INSPIRING ARCHITECTURE FROM HAMILTON ARCHITECTS AUTUMN 2022
Joining the festivities was Vickie Lapsley, whose late husband Alan Hamilton founded the practice at Hawarden House in east Belfast, and their sons, Christopher and Richard, who flew in from London for the occasion.
A Golden Year as Hamilton Architects marks 50 Years of iconic design in 2022
Our goal is to produce fine architecture which is sensitive to client requirements as well as making a positive contribution to the built and natural environment. Our ethos is: We are passionate about our designs and forging effective partnerships with clients to match their visions and exceed their expectations.
“Since Alan founded the practice with just a handful of staff, the business has leveraged his vision to grow to its full potential over the past number of decades and today it boasts an impressive portfolio of iconic projects,” said “ThePaul. flagship designs and innovative standout projects we have delivered confirm that we are passionate about our designs while at the same time producing architecture which understands and responds to client “Werequirements.areproud to have made a significant contribution to the built and natural environment of this island and farther afield, and we look forward to a future that promises to be even bigger and brighter than the past 50 years”
Most recently, landmark projects include the world-beating Passive House Premium design for the Erne Campus of South West College; the awardwinning DAERA Headquarters at Limavady; and a £65m hi-tech STEHM facility for Canterbury Christ Church University.
This year, Hamilton Architects has been marking half a century of delivering Commercial, Sports, Educational and Conservation architecture design and building services to clients across Ireland and the UK. Since 1972, our multi-disciplinary practice, based in Belfast and London, has earned a reputation for delivering creative and innovative award-winning projects and is recognised as Ireland’s premier sports stadia designer.
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Our comprehensive portfolio includes flagship commercial and retail buildings, world-class education facilities, state-of-the-art cultural, arts, and community centres, and modern healthcare buildings.
Paul has been joined by fellow Partners Mark Haslett, Graeme Ogle, Michelle Canning and Richard Keys, and a staff of over 35 architects, architectural technologists and specialist technicians, in participating in various anniversary activities over the past nine months.
“It has been an exciting year for the practice as we commemorate our 50th anniversary with staff, professional colleagues and clients,” said Paul Millar, Partner, who started working with the practice as an architectural assistant in 1976.
In June, the team were particularly proud to host a VIP signature event for nearly 100 staff, professional colleagues and clients which was held in the Atrium of the Ulster Museum, which was designed by Hamilton Architects.
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Hamilton Architects marked our 50th Anniversary with a celebratory dinner for staff, colleagues, clients and VIP guests at the Ulster Museum in Belfast, one of our signature projects.
Around 90 staff, colleagues, clients and VIP guests attended the event, which was held in the stunning surroundings of The Atrium, designed by Hamilton Architects in 2009.
The host for the evening was television broadcaster Tina Campbell, who presented the Partners with an artwork of the iconic building to mark the occasion, rendered by local artist and conservation architect Marcus Patton.
A night to remember as friends and colleagues enjoy a very special anniversary celebration at the Ulster Museum
Mark Haslett, Partner, made the signature speech of the evening, followed up by a nostalgic video presentation which paid homage to the practice’s most iconic projects, as well as members of past and current staff teams.
Prosecco Reception in the Window on the World room, with musical accompaniment by noted Irish harpist Lesley Magee, a 3-course dinner was served to music provided by the Dave Howell Jazz Quartet.
Guests were welcomed with a Prosecco Reception in the Window on the World room, with musical accompaniment by noted Irish harpist Lesley Magee, before a 3-course dinner with music from the Dave Howell Jazz MarkQuartet.Haslett, Partner, made the signature speech of the evening, followed up by a nostalgic video presentation which paid homage to the practice’s most iconic projects, as well as members of past and current staff Popularteams.local comic Paddy Raff took to the stage after dinner with a wellreceived musical and stand-up comedy routine which rounded off the evening.
