Arcadia 10 Spring 2024

INSPIRING ARCHITECTURE FROM HAMILTON ARCHITECTS

SPRING 2024

Ulidia Integrated College

Newforge Shared Space

Educational projects put practice in a class of its own

Hamilton Architects has enjoyed a great start to 2024, with significant growth in all areas of the practice and exciting new projects coming on line.

The official ministerial opening of the groundbreaking Limavady Shared Education Campus marks a unique milestone in crosscommunity education in Northern Ireland which sees St Mary’s and Limavady High Schools sharing facilities on both sites.

Our Education Portfolio currently has a number of important projects in progress, including Atlantic Technological University, Donegal, St Louis Grammar School, Kilkeel, CAFRE at Greenmount, Ulidia Integrated College, and Holy Trinity College.

Also up and running is Newforge Shared Space in South Belfast, a project which saw the transformation of a formerly restricted site into a visionary sports and leisure facility that aims to help build peace and reconciliation in communities across Northern Ireland and the border areas.

Sports projects have always formed an important component of our portfolio and, closer to home, we are delighted to be working to deliver state-of-the-art new grounds and facilities for Glentoran FC and Ards FC.

Our iconic projects continue to capture the attention of judges of various awards schemes. Erne Campus of South West College was a finalist in this year’s BAYA awards in Dublin, while The Workhouse Enniskillen is a finalist in two categories of the 2024 RICS Awards.

We are working to continue growing our portfolio in London and the south-east, and our office at 8 Staple Inn, which opened late last year, is already expanding with the recruitment of two new staff members.

It all adds up to a very busy Spring period for Hamilton Architects – more details of these and other exciting projects, as well as links to our other specialist magazines and portfolios in this edition of Arcadia!

The Partners

Limavady Shared Education campus

Holy Trinity College

Princess Royal visits two iconic, award-winning Hamilton Architects projects

Two iconic Hamilton Architects projects –Erne Campus and The Workhouse Enniskillen – have been visited by the Princess Royal.

Princess Anne met with students, staff, community leaders and industry partners and commended South West College on its diverse curriculum and sustainability initiatives.

The royal visitor enjoyed a tour of the Workhouse, restored and extended by the practice, and found out more about the energy-

saving credentials of the multi award-winning Passive House Premium campus.

A tree was planted in the grounds of the college, to commemorate the visit.

In other news, The Workhouse Enniskillen (delivered for Kriterion Conservation Architects) has reached the finals of the RICS Awards 2024 in two categories – Heritage, and Revitalisation/Refurbishment.

The restoration project has transformed the Grade B2 listed Victorian building into a heritage centre and business hub. The ground floor offers a mixed-use exhibition, reminiscence and display space. The first floor was revitalised into a state-of-the-art hub for business innovation and enterprise.

The main workhouse was demolished in 1964, with the surviving entrance block becoming part of the old Erne Hospital. When the hospital closed 10 years ago, the building was identified as being at risk and in need of urgent repair.

The RICS judging process culminates in a Northern Ireland regional finals event in June. Winners of the NI finals go forward to compete at the RICS national finals in London in October. Finally, Hamilton Architects were delighted to reach the finals of the all-island Building & Architect of the Year Awards 2024 with our entry in the Educational category, Erne Campus.

Erne Campus is a state-of-the-art educational facility with Passive House Premium status and one of the UN’s 26 buildings worldwide with High Performance status.

Winners of some 20 categories, including Commercial, Office, Health, Tourism and Conservation, were announced at a gala awards ceremony at the Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin.

Find out more about our expertise and iconic projects by clicking on the links below!

Passive House Premium brochure

Education Brochure

Showcase Brochure

Conservation Brochure

New era dawns for Newforge with a visionary shared sports space

A visionary multi-million pound sports scheme in South Belfast has created a unique shared space which aims to help build peace and reconciliation in communities across Northern Ireland and the border areas.

A 16ha formerly restricted site at Newforge has been transformed through delivery of a 5,286m2 sports and leisure complex which includes a sports hall, fitness suites, treatment rooms, changing facilities, and office & conference space.

Hamilton Architects led the team that delivered the project, which also boasts four function suites catering for up to 250 people, with wheelchair access, first floor lift and ample complimentary car parking on site.

