Arcadia Autumn 2022

INSPIRING ARCHITECTURE FROM HAMILTON ARCHITECTS AUTUMN 2022

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A Golden Year as Hamilton Architects marks 50 Years of iconic design in 2022 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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

“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 Paul.

“The 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 requirements.

“We are proud 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”

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AHamilton night to Architects remember mark 50 years of design as friends and colleagues excellence a night enjoy a verywith special of celebration at anniversary celebration thethe Ulster Museum at Ulster Museum Hamilton Architects marked our 50th Anniversary with a celebratory dinner for staff, colleagues, clients and VIP guests at the Ulster Hamilton Architects marked our 50th Anniversary with a Museum in Belfast, one of our signature projects.

celebratory dinner and night of entertainment at the Ulster The host for eveningone was television broadcasterprojects.

Tina Campbell, who Museum inthe Belfast, of our signature presented the Partners with an artwork of the iconic building to mark the

The host for the evening was and television broadcaster Tina Patton. occasion, rendered by local artist conservation architect Marcus Campbell, who presented the Partners with an artwork of the

Pictured withtelevision television presenter host for Pictured with presenter andand compère forthe the evening evening Tina Tina Campbell are Hamilton Architects Partners, fromleft: left:Paul Paul Millar, Millar, Campbell are Hamilton Architects Partners, from Graeme Ogle, Michelle Canning, Mark Haslett and Richard Keys.

Graeme Ogle, Michelle Canning, Mark Haslett and Richard Keys.

iconic building to mark the occasion, by local Around 90 staff, colleagues, clients and VIPrendered guests attended theartist event,and which was held architect in the stunning surroundings conservation Marcus Patton. of The Atrium, designed by Hamilton Architects in 2009.

Partner Paul Millar welcomed nearly 100 guests into the stunning Partner Paul Millar welcomed guests, including whoArchitects flew in fromin surroundings of The Atrium, designed by clients Hamilton England, and Vickie Lapsley, wife of the late Alan Hamilton, the founder 2009. of the practice, and their sons, Richard and Christopher.

After a Prosecco Reception in the Window on the World room,

Guests were welcomed with a Prosecco Reception in the Window with musical accompaniment by noted Irish harpist Lesleyon the World room, with musical accompaniment by noted Irish harpist Lesley Magee, a 3-course dinner was served to music provided by the Magee, before a 3-course dinner with music from the Dave Howell Jazz Dave Howell Jazz Quartet.

Quartet.

MarkHaslett, Haslett, Partner, made the signature of the evening, Mark Partner, made the signature speechspeech of the evening, followed up by a nostalgic video presentation which paid to the followed up by a nostalgic video presentation which paid homage homage most to theiconic practice’s most iconic projects,ofas well practice’s projects, as well as members past andascurrent members staff teams. of past and current staff teams.

Popularlocal local comic Paddy the after stage afterwith dinner Popular comic Paddy Raff Raff took took to theto stage dinner a wellwith a well-received musicalcomedy and stand-up comedy routine which received musical and stand-up routine which rounded off the evening. rounded off the evening.

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Hamilton Architects Partners pictured with their partners.

The Hamilton Architects Partners pictured with Vickie Lapsley.

Paul Millar, Partner (left) and Mark Haslett, Partner, pictured with Vickie Lapsley, wife of the late founder Alan Hamilton.

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Thanks for the Memories Five decades after the foundation of the practice, the after Hamilton Architectsofteam Five decades the foundation the practice,passionate the Hamilton Architects team remains remain about working together passionate about creating outstanding projects as a team to create outstanding projects – – and having fun while doing it! In this pictorial and having fun while doing it!

walk down memory lane, we salute the Here, we salute thecomradeship team spirit, and comradeship collaborative spirit, ‘can do’ attitude made working together an and ‘canthat do’have attitude that have made working unforgettable experience. experience. together an unforgettable The original Hawarden House and the office which replaced it (right) before the move to the Linen Quarter.

