Finalists for the CIF’s Design a Home for Everyone announced

With entries from over 55 schools nationwide, only three finalists have been selected for the  Construction Industry Federation’s Design a Home for Everyone competition. The event will be streamed on 30 April at 11 am and is open to all viewers who can watch it online.

These three finalists overcame 55 other schools nationwide in the CIF’s national competition aimed at attracting young people into the construction industry. This competition, aimed at Transition Year students, is a team-based project where students nationwide will work together to design a home that helps ‘solve’ climate change, the housing crisis, and addresses inclusivity. The submitted designs needed to be eco-friendly, affordable, and suitable for both elderly people and those with physical disabilities.

The finalists are:

The winning team will have their design rendered into a three-dimensional model, so they can ‘walk’ through the house with a range of ambassadors, politicians, celebrities, parents, and local councillors in late 2021.

In addition, the winning school will receive high end measuring equipment, a laser level, and a masterclass in the use of the equipment as well as wi-fi equipment. The winning team members will have the option of taking a CIF scholarship or access to our apprenticeship programme if they do decide to take a construction-related career route in their future.

“Given all the challenges of the last year, these schools accomplished so much to enter,” said Frank Kelly, President of the CIF. “The standard across all the entries was exceptional, and the judging process was very challenging. We want to recognise and commend all the schools that entered. The finalists demonstrated creativity and innovation in their proposal that could make a major impact on how future housing could be constructed. We are looking forward to crowning the winner on 30 April.”

This programme was developed by “Class Of Your Own” led by CEO Alison Watson MBE in collaboration with TUI, the Techno Teachers Association Ireland, the Engineering Technology Teachers Association and the Institute of Guidance Counsellors. This programme is designed to complement current teaching and career guidance principles.

Entries were reviewed and judged by:

  • Dermot Bannon, Architect and Host of the Room to Improve TV series
  • Carole Smilie, Director, BPL Management
  • Frank Kelly, President of the CIF
  • Orna Hanly, Head of Dublin School of Architecture, TU Dublin
  • Alison Watson MBE, CEO, Class of Your Own
  • John Sweeney, Senior Contracts Manager, Collen Construction