Newforge Shared Space seeks to support the transition to a more cohesive society by driving inclusion of marginalised groups, generating meaningful cross-community interactions, and supporting those affected by strife.

The complex caters for the public, youth groups, schools and churches, as well as past and present members of the security forces and emergency services of Northern Ireland and Ireland, regional peace & reconciliation programmes, and local/visiting sports clubs.

Helmed by Newforge Community Development Trust, the project was supported by funding from the EU’s PEACE IV Programme, with match-funding provided by the Department for Communities NI, the Department of Rural and Community Development in Ireland, and funding from Sport Northern Ireland’s MultiFacility Fund.

Unique shared education campus officially opens to Ministerial acclaim

A unique historic shared education campus in Limavady designed by Hamilton Architects has been officially opened by the First Minister and Deputy First Minister.

Education Minister Paul Givan accompanied Ministers Michelle O’Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly to view the campus, which amalgamates the St Mary’s and Limavady High School sites with a range of new shared facilities.

These include a shared 6th Form media and careers suite on the St Mary’s site and shared STEM facilities on the Limavady High School site.

Mr Givan said: “This is a hugely significant milestone for the St Mary’s and Limavady High Schools and the wider community, as this is the first shared campus in Northern Ireland.

“Schools are very much the hub of any community. This investment will have a major impact within Limavady and beyond, promoting good relations and creating many positive outcomes.”

Left: Darren Mornin, Principal Limavady HS; Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly; Lord Caine, NIO; First Minister Michelle O’Neill; Education Minister Paul Givan; and Rita Moore, Principal St Mary’s HS.

“ “ Cutting edge buildings and refurb for St Patrick’s, Crossmaglen

A planning application has been submitted for new buildings and refurbishment for St Patrick’s Primary School and Irish Medium Unit in Crossmaglen.

Hamilton Architects is leading an Integrated Consultant Team for the development of the new teaching facilities and associated siteworks for Gaelscoil Phadraig Naofa.

The proposal encompasses alterations to the entrance and administration areas, a new classroom block to provide teaching and resource spaces, and a new multipurpose hall.

Game on for new era for Ards FC

Hamilton Architects have submitted a planning application on behalf of Ards Football Club for a new Premiership-ready stadium in Newtownards.

The 2,000-capacity grounds will include two stands with 830 seats, changing rooms, floodlights, and a shared car park at the Floodgates, a six acre plot of Council-owned land next to their traditional home of Castlereagh Park.

Consultations were undertaken to ensure as many stakeholders as possible had their say in the design and its integration into the local setting. It is hoped planning permission will be secured in the near future.

Ards Chairman Warren Patton said: "We look forward to working with Ards and North Down Borough Council and all the people of Ards area as we aim to make our dream of returning home a reality."

The proposed design provides a long-awaited permanent base for the thriving senior and junior teams as well as allowing the club to work with schools, youth groups, sports clubs, and sports organisations to develop a true stadium for the community.

Ards FC was formed in 1900 at Ards Recreation Grounds before moving in 1923 to Castlereagh Park at Portaferry Road, 500m north of the proposed development site. Since 2001, Ards have played home games at Solitude, Taylor's Avenue, Dixon Park, and Clandeboye Park.

Stakeholders agree design for top class school for St Louis’ Grammar, Kilkeel

Plans have been unveiled for a new school building for St Louis’ Grammar School, Kilkeel, designed by Hamilton Architects.

After extensive stakeholder consultation, a design was agreed which will deliver a high-performance school and sports facility for 860 students on the current site at Newry Road.

A primarily 2-storey building will incorporate a single-storey block to the west with panoramic views of the countryside and Carlingford Lough. The first floor features changing rooms and PE accommodation leading to a terrace area for spectator viewing over the GAA pitch.

A hard play area in the south-facing central courtyard will benefit from passive surveillance from overlooking classroom wings, while showcasing the backdrop of a wooded motte.

The existing vehicular access point from the main road is to be retained and widened to accommodate a new entrance with right and left turn exit lanes. Visitor parking and pupil drop-off areas on the left are conveniently located near the main entrance of the new building.

Buses will drop off on the west side, serving both the pupil entrance and the SMA and Technology block. A service road along the motte's edge toward the existing groundworks store is also planned.