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Awards News | RICS 2022 HAMILTON ARCHITECTS | ARCADIA | 4

Hamilton Architects set for London final of RICS Awards 2022 Practice awardsat atthe theNI NIheats finals Practicescoops scoops 22 out of 6 awards

Representatives of Representatives of Hamilton HamiltonArchitects Architectsare are heading to London at the end heading to London at the endofofOctober Octoberforforthe the national finals of of the the RICS RICS Awards Awards2022.Two 2022.Twoofof standout projects, this year’s standout projects,Erne ErneCampus Campusofof South West College College and and the the School SchoolHouse, House, Methodist College,won wonthe theNI NItitles titlesfor forbest bestPublic Methodist College, Public best Heritage Sector Sector project project and bestand Heritage project project respectively. respectively.

Our for these these projects projectswere wereesc esc Our partners partners for construction (CS/Project Manager) and Bennett construction (CS/Project Manager) and Bennett Freehill (M&E).

Freehill (M&E).

Michael Hannaway FRICS, chair of the judging Michaelsaid: Hannaway FRICS, chairshowcase of the judging panel, “The RICS Awards the panel,inspirational said: “The RICS Awards showcase the most most initiatives across the UK. inspirational initiatives These to These winning projectsacross are a the trueUK. testament winning a true professionals testament to the the hardprojects work of are property in hard Northern Ireland. work of property professionals in Northern Ireland.

School House, Methodist College

“The much “The pandemic pandemicled ledtotothe theindustry industryfacing facing much uncertainty and challenging conditions, but wewe uncertainty and challenging conditions, but were delighted, and very proud, to see such delighted, and very proud, to see such innovative innovative building buildingprojects projectsappearing appearingacross acrossour our cities and and towns.” towns.” cities

Erne Campus Campus is is the the world’s world’sfirst firsteducational, educational,and and Erne currently the largest, Passive House Premium currently the largest, Passive House Premium rated building. building.The Thefirst firstbuilding buildingininthe theUK UKtoto rated achieve both PHP and BREEAM Outstanding achieve both PHP and BREEAM Outstanding accreditations, yielding an anticipated 90% accreditations, yielding an anticipated 90% reduction in energy costs, it provides an reduction in energy costs, it provides an international exemplar in the achievement of international exemplar in the achievement nearly nearly Zero Energy Building for the PublicofSector.

Zero Energy Building for the Public Sector.

The judges said: “The Campus, at the heart of The judges said: “The Campus, at theTyrone, heart of the the communities in Fermanagh and communities in Fermanagh and Tyrone, provides provides higher education across a range of disciplines, with higher education across a range of disciplines, with

an an emphasis emphasison onsustainability sustainabilityand andcyber cybersecurity, security, to deliver impactful career opportunities forfor local to deliver impactful career opportunities local young people nationally and internationally.” young people nationally and internationally.”

In the judges In their their accolade accoladetotoMethodist MethodistCollege, College, the judges said: “TheHouse SchoolisHouse is an excellent said: “The School an excellent example example of how thoughtful and excellence of how thoughtful design anddesign excellence of service of service has reimagined one of Belfast’s has reimagined one of Belfast’s most iconic most iconic buildings it fit century for 21st educational century buildings to maketoit make fit for 21st educational requirements. requirements.

“Extension, sustainable reuse, and recycling of “Extension, sustainable reuse, and recycling of the the building fabric, together with conservation of building together with conservation of ‘face’ original fabric, features, celebrates the well-loved original features, celebrates the the well-loved of the school while respecting historic‘face’ of the schoolofwhile respecting the historic Area. integrity integrity the Queen’s Conservation It isof the Conservation It is now fit for nowQueen’s fit for purpose for theArea. education of whole purpose for the education of whole new new generations of students.” generations of students.”

Erne Campus, South West College

Project News | Bird College

Curtain up on a new era for the famous Bird College 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.

