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The Sunday Business Post Date, November 21, 1999

In a neighbourhood of similar looking houses stacked upon each other with little room to run, one extension sits alone. A converted garage set amidst a Japanese garden in the Dun Laoghaire district of Mountown successfully moulds the outer environment with the inner one. The designer of this secluded structure of Dublin's Box Architecture, was recently honoured with the Opus Building of the Year Award for the six-month old work which cost just £20,000 to build.

Box said he was "delighted" to win the award, not only because it generated three jobs, but because it reflects a "value on smaller work". The 300 - square foot extension encompasses a patio and small room that provide a sense of serenity and an ideal spot for meditation. Ironically, the space that Oliver and Carol Whelan originally intended to create an air of privacy is now the focus of increased attention and interested visitors.

But that doesn't bother the couple. The owners of the re-modelled 1950's home, in which they have resided for about seven years, are very complimentary when they speak of box's creation. And they say they are pleased with the award. Besides providing an attractive selling point for potential buyers someday, the recognition of "box's baby" is well deserved in their opinion. The small project was selected among 67 entries for the award in the houses under £200,000 category.

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