Saoirse, 8, makes design shortlist

Saoirse Hayes, 8, a student in Scoil Naoimh Eltin, Kinsale, has been shortlisted in a schools competition for her design for a rainforest-themed multi-sensory room.

Multi-sensory rooms to engage all five senses are used for helping children suffering from autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorders, and anxiety-related conditions.

From just under 1,000 entries received nationwide, Saoirse’s work is one of the top 10 entries to go forward for final judging in the Fyffes primary school design competition, which invited budding young architects to submit ideas that would provide useful extra school space.

A remodelled shipping container, fitted out to the student’s design, will be installed at the winning pupil’s school. The winner will be announced in earlySeptember.

Saoirse’s second class teacher, Dara-Anne Neary, was delighted but not surprised by the news: “She’s really strong in maths and 3D and her dad is an engineer, so she really could be a budding young architect.”

Snakes, butterflies, monkeys, plants, bookshelves, and a water feature all make an appearance in Saoirse’s colourful design.

“Saoirse’s design had so many very original features, like yoga balls, a water feature and recorded rainforest sounds,” Ms Neary said.

Scoil Naoimh Eltin has eight pupils with ASD, but Ms Neary said the benefits of a multi-sensory room are widespread even for pupils undergoing emotional difficulties, or simply needing a five-minute mental break.

“It started as just a little class project, but I’m really excited about how much this could benefit the school,” she said.

Ms Neary taught her children about multi-sensory rooms before they submitted their drawings, and chose Saoirse’s because it incorporated all five senses.

It was no surprise to her that Saoirse was so inspired by the project: “She’s a lovely very caring child and very sensitive to people with special needs.”