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PROUD HOMEOWNERS INVITED TO APPLY FOR NEW SERIES OF RTÉ ONE’S HOME OF THE YEAR

PROUD HOMEOWNERS INVITED TO APPLY FOR NEW SERIES OF RTÉ ONE’S HOME OF THE YEAR

 

RTÉ One’s hugely successful television series Home of the Year is back for a third series. The show will feature 21 diverse homes from across the country, seven of which will progress to a grand finale where they will compete for the title of Ireland’s Home of the Year. 

 

The Home of the Year production team is currently looking for homes of all shapes, sizes and styles to apply for series three. Applications are open to all homes across Ireland.  Whether your home is an unusual conversion, a classic restoration, a contemporary new build or a country cottage, it could be Ireland’s next Home of the Year. Details on how to apply are listed below.

Making the tough decisions on which homes go through to the final are our three expert judges; design legend Hugh Wallace, acclaimed architect Declan O’Donnell, and award-winning interior designer Deirdre Whelan. Our panel of expert judges will scour the country looking for homes filled with passion, personality and clever design at all budget levels. 

Last year Egon Walesch and Richard Goodwin’s cabin in the woods in County Westmeath scooped the trophy. Hugh Wallace described the design of the home as “faultless” adding, this home had it all from top to toe, and it was the surprise of opening the door that made it exceptional.” Deirdre Whelan said It was the simplicity of the home, the beautiful flow, the aspect to the water, the fact that they embraced nature into the home” which made it special for her, adding, “I could move in tomorrow!” Declan O’Donnell said; “it was a very special home… it was love at first sight for me.”

Looking ahead to the third series judge Hugh Wallace said; “I’ve been blown away by the creativity, passion and individuality that’s been showcased in Irish homes across the last two series. It’s been a pleasure and a privilege visiting each and every one of them and I’m excited to see what surprises the new series will bring.”

Interior Designer Deirdre Whelan said; Being a judge on RTÉ One’s Home of the Year is truly fantastic. Getting to see such brave design in Irish homes has been inspiring.”

Architect Declan O’Donnell said“One of the things I love about Home of the Year is it shows that everyone, regardless of budget, can use design to make better and happier homes. For me, design and happiness sit side by side, because a home needs to work for the way you live, but also reflect who you are.  Since we’re all so different, this means that behind every front door there is something unique – and that really excites me.”

The eightpart series will be broadcast in spring 2017 and is produced by ShinAwiL LTD for RTÉ. 

 

To apply online go to:  

www.rte.ie/homeoftheyear

or 

email homes@shinawil.com or call 01 2080855 for more information 

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MONDAY JULY 18TH 2016 

Photos of the judges and or winning home from the second series are available on request from rayna.connery@rte.ie

Judges 

Hugh Wallace, MRIAI, MIDI 
Interior Designer and Architect 
Company: http://douglaswallace.com

Hugh Wallace has over 30 years’ experience in the interior design industry, and is world renowned for his insight and knowledge as a leader in design. In 2014 he received a life time achievement for this contribution to the Design Industry in Ireland. Graduating in architecture from Dublin’s Trinity College in 1980, he immediately set up in practice with his then business partner Alan Douglas, a conservation architect. In his own words, “at that time there was no architectural work, only interior design,” so he focused on interiors and soon became the go to man for luxurious design in Ireland. Working at the highest end of residential design in Ireland and aboard, Hugh also works with word renowned brands to create prestigious and glamorous design for exacting clients. His clients include Brown Thomas, The G Hotel, Ritz-Carlton, Dunnes Stores Peter Mark, Harrods and Espa International. Hugh is now working on a number of residential projects in Dubai and Oman while continuing with hotel and residential projects in Ireland. To Hugh, design is about creating a unique environments where people imagination can take flight. The design he creates is about inspiration, desire and a place people are happy and enjoy the result. 

Declan O’Donnell, MRIAI, RIBA 
Architect 
Company: www.odkmarchitects.com

Declan O’Donnell is a highly respected award winning architect based in Dublin. Declan studied architecture at Queen’s University Belfast and the Mackintosh School of architecture in Glasgow. On completion of his Postgraduate Degree he was invited to join the international architecture firm, Foster + Partners in London. During his time there he took a lead role in the design of some of the most significant and challenging projects across the globe at the very cutting edge of contemporary architecture. In 2008 he returned to Dublin to setup ODKM Architects, who have developed a reputation for delivering bespoke eye-catching architecture, and with an impressive selection of residential projects already completed, he has quickly established himself as an Architect with a difference. 

 

Deirdre Whelan 
Company - deirdrewhelandesign.com

Deirdre Whelan is an award winning Interior Designer based in Dublin. Deirdre has over 25 years’ experience in the interior design industry in both residential and commercial projects. 

Having established her own private practise in 1996 she has since collaborated as lead interior designer with a selection of highly respected architectural firms on high end projects including the Clarion Hotel Dublin and Cork, Dublin’s Gibson Hotel, several of Dublin’s best known restaurants and most recently the Marker Hotel in Dublin.