Partner Paul Millar welcomed nearly 100 guests into the stunning surroundings of The Atrium, designed by Hamilton Architects in After2009.a
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Hamilton Architects mark 50 years of design excellence with a night of celebration at the Ulster Museum
Pictured with television presenter and host for the evening Tina Campbell are Hamilton Architects Partners, from left: Paul Millar, Graeme Ogle, Michelle Canning, Mark Haslett and Richard Keys.
Hamilton Architects marked our 50th Anniversary with a celebratory dinner and night of entertainment at the Ulster Museum in Belfast, one of our signature projects.
The host for the evening was television broadcaster Tina Campbell, who presented the Partners with an artwork of the iconic building to mark the occasion, rendered by local artist and conservation architect Marcus Patton.
Partner Paul Millar welcomed guests, including clients who flew in from England, and Vickie Lapsley, wife of the late Alan Hamilton, the founder of the practice, and their sons, Richard and Christopher.
Popular local comic Paddy Raff took to the stage after dinner with a well-received musical and stand-up comedy routine which rounded off the evening.
The Hamilton Architects Partners pictured with Vickie Lapsley.
Hamilton Architects Partners pictured with their partners. Paul Millar, Partner (left) and Mark Haslett, Partner, pictured with Vickie Lapsley, wife of the late founder Alan Hamilton.
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Five decades after the foundation of the practice, the Hamilton Architects team remains passionate about creating outstanding projects – and having fun while doing it! In this pictorial walk down memory lane, we salute the collaborative spirit, comradeship and ‘can do’ attitude that have made working together an unforgettable experience.
Five decades after the foundation of the practice, the Hamilton Architects team remain passionate about working together as a team to create outstanding projects –and having fun while doing it! Here, we salute the team spirit, comradeship and ‘can do’ attitude that have made working together an unforgettable experience. The original Hawarden House and the office which replaced it (right) before the move to the Linen Quarter.
Thanks for the Memories
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In their accolade to Methodist College, the judges said: “The School House is an excellent example of how thoughtful design and excellence of service has reimagined one of Belfast’s most iconic buildings to make it fit for 21st century educational requirements. “Extension, sustainable reuse, and recycling of the building fabric, together with conservation of original features, celebrates the well-loved ‘face’ of the school while respecting the historic integrity of the Queen’s Conservation Area. It is now fit for purpose for the education of whole new generations of students.” Practice scoops 2 out of 6 awards at the NI finals
The judges said: “The Campus, at the heart of the communities in Fermanagh and Tyrone, provides higher education across a range of disciplines, with an emphasis on sustainability and cyber security, to deliver impactful career opportunities for local young people nationally and internationally.”
Hamilton Architects set for London final of RICS Awards 2022
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Erne Campus is the world’s first educational, and currently the largest, Passive House Premium rated building. The first building in the UK to achieve both PHP and BREEAM Outstanding accreditations, yielding an anticipated 90% reduction in energy costs, it provides an international exemplar in the achievement of nearly Zero Energy Building for the Public Sector.
Representatives of Hamilton Architects are heading to London at the end of October for the national finals of the RICS Awards 2022.Two of this standout projects, Erne Campus of South West College and the School House, Methodist College, won the NI titles for best Public Sector project and best Heritage project Ourrespectively.partners for these projects were esc construction (CS/Project Manager) and Bennett Freehill (M&E).
Practice scoops 2 out of 6 awards at the NI
Erne Campus is the world’s first educational, and currently the largest, Passive House Premium rated building. The first building in the UK to achieve both PHP and BREEAM Outstanding accreditations, yielding an anticipated 90% reduction in energy costs, it provides an international exemplar in the achievement of nearly Zero Energy Building for the Public Sector.
Michael Hannaway FRICS, chair of the judging panel, said: “The RICS Awards showcase the most inspirational initiatives across the UK. These winning projects are a true testament to the hard work of property professionals in Northern Ireland.