Staff and student parking along the western boundary of the site will be at a lower level, screened by vegetation and planting.

External sports pitches will be grouped together to the east and south, allowing for clear demarcation of secure fence lines for pupil and public areas.

Future considerations for expansion include a rear extension which connects the two classroom wings at first floor level, facilitating a rotational flow of internal circulation.

Construction will be executed in four principal phases to minimise disruption.

It is hoped that when the new school is completed it will allow St Louis to resume its role at the heart of Mourne, with second-to-none sports facilities that will benefit not just pupils, but also the wider community.

Highly sustainable campus for Greenmount underway

Hamilton Architects have submitted a planning application for the redevelopment of the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Greenmount campus on the current site outside Antrim.

The practice will lead the team to deliver a 15,000m2 highly sustainable campus that embodies local heritage and a sense of character within Greenmount’s mature landscaped setting.

Our concept design envisions the consolidation of the Greenmount’s Campus around a series of landscaped courtyards. Three proposed buildings consist of a 200-bed student accommodation building with residents’ leisure and social spaces, a teaching building with a range of educational facilities, and a central hub encompassing offices, reception, dining hall and conference centre.

The concept design has been developed in accordance with PassivHaus Premium and BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ sustainability and energy strategies.

Landscaping and visitor parking will also be provided, along with secure, attractive pedestrian thoroughfares with Wi-Fi connectivity and educational zones.

The design reflects local heritage and a sense of character

Photo - Tony Mairs Photography

Work nearing completion on €7.8m Bushmills creative hub

The new Courthouse Shared Space Creative Hub in Bushmills is nearing completion. Work on the exterior envelope of the project has finished, with focus now shifting to the inside of the building.

The Enterprise Causeway project is transforming the Victorian Grade B1 listed courthouse with a sensitive restoration and construction of a new, three-floor extension to the rear designed by Hamilton Architects.

The 15,600 sq ft complex will offer the local community a variety of amenities such as a messy studio, café, meeting and event spaces, retail, and 15 workshop spaces.

Funding for the €7.8m project was provided through the EU PEACE IV Programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body, with match-funding from the Department for Communities NI and the Department of Rural and Community Development Ireland.

Top UU Students Win Hamilton Architects Bursary Award 2024

ATM students Zara Jones and Sinead Duffy; Hamilton Architects Partner Graeme Ogle; and Architecture students Lloyd Andrews and Hoklim Lui

Four Ulster University students - two Architecture and two Architecture Technology & Management undergraduates - have won Hamilton Architects Bursary Awards 2024.

The Award gives each student £1k cash and an offer of a placement year out with the practice. The winners were selected from outstanding projects they submitted as part of their coursework at UU.

Graeme Ogle, Partner, presented the students with their bursaries after a final review held at the Belfast Campus in which finalists presented their projects, answered questions, and enjoyed an informal networking lunch.

“I have followed and supported the project work of the UU students over the past few months and I have been highly impressed by their enthusiasm, dedication and talent,“ said Graeme. “It’s fair to say it was difficult to pick the winners!

“The practice is keen to support young architects and ATMs as they learn the skills they need to bring their valuable contribution to the sector on this island and farther afield. We look forward to welcoming them into the practice, so we can continue helping them along their career path.”

Photo - Tony Mairs Photography

Game on with completion of new astro turf pitch for Ulidia

To see a video of the latest progress on Ulidia Integrated College, click here

Pupils are already enjoying the new astro turf pitch at Ulidia Integrated College, Carrickfergus, with hopes that first teaching in the new school can begin in the autumn term.

Construction is well underway at Victoria Road on the threestorey, 10,314m2 build, led by Hamilton Architects, which will deliver 43 classrooms and ancillary facilities for around 700 pupils.

The Fresh Start programme is supporting funding for the project, which includes state-of-the-art 3G pitches, a new Technology and Design suite, a dedicated study and wellbeing space for Sixth Form, and a new library with spectacular views over Belfast Lough.

“Ulidia’s current buildings were built to house only around two thirds of the current population of the College and are no longer

fit for purpose,” said principal Michael Houston. “The build is much needed to meet the demands of our broad curriculum which offers both Grammar and All Ability Pathways for learning.

