C+W O’Brien Architects (Corstorphine and Wright) have been shortlisted for the AJ100 International Practice of the Year 2019 along with top international practices.
This is a fantastic achievement for a young Irish practice that has reinvented itself constantly seeks new ideas to improve the urban environment. Arthur O’Brien, the Managing Director of the practice, is proud to be shortlisted amongst internationally acclaimed practices such as Foster+ Partners and Zaha Hadid.
“Being shortlisted amongst the biggest/best practices of the world and international designers is a great honour and a recognition of the quality and stature of our international work. As a practice, we are focused on producing design solutions that positively impact future generations and have a lifelong appeal. Being recognized for our work is an incredible achievement for the team and all our hard work” O’Brien said.
The special mention of the Dublin office recognises the effort of the team on a number of schemes in Ireland, however, this time the recognition goes to two of their most recent projects, Santa Joana Hotel located in Lisbon, Portugal, as well as Sandyford Student Accommodation located in Dublin, Ireland. The latter is considered Ireland’s largest modular project and was recently granted planning permission and is expected to commence construction later this year.
“Modular construction it’s a faster more cost-efficient way to deliver efficient developments. C+W O’Brien Architects is eager to increase this type of construction because is also a greener and smarter way to unlock the potential of a site. Our Sandyford Student Accommodation is an 817-bedroom development that the majority of the flagship development is to be constructed through modular off-site prefabricated construction and will still provide levels of design and factory standard construction sophistication that our clients expect.” O’Brien said.
The Santa Joana Hotel project earmarks C+W O’Brien as an international practice. The design team of this project, led by Arthur O’Brien and his lead International Designer Cybele Fermino have brilliantly worked with their clients to provide a unique design solution that captivates the cosmopolitan international lifestyle of the city incorporated with the existing architectural treasures in one of the world’s great historic cities.
The origin of the Santa Joana dates back to the 17th century, and the hotel will be the first and only urban resort located in one of the most exclusive areas of Lisbon, a city that has become an increasingly popular place to visit in recent years.
The city itself includes a mix of traditional architecture and contemporary international culture, and C+W O’Brien Architects ensured through sensitive and innovative design that the scheme became a perfect combination between the historic features of the existing building blended with new modern architecture design.
The Santa Joana Hotel will house over 350 guest rooms and suites will also include other public uses, such as co-working/ café space, restaurants, private swimming pool, spa, gym and internal gardens. The aesthetic of the hotel design includes contemporary interiors that will highlight references of the 17th-century structure, while creating comfort and design statements.
C+W O’Brien Architects was commissioned to design the hotel in 2018, thanks to their multidisciplinary team, international talent and their close relationship with European partners. C+W O’Brien Architects have managed to exceed their client’s expectation by delivering an optimal arrangement with protected structural integrity and modern architectural solutions.