Stephen Carr Architects has taken Building of the Year in Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality at the Building and Architect of the Year Awards 2026, earning the judges' recognition for a hospitality project that demonstrates how sustainability and design excellence can operate as a single, unified ambition.

Hazel Tree Lodge Bunclody impressed the panel for the care and precision brought to every dimension of the project. The judges described it as "careful and thoughtful design" that "balances site impact, materials, and guest experience with exceptional precision," a verdict that reflects both the quality of the architectural thinking and the rigour of its delivery.

The project's sustainability credentials are among the strongest in this year's awards. Exceeding both NZEB and Part L standards, the scheme incorporates energy-efficient systems, low-impact materials, and a renewable-ready design that positions the lodge for long-term environmental performance rather than short-term compliance.

Beyond performance metrics, the integration with the landscape is equally considered. The design's commitment to biodiversity ensures that the building does not simply sit within its surroundings but actively contributes to them, setting a benchmark for how hospitality architecture in Ireland can and should respond to its natural context.

The Building and Architect of the Year Awards 2026 ceremony took place on Thursday, 23rd April 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry.

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