Representatives of Hamilton Architects are heading to London at the end of October for the national finals of the RICS Awards 2022.Two of this year’s standout projects, Erne Campus of South West College and the School House, Methodist College, won the NI titles for best Public Sector project and best Heritage project Ourrespectively.partners for these projects were esc construction (CS/Project Manager) and Bennett Freehill Michael(M&E).Hannaway
In their accolade to Methodist College, the judges said: “The School House is an excellent example of how thoughtful design and excellence of service has reimagined one of Belfast’s most iconic buildings to make it fit for 21st century educational “Extension,requirements.sustainable reuse, and recycling of the building fabric, together with conservation of original features, celebrates the well-loved ‘face’ of the school while respecting the historic integrity of the Queen’s Conservation Area. It is now fit for purpose for the education of whole new generations of students.” heats
FRICS, chair of the judging panel, said: “The RICS Awards showcase the most inspirational initiatives across the UK. These winning projects are a true testament to the hard work of property professionals in Northern Ireland.
The judges said: “The Campus, at the heart of the communities in Fermanagh and Tyrone, provides higher education across a range of disciplines, with an emphasis on sustainability and cyber security, to deliver impactful career opportunities for local young people nationally and internationally.”
Awards News | RICS 2022
“The pandemic led to the industry facing much uncertainty and challenging conditions, but we were delighted, and very proud, to see such innovative building projects appearing across our cities and towns.”
“The pandemic led to the industry facing much uncertainty and challenging conditions, but we were delighted, and very proud, to see such innovative building projects appearing across our cities and towns.”
School House, Methodist College
Erne Campus, South West College
Project News | Bird College
The existing college buildings are costly to run and no longer fit for purpose, particularly regarding condition, insulation and noise dispersal.
Curtain up on a new era for the famous Bird College
The new scheme comprises three blocks: a dance studio/accommodation block (3 levels & basement plant); a theatre block (3 levels); and a two-storey Wellbeing Centre with dance studios, gym, physio and counselling office.
The Minister said: “The school will provide modern, high quality accommodation which everyone can be very proud of. I fully recognise that schools are very much the hub of any community and this investment will have a powerful impact on the wider local community, creating many positive outcomes, not only through the construction period, but though the wider use of the school.”
Founded in 1946, the College has been recognised for the past 75 years as a centre of excellence for training young people for careers in the entertainment industry.
The new scheme comprises three blocks: a dance studio/accommodation block (3 levels & basement plant); a theatre block (3 levels); and a two-storey Wellbeing Centre with dance studios, gym, physio and counselling office.
There will be car parks and 206 cycles spaces for use by staff, students, and college visitors.
An existing courtyard will be remodelled to create an outdoor performance space with tiered seating. A second courtyard will connect to the other buildings via a new pathway, sheltered walkway and landscaping, to create a clear line of movement through the site.
Education Minister Cuts the First Sod on Our Lady of Fatima PS Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has cut the first sod to mark the beginning of construction works for the new Our Lady of Fatima Primary School, Co Derry.
The design is currently with planners with expectations that the next stage of the project can begin in early summer.
An existing courtyard will be remodelled to create an outdoor performance space with tiered seating. A second courtyard will connect to the other buildings via a new pathway, sheltered walkway and landscaping, to create a clear line of movement through the site.
Many Bird graduates have played leading roles in the entertainment industry across the world, performing in the West End, on Broadway, in films and with classical and contemporary dance However,companies.theexisting college buildings are costly to run and no longer fit for purpose, particularly regarding condition, insulation and noise dispersal.
There will be car parks and 206 cycles spaces for use by staff, students, and college visitors.
Many Bird graduates have played leading roles in the entertainment industry across the world, performing in the West End, on Broadway, in films and with classical and contemporary dance companies.
The design is currently with planners with expectations that the next stage of the project can begin in the autumn.
The £4.7m school, in the townland of Mullaghboy, will be formed from the amalgamation of Listress and Mullabuoy Primary Schools, and provide six new classrooms to cater for up to 125 pupils.
An ambitious project raises the curtain on a new era for Bird College in Sidcup, London, one of the UK’s most highly regarded conservatoires of dance and musical theatre.
Gerry Campbell, Chief Executive of CCMS, said: “The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools is delighted to join with colleagues from DE and EA to officially mark commencement of work at Our Lady of Fatima Primary School…
Founded in 1946, Bird College has been recognised for the past 75 years as a centre of excellence for training young people for careers in the entertainment industry.
