Dungiven-based Farren Architects shortlisted for the highly prestigious Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland Award

Sperrin House, designed by Farren Architects

placeholder image — Sperrin House, designed by Farren Architects

Farren Architects, a small Northern Irish design practice based in Dungiven, County Derry, has been shortlisted for the highly prestigious Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Award. Out of 180 exceptional projects entered from across the country, Farren Architect's Sperrin House residential design was selected as a finalist.

The stunning view from Sperrin House, looking over the Sperrin Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Sperrin House is a stunning modern home nestled in the picturesque County Derry countryside that blends tradition and sustainability. Drawing from local vernacular forms and primitive stone dwellings, the contemporary timber-clad ”barn-like” form sits atop a textured concrete base, maximising views over the Sperrin Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Repurposed stone from a former on-site dwelling knits into the newly built form, getting a second life as a contributor to a now light-filled, low-impact composition befitting the client’s vision through an innovative blend of past and future.

The kitchen inside Sperrin House

"We are absolutely thrilled and humbled to have our Sperrin House project shortlisted for this premier award," said Eoighin Farren, Principal Architect. "As a local firm specialising in bespoke houses, being recognised alongside some of the largest and most renowned practices in Ireland is an incredible honour and validation of our design capabilities."

In addition to the main RIAI Award selected by a jury, the public can vote for their favourite project in the Public Choice Award category until midnight on June 19th. Out of these 42 shortlisted projects, Farren Architects aims to earn the public's support and recognition on this national stage.

"For a small firm like ours to be a finalist is remarkable itself, but having an opportunity to be further recognised through the Public Choice Award would be tremendously meaningful," added Eoighin. "We're calling on the public to learn more about our Sperrin House story and to cast their vote at https://www.riai.ie/public-choice-award-poll ." Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Friday 21st June which will take place at the National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin.

Farren Architects was established in 2014 with the vision of creating architecturally striking yet functional designs tailored to its clients' needs and site contexts.