The $100,000 OMG! Fund was organised by Airbnb, the online accommodation website. The company invited entries from architects and designers to present their plans for creating dynamic and creative homes in their chosen locations.
Pol’s winning entry was entitled Caislean Oir — ‘the gold castle’, and a reference to a local Donegal folklore story.
Pol’s drawings and designs encompass his vision to design a retreat in Donegal that would have all the drama of a treehouse, while also being accessible to guests in wheelchairs.This all-inclusive design aims to keep the architectural drama and magic of staying in a treehouse without ever feeling too contrived.
"This design is important because often people with physical disabilities are ostracised or made to experience ‘quirky experiences’ with the aid of very clinical and institutional looking support apparatus," said Pol. "I feel this ‘apparatus-washing’ of inconsiderate design detracts from the experiences on an emotional and immersive level. Good design should make inclusivity invisible for all — so that is the objective here," he continued.
