CASE STUDY // Learning

Queen’s Management School

Riddel Hall, Belfast

Project

Queen’s Management School

Location

Riddel Hall, Belfast

Client

Queen’s University Belfast

Contractor / Lead Consultant

Felix O’Hare | Todd Architects

Sectors

Learning

SCOPE

The new Business School at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) aims to create a sustainable, inclusive, and biophilic educational environment within the historic Riddel Hall site. Key objectives include enhancing accessibility, embracing sustainable design principles, and maximizing the use of natural daylight.

Key Features:
  • the new building is subservient to the existing Riddel Hall buildings, preserving the lawn area and mature trees while minimising visual impact within the Stranmillis Conservation Area.- accessible pathways, parking, seating, and entrances, including wheelchair-friendly picnic areas, following current recognised standards for inclusivity.
  • four landscaped outdoor podium spaces featuring geometric planters with sensory planting and an accessible café terrace integrated with the surrounding woodland.
  • high-quality natural stone, clay, and concrete paving and kerbing, including underground tree pits in hard-surfaced areas.
  • long-flowering plants that blend with building aesthetics while supporting biodiversity and providing shade and nesting habitats.
  • use of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS), such as vegetated swales, permeable paving, sedum and wildflower green roofs, along with biodiversity enhancements to support a range of species and achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating.
  • integration of geothermal and air-to-water heat pumps, solar panels, and a natural ventilation strategy to enhance energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint.

OUTCOME

The design team successfully fulfilled the client’s vision by ensuring the building, paths, car park, andbreak-out spaces integrate into the sensitive landscaped setting, fostering a strong connection between users and the surrounding mature woodland.

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