Wicklow architect earns international acclaim with top Australian awards
Today at 03:00
Arklow native Alan J. Duffy, principal architect at Architectus, has brought international pride to Ireland, securing Australia's prestigious South Australia state medal for the cutting-edge Flinders University Health and Medical Research Building (HMRB) in Adelaide.
The project claimed three additional accolades, including the Dr John Mayfield Award for Education Architecture, The Robert Dickson Award for Interior Architecture and the Award for Sustainable Architecture at a ceremony celebrating design excellence.
This triumph marks a milestone for Duffy and Architectus, highlighting Irish ingenuity in world architecture.
Duffy's journey began in 1991 with an all-Ireland gold medal for art at St. Kevin's CBS, Arklow, igniting his creative passion. Later named 'Arklow Person of the Year,' he credits this recognition for fuelling his confidence to represent Irish architects internationally.
'Winning these awards for the HMRB is a proud moment,' Duffy said. '
'I'm honoured to showcase Irish architectural talent on the world stage, inspired by my Wicklow roots.'
Praising the HRMB, which was designed to advance medical research through innovative design and functionality, the jury stated: 'This project masterfully integrates sustainable principles, collaboration, and cultural connection to enhance well-being, setting a benchmark for holistic educational architecture.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Journal
7 hours ago
- The Journal
Healthcare workers march for Gaza in Dublin
IN DUBLIN'S CITY centre, healthcare workers gathered holding placards and Palestinian flags to protest against Israel's onslaught in the besieged Gaza Strip. The protestors, organised by Irish Healthcare Workers for Palestine, began their march in solidarity with their colleagues in Gaza and their patients at 1pm this afternoon, beginning from outside the RCSI on St Stephen's Green. A number of traditional Irish musicians played for the protestors before they began. They walked in silence down Grafton Street. Advertisement Irish healthcare workers Gemma Healy with Laura Gilen from Mayo and Denise Donnellan from Galway at Stephen's Green. Sasko Lazarov / © Sasko Lazarov / © / © A spokesperson for the organising group said that they were marching against Israel's killing of healthcare workers in Gaza and the starvation of civilians within the territory. 'Our healthcare colleagues in Gaza are being killed, abducted, tortured and starved – because they are healthcare workers. We are watching them die before our eyes, collapsing at work, telling their children to lick salt to stave off hunger. 'We are watching them trying to mend the broken wasted bodies of patients who can't heal because they are so malnourished.' Sasko Lazarov / © Sasko Lazarov / © / © The group said that there was little they could do without the support of the government, and called on the government to take further action on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Among their requests was a call to enact the Occupied Territories Bill, which has been repeatedly delayed and revised since its introduction in 2018 by Senator Frances Black. The bill would ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Irish Sun
14 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Major blow for Irish families as Laya to hike health insurance prices in weeks with some plans scrapped
Premiums are set to increase by an average of 4.5 per cent PRICE HIKES Major blow for Irish families as Laya to hike health insurance prices in weeks with some plans scrapped HEALTH insurers Laya Healthcare are set to raise their prices in weeks - with some families facing hikes of over 700. Premiums are set to increase by an average of 4.5 per cent on a number plans from October. 2 Laya healthcare is increasing rates on a number of plans Credit: Laya These increases will only apply to new policies and renewals from October and existing policyholders unaffected. Advertisement The health insurer is also retiring 10 of its existing policies. Any customers with these existing plans will automatically be switched to an equivalent plan on their renewal date. Laya will legally need to contact these customers and offer alternative options with similar benefits. Health Insurance Expert Dermot Goode said the hikes were 'expected as they're following previous trends' of increasing rates twice per year - in April and October. Advertisement The previous increase was an average 6.6 per cent which occurred in April 2025. Mr Goode said: 'This average of this latest increase is 4.5 per cent. However, members need to be wary of these average figures as the actual increase on their plan may be significantly higher 'The reason for the increase is the rising cost of claims, especially from the private hospital sector. 'It appears that all insurers are still struggling to contain these costs especially as members want access to the new emerging treatments, drug therapies and technology.' Advertisement The insurance pro said some plans will not be increasing at all such as Assure Protect, Inspire and Inspire Plus. He said: 'The Signify Care scheme will increase by c. €54 per adult or €80 for a typical family, in line with the average. 'Other plans such as Simply Connect Plus will see a much higher increase, i.e. €289 for an adult or €716 for a family (12 per cent). 'Another plan, Momentum will increase by €283 or 10 per cent for a single adult.' Mr Goode said the advice to all consumers now is to 'never just accept these increases' and 'don't allow your cover to auto-renew'. Advertisement He continued: 'Members have six weeks now to engage with the insurer to source alternative, better value, cover. 