Gerry Campbell, Chief Executive of CCMS, said: “The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools is delighted to join with colleagues from DE and EA to officially mark commencement of work at Our Lady of Fatima Primary School… “The new school will not only accommodate the changing demographics of the area but will provide all students with the resources and facilities to thrive, grow and reach their full potential.”
“I fully recognise that schools are very much the hub of any community and this investment will have a powerful impact on the wider local community, creating many positive outcomes, not only through the construction period, but though the wider use of the Gerryschool.”Campbell, Chief Executive of CCMS, said: “The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools is delighted to join with colleagues from DE and EA to officially mark commencement of work at Our Lady of Fatima Primary “TheSchool…new school will not only accommodate the changing demographics of the area but will provide all students with the resources and facilities to thrive, grow and reach their full potential.”
Construction underway for our Lady of Fatima PS
The Minister said: “The school will provide modern, high quality accommodation which everyone can be very proud of. I fully recognise that schools are very much the hub of any community and this investment will have a powerful impact on the wider local community, creating many positive outcomes, not only through the construction period, but though the wider use of the school.”
Construction is well underway (see above) at Our Lady of Fatima Primary School, Co Derry, following a sod cutting by Education Minister Michelle McIlveen early in the summer.
Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has cut the first sod to mark the beginning of construction works for the new Our Lady of Fatima Primary School, Co Derry.
Education Minister Cuts the First Sod on Our Lady of Fatima PS
The £4.7m school, in the townland of Mullaghboy, will be formed from the amalgamation of Listress and Mullabuoy Primary Schools, and provide six new classrooms to cater for up to 125 pupils.
The Minister said: “The school will provide modern, high-quality accommodation which everyone can be very proud of.
The £4.7m school, in the townland of Mullaghboy, will be formed from the amalgamation of Listress and Mullabuoy Primary Schools, and provide six new classrooms to cater for up to 125 pupils.
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HAMILTON ARCHITECTS | ARCADIA | 12 DesIgn TeAM fOR new €9M spORTs cAMpUs fOR ATlAnTIc
The development is supported by national sporting organisations, including the Ladies Gaelic Football Association of Ireland and Cricket Ireland.
TechnOlOgIcAl
Project Architect Mark Priestley has joined the RIAI – the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland. Currently, he is leading the delivery of the new ATU sports hub on the outskirts of Letterkenny, which is still at early stage of its Mark,development.agraduate of QUB, has over 25 years’ experience of working on a variety of large-scale health, education, retail and residential projects throughout GB and Ireland. Other live education projects include St Louis Grammar School, Kilkeel, and St Patrick’s College, Maghera.
RIAI membership allows access to a wide range of services which support the practise of architecture to the highest standards, as well as offering members an opportunity to help communicate the social, cultural, and economic impact of architecture at a local, national and international level.
grass pitches for GAA and soccer, a non-turf cricket pitch, 1,600m2 indoor dome with 4G pitches, training area, hurling/handball wall, outdoor climbing wall, 6-lane athletic sprint track, walking trail loop, outdoor gym, informal cross-country route, children’s playpark and biodiversity garden.
“There is particular interest in improving access to sports provision of targets groups such as women and girls, and to promote equality of sporting opportunity for ATU students as well as users with disabilities.”
Our newest RIAI member will be at the helm of the ATU hub
A 42-acre site at Carnamoggagh/Knocknamona has been earmarked for the development of a sports hub to address a deficit in sports facilities at ATU, and in the local community and wider region.
Completion of accessibility audit training has enabled him to bring that particular expertise to his current project portfolio and he is aiming to achieve NRAC accreditation (National Register of Access Consultants) in the near future.
“The objective of the project is to promote sport while encouraging the growth of community spirit and cohesion in what is a rapidly expanding industrial town with an increasingly culturally diverse population," said Michelle Canning, Partner at Hamilton Architects.
Hamilton Architects have won the contract to lead a design team tasked with the development of a €9m sports campus for Atlantic Technological University.
