Rosemount engineering student wins Future Timber Design Award
A Rosemount engineering student has been recognised at the inaugural Future Timber Design Awards for his innovative approach to sustainable construction using Irish-grown timber.
Jason McHugh Dolan was announced as one of the University of Galway winners at the national awards initiative, developed by Forest Industries Ireland (FII) with support from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The awards aim to encourage sustainable and innovative timber construction by linking academic study with practical, real-world design challenges for students of architecture, engineering and related disciplines at the University of Galway and TU Dublin.
Currently studying for a Master of Engineering (Civil) degree at the University of Galway, Jason received an Honourable Mention for Best Use of Irish Cross Laminated Timber.
His project explored the use of timber as both a structural and architectural material, with a particular emphasis on homegrown timber and the practical challenges involved in modern construction and design.
Mark McAuley, Director of Forest Industries Ireland, praised the standard of work submitted by students and highlighted the importance of developing sustainable building methods for the future.
“I am heartened to see the level of innovation and enthusiasm towards modern methods of timber construction amongst our next generation of architects, engineers, manufacturing and timber processing professionals, including Jason McHugh Dolan,” he said.
Presenting the award at a ceremony in the University of Galway, Des O’Toole, Head of Marketing and Promotion at Coillte Forests, said the initiative demonstrated the value of collaboration between industry and higher education in supporting future talent.
Commending Jason, Dr Patrick McGetrick, Associate Professor, School of Engineering at the University of Galway, said: “We’re extremely proud of Jason McHugh Dolan and all the winners of the very first year of these exciting awards.
"An astonishing level of work and effort was put in by our students to create innovative and clever designs showcasing the vast opportunities that homegrown timber-based construction offers.
"As a university, we worked closely with the FII to devise a competition brief that fits within our coursework aligned with timber engineering and design, as we understand the importance of creating a pipeline of future talent to address sustainability concerns in the industry.”
Students taking part in the competition were given 18 weeks to develop and design their projects, with support provided through Q&A sessions, guest lectures and digital learning resources focused on sustainable timber systems.
Entries were judged by University of Galway lecturers alongside representatives from Forest Industries Ireland. The overall competition winner received a trophy and €500, while a number of additional cash prizes were also awarded.