'Always disclose your budget and challenge the insurer to find you a similar cover that fits this.' OPTIONS All insurers including Laya will be launching a range of lower cost options to help consumers who will struggle to afford these hikes. Mr Goode added: 'Unfortunately more increases are expected as insurers look to review their rates in advance of the peak renewal period when half the market or c. 1.25 million members look to renew their cover 'These latest increases may be less for families as Laya is introducing some discounted offers for children under 18.' Advertisement Managing Director of Laya healthcare D.O O'Connor told RTE that the cost of delivering healthcare is "going up across the world, and Ireland is no exception". He said: "Demand for health services is at an all-time high, particularly in the private and hi-tech hospital settings where we're seeing a 14.8 per cent increase in 2025 claim costs (year-to-date) when compared to last year. "While advances in medical technology and new therapies are delivering welcome improvements in health outcomes for our members, this comes at the highest cost we've seen in over 25 years. "Our product review aims to strike a careful balance between delivering fast access to healthcare while safeguarding affordability of cover for our members. " 2 Laya Healthcare will introduce the new dates from October 1 Credit: Laya Healthcare
The Journal
17 hours ago
- The Journal
HIQA confirmed two new children's care homes on same day it said operator breached standards
THE OPERATOR OF a number of private care homes for children with disabilities was given permission to open two new homes on the same day that a report detailed a number of breaches of standards at an existing site. Inspectors at a care home for children with disabilities in April said Irish company Lotus Care Ltd was not compliant with a number of care standards and that development plans for residents were not properly completed. The firm, who owns and operates a number of centres in the midlands, had previously been told to make improvements to a child's timetable at a different facility earlier this year, after inspectors found it repeated for months on end – except for one trip to the zoo . The Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa), the agency in charge of inspecting and monitoring residential care centres for children, did not explain why it approved two new sites owned by Lotus Care Ltd when asked by The Journal. An inspection report at Lime Tree Lodge in Co Offaly, published on 18 July, detailed that staff had no received proper training in a number of skills. It also highlighted governance failures in respect of this oversight. A Lotus Care spokesperson has said it welcomed Hiqa's review of Lime Tree Lodge and 'fully accepts the findings of the inspection report'. The firm noted that the majority of the inspector's findings were 'overwhelmingly positive'. On the same day the report was uploaded to Hiqa's website, the authority also published documentation showing that it had approved two new sites operated by Lotus Care, Willow Brook in Co Laois and Cedar Lodge in Offaly. Willow Brook was approved exactly three months after the unannounced inspection at Lime Tree Lodge and Cedar Lodge was fully registered the day before the review was made public. A spokesperson for Hiqa said that providers are obliged to apply to register all new centres with the authority, adding that an operator's fitness and ability to comply with standards is also examined prior to approval. Advertisement Hiqa's Chief Inspector of Social Services Finbarr Colfer, who has the responsibility to approve new centres, recently told the Oireachtas that meeting and being compliant with care requirements are the basic standards for all providers . The Ombudsman for Children's office told The Journal that the state has a 'duty' to protect the rights of children with disabilities who are cared for outside their homes, in respect of education, healthcare and participation in society. 'Standards and inspections are a crucial part of the delivery of high-quality care and ensure the continual improvement in service delivery for children,' it said, adding that the state must also 'ensure they receive high-quality care'. Despite being the watchdog of residential care centres, such as nursing homes, Colfer also told the Oireachtas that Hiqa does not have legislative powers to regulate facilities for children . While HIQA carries out inspections on the facilities, it is unclear which agency regulates them as both the HSE and Tusla have told The Journal they do not. The unannounced inspection at Lime Tree Lodge, carried out in April, found that the two residents living there at the time were relaxed and happy. They also noted that the staff were aware of their needs, preferences and interests. It added, however, that staff members were not properly trained in fire safety, medicine administration or manual handling skills. Inspectors noted governance and managing failures in respect of the scheduling of training for staff. They added that development plans for the two children needed to be improved. Lotus Care said it fully accepts Hiqa's findings. Lotus Care told The Journal that management took 'immediate action' and that all staff received the necessary fire safety training within 48 hours of the inspection's completion. 'Lotus Care is committed to quality improvement and ensuring all in our care receive the opportunity to reach their full potential,' it added. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
