The RIBA has announced the winners of the RIBA Awards 2006. RIBA Awards are given for buildings that have high architectural standards and make a substantial contribution to the local environment. Two buildings in Northern Ireland received awards: The Arches Centre - by Penoyre & Prasad LLP in partnership with Todd Architects; and Triplicate - office fit-out, by Hackett + Hall.

The Triplicate project took an existing loft-space and left the envelope untouched, inserting within it a series of objects to delineate spaces. One of these resembles a small building whichcould be imagined as a pavilion in an open landscape. RIBA decribed it as "a most mature piece of work."

Áras Chill Dara

Of the Arches Centre, RIBA said "This unique scheme will be much visited by those who wish not to copy it, but to find much-needed inspiration for their attempts to push the boundaries and challenge preconceptions of what makes good health-care buildings."

In addition, two projects from the Republic of Ireland were awarded in the RIBA European Awards. Áras Chill Dara by heneghan.peng architects in association with Arthur Gibney & Partners was described as a project "developed with singular confidence and brio."

Poustinia, by Architects Bates Maher was praised for simplicity of detail, "three such exquisite cabins have been built into the hillside, cantilevering over an inspiring view."

Also awarded in the European category were Zaha Hadid for the Phaeno Science Centre; Nicholas Grimshaw for his Caixia Galacia Art Gallery; and Richard Meier & Partners for Frieder Burda Collection Museum in Baden Baden, Germany.