Designs for Learning

Designs for Learning

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Hamilton Architects is a leading architectural practice with over 50 years of experience in designing exceptional learning environments across the UK and Ireland.

Our dedicated education team specialises in creating innovative, inclusive, and future-proof spaces tailored to the evolving needs of students, educators, and communities.

An extensive portfolio underlines our expertise in creating cutting-edge designs which deliver transformative learning spaces that promote positive teaching and student well-being experiences.

We work with all sectors - early years, primary, special needs, secondary and higher education – integrating forward-thinking concepts with practical functionality.

Sustainability is embedded in our approach.

Whether designing newbuilds, extensions or refurbishments, we champion environmental responsibility through Passivhaus, BREEAM and low-carbon strategies, ensuring our buildings make a lasting, positive impact on both people and place.

Our ethos is to listen, interpret, discuss and agree

Introduction

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Above: Canterbury Christ Church University, England Cover: Erne Campus, South West College, Northern Ireland

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Bespoke des

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sign solutions

Holy Trinity College, Cookstown

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Hamilton Architects brings visions to life with the creation of unique design solutions for each education project which meet and exceed client expectations.

As one of the leading designers in the UK and Ireland, our mission is to turn aspirations into action, whether the requirement is for a dynamic primary school, a cutting-edge secondary school, or an exemplar hi-tech university.

No detail is overlooked to ensure our educational facilities sit comfortably in their environs, from newbuilds in rural landscapes, to shared spaces

and special places in urban neighbourhoods, to historic buildings in busy cityscapes.

Every client is unique. So is every project.

Thanks to over half a century’s experience in the sector, we understand that a school is much more than a building; it’s an environment for learning, growing, and experimentation which will shape generations to come.

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Above: St Malachy’s Primary School Right: St Louis’ Grammar School, Kilkeel Left: The William J Clinton Leadership Institute at Riddel Hall for Queen’s University Belfast

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Greenmount College, Northern Ireland

y and

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Energy efficiency, sustainability, carbon footprint, and environmental protection are prime considerations in the design of all our education schemes.

Passivhaus, BREEAM and net zero mitigation standards are addressed from design concept to project delivery, with measurable outcomes demonstrating a tangible difference to the lives of their users and community.

The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise’s Greenmount Campus (below) will utilise leading building design principles and renewable energy technologies, setting a benchmark for sustainability in educational facilities.

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Erne Campus, our Passive House Premium project for South West College, is an inspirational building of international significance in terms of sustainability, renewables and low carbon emissions. It was the world’s first educational Passive House Premium rated building and the first in the UK to achieve both PHP and BREEAM Outstanding accreditations. Recognised for its excellence, Erne Campus was awarded RICS Project of the Year, reinforcing its status as a pioneering model for the future of education buildings.

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Greenmount (top right) is set to become the most sustainable campus in Europe, while a large pv array and innovative curved design (left and above) make the Passivhaus Premium Erne Campus of South West College a global trendsetter.

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Collaborative spaces

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Ulidia Integrated College, Northern Ireland

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School design is moving away from the traditional classroom approach to embrace the creation of true learning landscapes which enable students to achieve optimum educational success.

Innovative spaces inspire, engage and motivate while offering the flexibility for both formal and informal learning, group work, individual study, and social activities.

Our strategy for designing newbuild facilities responds to the needs of staff and students while boosting social cohesion with areas that encourage informal interactions and community engagement.

The refurbishment of existing school footprints, while challenging, offers our designers an exciting opportunity to explore the re-imagining and re-use of interior and exterior space.

Innovative thinking in education design creates collaborative spaces which excite, engage and inspire, while also providing opportunities for social interaction and community use.

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Technology a Innovation

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Innovation drives modern education design, and at Hamilton Architects we embrace the latest advancements to create intelligent, efficient, and future-ready learning environments. Our architects are experts in using emerging techniques to design education facilities like the Verena Holmes STEHM building for Canterbury Christ Church University (below) which are visually attractive as well as functional, efficient and

good for the environment. By leveraging BIM Level 2, immersive VR simulations, and interactive digital interfaces, we optimise every stage of the design process to deliver high-performance spaces that enhance both teaching and learning. Our commitment to innovation ensures that every school we design is not just built for today but ready to evolve to meet the needs of tomorrow.

Left: Holy Trinity College Below: Mary Queen of Peace Primary School

London

Belfast

3rd Floor, 8 Staple Inn Holborn, London WC1V 7QH TEL: +44 (0)20 3794 9489

Hamilton House, 3 Joy Street Belfast, Northern Ireland BT2 8LE TEL: +44 (0)28 9033 4250

design@hamiltonarchitects.co.uk www.hamiltonarchitects.co.uk @HamiltonArchLLP Hamilton Architects LLP