The fourth Open House Galway was a bigger event than previous years, including building tours, exhibitions and a talk by Roddy Mannion at the Civic Museum entitled “Galway, A Sense of Place”. Maniion’s talk generated much debate and discussion among those who attended regarding the future development and expansion of Galway.
The “HOUSE” exhibition attracted 300 people to the Centre Pier Building on Friday evening and showcased amazing and innovative homes built in the west in the last 10 years. Over sixty people attended the Passive House Workshop and learnt about designing and building a house that needs no external heat source and therefore no heating bills. Architects gave their advice freely on sat afternoon at the Design Clinics. Elaine Mahoney and the Clever Box Club thrilled enthusiastic children in workshops on Saturday morning.
The fun event of the architectural weekend was certainly the Edible Architecture competition, with wonderful and delicious entries including the Watertower in Clarinbridge, Aviva Stadium in ice (Trappatoni certainly felt the icy breeze, after the Ireland meltdown against Germany !), the Guggenheim and a remarkable winner with GMIT in chocolate.
Mutton Island was booked out as usual, and the architectural building tours were very well attended by an average of 75 people per tour….with special thanks to Mother Collette of the Poor Clare’s who delighted her audience.
The addition of County Properties to Open House’s programme also proved a huge success with over 105 people taking part in the Inis Oirr visits, generating many bed nights on the island, and 130 went to Quarrymount House, with similar visitors elsewhere.
The sun shone on the large number of cyclists who took part in the modern house cycling tour on Sunday morning, viewing 15 innovative and contemporary homes.
Open House wishes to thank all sponsors, the hard working voluntary committee and the wonderful and very pleasant GMIT students who volunteered for the weekend.We estimate over 2000 participants this year.
Source: HortiTrends News Room
