projects range from museums, universities and libraries, offices and hotels.