UnIveRsITy wIll be leD by hAMIlTOn ARchITecTs
“My research aimed to discover the connections between segregated housing and the identity of the city– and whether there any similarities between Belfast and Venice beyond the superficial which could help them to learn from one another.”
Practice welcomes three new faces to team
Andrew was awarded a doctorate by Ulster University for his examination of architectural representation, using the urban development of the City of Belfast as a case Asstudy.well as presenting his research to local students, PLACE and PRONI, he regularly leads heritage focused public and private walking tours for a wide range of institutions, including the RIBA Council and the IHBC.
Canals and Peace Walls under Jonathan’s microscope at 59th Venice Biennale
“I followed up that retrospective with interviews featuring local architectural success stories. From them, I observed how success appears to be based on being in the right place at the right time, as well as having the talent and insight to recognise and seize opportunities as they arise.”
Senior TechnologistArchitecturalSimon Wright has 15 years’ experience in the construction sector, having completed a Building developments.officesshoppingwithandResidential,inHequalificationStudiesatUU.hasparticularexpertisetheCommercial,HospitalitySocialCaresectors,projectsincludingcentres,hotels,andhousing
In August, Jonathan and 59 other successful candidates were connected to a global community of artists and entrepreneurs while working at the British Pavilion as exhibition ambassadors, alongside developing their own personal project.
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Andrew,Architects.who
Read all the series articles so far at www.passoverinsilence.com/articles
Jonathan Wasson, a Part 1 architectural student on placement with Hamilton Architects from Ulster University, was awarded a place on the prestigious Venice Fellowships Programme. The Fellowships offer young students, artists, researchers and professionals an opportunity to spend a month in Venice during the world’s most important art and architecture Candidatesbiennale. for the 59th International Art Exhibition, La Biennale de Venezia 2022, were hand-picked via a competitive application process, with final selection made by the British Council.
Jonathan’s own project is entitled ‘Research into the housing of Venice and Belfast: a comparison’.
Jonathan Greig joins us as a Senior architectureJonathanArchitect.isaQUBgraduate and Chartered andresidential,Withyears’TechnologistArchitecturalwith10experience.experienceacrosscommercialmixed-usesectors, he is a keen advocate of BIM and was invited to tutor on the RIBA Foundation Course.
Dr Andrew Molloy has been invited to contribute a series of retrospective interviews to Perspective, the professional magazine of the Royal Society of Ulster is currently working on a number of important heritage projects, debuted with an appreciation of the life and works of renowned champion of Ulster’s architectural heritage Sir Charles Brett (left).
“Sir Charles, who passed away in 2005, was a solicitor and ‘amateur’ architectural historian who played a key part in the formation of both the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive,” he said.
Project Architect Jonny Spence is a graduate of QUB and UU with experience in multiple building sectors. These include outstanding, diverse projects in the community, commercial and education sectors.
An eye on the past with designs on the future...
“It was a great opportunity to learn from others from diverse disciplines and to engage with an international audience,” said Jonathan. “My aim was to develop my understanding of art and how to translate this into my work, especially through the use of multimedia.”
“While the typology of Belfast and Venice are vastly different, there appear to be similarities,” he explained.
“Housing in Belfast remains ethnically segregated following the conflict, most notably signified by the ‘Peace Walls’ which restrict social interaction and movement between the two communities.
Jonny has extensive BIM experience and a particular interest in design, restoration.managementprojectand
“In Venice, locals are being systematically driven out of their homes due to unaffordable rent as sites are sold off for tourism. Venetians are facing economic migration, depopulation, inadequate social housing and the physical separation of communities due to manmade canals.
London The Broadgate Tower - 12th Floor 20 Primrose Street London EC2A 2EW United Kingdom TEL: +44 (0)20 3794 9489 Belfast Hamilton House, 3 Joy Street Belfast BT2 8LE Northern Ireland TEL: +44 (0)28 9033 4250 Hamilton@HamiltonArchLLPwww.hamiltonarchitects.co.ukdesign@hamiltonarchitects.co.ukArchitectsLLP