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UK: Queen’s University in Belfast has opened a 16-storey Passivhaus-certified student asset – the first of its kind in the city and the largest in Ireland.
The property, Weavers’ Hall, was constructed by GRAHAM in partnership with a wide specialist supply chain. Located a short walk from Grand Central Station and the university’s main campus, the building includes 459 bedrooms, social spaces, study areas and a ground-floor courtyard.
“Accommodation can add so much to the student experience and Weavers’ Hall is perfectly located for Queen’s students to make the most of this vibrant city,” Queen’s president and vice chancellor Sir Ian Greer said. “It provides a welcoming, modern environment where they can live, study, build friendships and feel part of this incredible University community as they journey through their education.”
The building also utilises an eco-friendly design that uses minimal energy for heating and cooling.
“The methods we developed here, from the external airtight membrane to the semi-centralised ventilation strategy, give us a blueprint for the next generation of sustainable buildings across the UK and Ireland,” said Ciaran Leahy, GRAHAM’s contracts director. “We wish all the students who will call Weavers’ Hall home every success and happiness as they begin this exciting new chapter.”
Highlights:
- Queen’s University Belfast has opened Weavers’ Hall, a 16-storey, 459-bedroom student accommodation building, described as the first Passivhaus-certified student accommodation in Belfast and the largest Passivhaus-certified student accommodation development on the island of Ireland
- Weavers’ Hall is located within walking distance of Grand Central Station and Queen’s University’s main campus, providing students with access to social spaces, study areas and a ground-floor courtyard
- GRAHAM constructed the student accommodation development in partnership with a specialist supply chain, with the building designed around energy-efficient principles that minimise energy required for heating and cooling
- The Passivhaus design incorporates an external airtight membrane and semi-centralised ventilation system, which GRAHAM says could provide a blueprint for future sustainable buildings across the UK and Ireland
- Weavers’ Hall is designed to support student wellbeing and community, with communal areas and social events organised by Queen’s Residential Life team helping residents build connections while living in Belfast