“Ulidia Integrated College is working hard to ensure that our young people get the best possible educational opportunities in Northern Ireland, and this stunning new building will help us get a step closer to that goal.

“Although Ulidia remains heavily oversubscribed, it is important to note that this build will cater for our current numbers, giving them the facilities and classrooms that other similar sized schools already have.”

Mr Houston added: “These are exciting times for Ulidia Integrated College and for integrated education in the Carrickfergus area.”

Key messages emerge from QUB carbon reduction conference

Architect Kevin McPeake attended the recent inaugural Sustainable Construction Conference, held by Queen’s University Belfast.

The half-day event at Riddel Hall (refurbished and extended by Hamilton Architects) was designed to deepen delegates’ knowledge of reducing carbon in buildings, with a particular focus on embodied carbon.

Climate Change Act targets require Northern Ireland to reduce our carbon emission by 48% by 2030. The UK as a whole is aiming for Net Zero Emissions by 2050.

The

“The conference was delivered by a great line up of speakers who shared real insight into the impact of embodied carbon within the buildings and structures designed by architects,” said Kevin.

“One of the key messages I took away is that a collaborative approach is required by

all stakeholders, right from the initial design stages. This is fundamental if we are going to meet the targets set by the Climate Change Act.”

Speakers included Debbie Caldwell, Climate Commissioner, Belfast City Council; Dr Joe Jack Williams, Partner, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios; Una Barrett, KTP Associate, QUB; and Gary Clark, Principle Lead for Science and Technology, HOK.

Hamilton Architects recognise that the design of energy efficient buildings for our cities and towns is a huge, but imperative, task. Our work on the Passive House Premium Erne Campus for South West College in Northern Ireland is just one, albeit world-beating, example of our design work in this field.

We are delighted that so many staff who join the practice choose to remain with us, growing their experience and expertise alongside Hamilton Architects. We asked three colleagues who have just notched up five years for their most significant learning during that time…

ive-year anniversary advice

Andrew McKee (left)

Architectural Technologist

One thing I’ve learnt is that there is something new to learn every day! I have been involved in numerous, diverse projects and am thrilled to have played a role in the practice’s growth and innovation over the past five years.

Ryan Cuthbertson (centre) Senior Architect

Enjoy the process, take things one step at a time, and the rest will look after itself.

Mark Priestley (right) Associate

My 5 years have flown by. It’s great to be working on a wide range of major projects from schools to regional sports facilities and - after 27 years in the profession - my first footbridge!

RIGHT

Odhran Dunne, head of Visit Derry, and his team outside the new tourism facility.

FAR RIGHT

exhibitions provide a gateway for the exploration of the whole North West.

A fond farewell... Two new team members join the London office

Sadly, we are saying goodbye to two members of staff. We will miss Claudia Cabrera, who leaves us to pursue further studies at the Confluence Institute for Innovation and Creative Strategies in Architecture in France, and Mark McCarron, an Architectural Technology student who will be resuming his studies at Ulster University. Good luck to both of you for your future endeavours!

We are delighted to welcome two new members of staff – both Part 1 Architectural Assistants - to the London office.

Chloe Kenyon is an undergraduate architecture student from Northumbria University, Newcastle. Chloe has a passion for designing inspiring spaces and is proficient in architectural drafting, modelling, and visualization rendering software. She enjoys working with multi-disciplinary teams and is looking forward to growing as a

Sailortown reimagining cues exam success for Francis

Congratulations to team member Francis Quinn for his success in his Part II Exams!

Francis achieved a Pass with Merit and a Commendation in Design in the RIBA Diploma (Part 2), through the RIBA Studio Programme.

His impressive design project, Belfast Film Centre: The Road To Everywhere, embraces the potential inherent in Northern Ireland’s emerging film industry by establishing a centre for this burgeoning sector while rejuvenating the historic Sailortown area.

Francis is currently working on a number of projects, and is also awaiting the green light to commence a Professional Practice in Architecture (Postgraduate Certificate – Part 3) at Queen’s University Belfast.

professional and contributing to impactful architectural projects.

Dominik Kurpiel recently completed a BSc in Architecture at the University of Reading. Dominik has experience working with an urban architectural housing firm, where he developed core team working and communication skills. He is looking forward to having the opportunity to evolve and develop his architectural design language with the practice.

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