Mayo-based architects highly praised with RIAI Silver Medal for housing

Mayo and Galway-based SJK Architects has received a High Commendation in the 2026 Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Silver Medal for Housing for its project “A System for Ordinary Housing.”

The accolade was presented to SJK Directors Elaine Naughton, Dermot McCabe, and Edel Tobin by Minister for Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary and RIAI President Fionnuala May at the RIAI and Department of Housing Joint Housing Conference in Sligo.

The award recognised SJK Architects’ innovative design of 335 own-door family homes, including 243 terraced houses and 92 apartments, across Macroom, Skibbereen and Clonakilty in Co Cork, Shannon in Co Clare, Ballyburke in Co Galway, and Slievekeale in Co Waterford. 

The jury praised the project’s combination of low-rise, medium-density housing with safe, welcoming streets, pocket parks, and architectural details that foster thriving communities.

“This is a bundle of six social housing schemes… all contribute towards a safe and truly welcoming living environment, a place where the community is clearly thriving,” the jury noted.

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Minister Calleary said the commendation highlights the importance of design in social housing. 

“Smart architecture strengthens communities by creating inclusive spaces that embrace our natural environment and serve our society,” he said. “By putting community at the heart of housing design we can ensure that new housing developments add long-term value to our neighbourhoods.”

SJK Architects’ approach draws on Ireland’s social housing tradition, from Marino in Dublin in the 1920s to Bord na Móna villages in the 1950s, combining high-quality design with the practicalities of social housing delivery. 

The project, developed in collaboration with Gerry Cahill and the National Development Finance Agency, represents a replicable “system of ordinary housing” that can help address the national housing crisis while delivering dignified, affordable homes.

Previous distinctions for SJK include a Silver Medal commendation for Cluan Padraig Housing in Westport, as well as awards for Scoil Phádraig in Westport, Scoil Naomh Bríd in Ballina, and Mayo County Council offices in Claremorris.

With a government target of delivering 300,000 new homes by 2030, SJK Architects plan to continue contributing from Mayo and Galway through low-rise, medium-density projects that combine design excellence with social impact.

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