INTERIORS & INTERIOR DESIGN
TODD ARCHITECTS COMPLETES REDBRICK BUSINESS SCHOOL FOR QUEEN ’ S BELFAST UNIVERSITY
The £ 17.5 million business school sits within its south Belfast campus , in front of the Grade II-listed Riddell Hall and enclosed by woodland
The new building , built on a former car park , has teaching , and learning spaces for postgraduate students along with facilities for supporting the school ’ s executive education and leadership programmes , with informal study areas , academic offices , and shared spaces .
Inside the circulation spaces , exposed concrete soffits with floating acoustic ceilings , board-marked concrete walls , timber wall sheeting and terrazzo flooring , create a robust aesthetic . One of the key spaces is a top-lit , triple-height atrium with a feature stair providing access from the ground floor reception to the upper ground level , where informal study booths overlook a landscaped courtyard .
A low-energy , ecologically sensitive design approach was adopted from the outset . One measure taken was a major geothermal heat system . Piles were driven to a depth of 125m in an adjoining field to extract heat from the sandstone substrate and provide low-level constant heat via underfloor heating , resulting in a 60 per cent reduction in carbon emissions .
ARCHITECT ’ S VIEW
“ We presented a plan diagram based on how we envisaged people might move through the building and a conceptual architectural approach that proposed carefully knitting the built form into its landscaped setting .
Externally in respect of materiality , the building echoes the neighbouring , listed Riddell Hall , whilst internally we have sought to ensure a connectivity for users with surrounding mature woodland and other natural finishes .
We promoted a low-energy , ecologically sensitive design approach from the outset , securing a BREEAM Excellent rating , with the building ’ s renewable energy sources including a major geothermal heat system beneath an adjoining lawn and roof mounted arrays of solar / photovoltaic panels ”.
Peter Minnis , project director , TODD Architects
CLIENTS ’ VIEWS
Queen ’ s University Belfast is moving towards net zero , and this building – which uses sustainable ground source heating – is an important part of the journey . The design of the building , which is sleek , contemporary , and future-focused , boasts the scenic quality of being nestled in the trees of the Stranmillis Conservation Area .
The building is helping us a ) grow our international stature and esteem by hosting highprofile events ; b ) expanding our research-led dialogue with the business community by providing space for collaboration and dissemination activities ; and c ) offers a fantastic student experience via tailor-made areas for learning and study .
Professor MN Ravishankar , dean and head , Queen ’ s Business School
The new Queen ’ s Business School is the latest building in Queen ’ s University ’ s capital investment programme to support world-class education and research and provide an exceptional learning environment and experience for its students with this truly iconic building .
Through collaboration and a commitment to excellence , TODD Architects has ensured that this facility will enable the Business School to continue its growth , by attracting the best staff and students from Northern Ireland and around the world , and to produce graduates who will make a positive impact on society .
We are delighted with our new landmark building that will take Queen ’ s Business School into the next phase of its development and serving future generations to come .
Sonia O ’ Hare , school manager , Queen ’ s Business School
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