Founded College has has been recognised for the past Founded in in 1946, 1946, Bird the College past 75 years a centre of excellence for training young 75 years as a as centre of excellence for training young people for people in the entertainment careersfor in careers the entertainment industry. industry.

Many Many Bird Bird graduates graduates have have played playedleading leadingroles rolesininthe the entertainment industry across the world, performing entertainment industry across the world, performingininthe theWest West Education Minister Cuts the First Sod on Our Lady of Fatima PS End, End, on on Broadway, Broadway, in in films films and andwith withclassical classicaland andcontemporary contemporary dance dance companies. companies.

However, thecollege existingbuildings college buildings are to no runlonger and nofit The existing are costly to costly runfirst and Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has cut the sod to mark longer fit for purpose, particularly regarding condition, insulation for purpose, regarding condition, and the beginningparticularly of construction works for the new insulation Our Lady of Fatima and noise dispersal. noise dispersal.

Primary School, Co Derry.

The new comprises three blocks: aadance The £4.7m new scheme scheme comprises three dance The school, in the townland ofblocks: Mullaghboy, will be formed studio/accommodation block (3 levels & basement plant); aa studio/accommodation (3 levels & basement plant); from the amalgamation ofblock Listress and Mullabuoy Primary Schools, theatre block (3 levels); and a two-storey Wellbeing Centre theatre block levels); and a two-storey Wellbeing Centrewith with and provide six(3new classrooms to cater for up to 125 pupils. dance studios, gym, physio and counselling office. dance studios, gym, office.

The Minister said: “Thephysio schooland will counselling provide modern, high quality acAn existing courtyard will be remodelled to create outdoor commodation which everyone can be very proud of.

I an fully recognise An existing courtyard will be remodelled to createan outdoor that schools are very with much the hub of anyAcommunity and this will inperformance space seating. performance space with tiered tiered seating.

Asecond secondcourtyard courtyard will vestment will have a powerful impact on the wider local community, connect to the other buildings via a new pathway, sheltered connect many to thepositive other buildings vianot a new pathway, sheltered creating outcomes, only through the construction walkway and landscaping, to create a clear line of movement walkway and landscaping, to create a clear line of movement period, but though the wider use of the school.” through through the the site. site.

Gerry Campbell, Chief Executive of CCMS, said: “The Council for There will be car parks and 206 cycles spaces for use by staff, There will be car parks and 206 cycles spaces for use by staff, Catholic Maintained Schools is delighted to join with colleagues from students, and college visitors. students, collegemark visitors.

DE and EAand to officially commencement of work at Our Lady of The design is currently planners with expectations that the Fatima Primary School…with The design is currently with planners with expectations that the next stage of the project can begin in the autumn. next stage of the project can begin in early summer.

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Education Minister Cuts the First Construction underway for Sod Lady on OurofLady of Fatima our Fatima PS PS

Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has cut the first sod to mark the beginning of construction for the new Our Lady of not Construction is well underway (see works creating many positive outcomes, FatimaatPrimary Derry. only through the construction period, above) Our LadySchool, of FatimaCo Primary School, Co Derry, following a sod The £4.7m school, inMinister the townland of cutting

by Education Michelle Mullaghboy, from the McIlveen earlywill in be theformed summer.

amalgamation of Listress and The £4.7m school, the townland Mullabuoy PrimaryinSchools, and of Mullaghboy, will be formed from the provide six new classrooms to cater amalgamation of Listress and for up to 125 pupils.

Mullabuoy Primary Schools, and The Minister said: “The school will provide six new classrooms to cater provide high quality for up to modern, 125 pupils.

accommodation which everyone can

The Minister said: will be very proud of. “The I fullyschool recognise provide modern, that schools are high-quality very much the hub accommodation which can of any community and everyone this be very proud investment willof.have a powerful

impact on the wider “I fully recognise that local schools are very community, creating many positive much the hub of any community and outcomes, not will onlyhave through the this investment a powerful construction but though the impact on theperiod, wider local community,

but though the wider use of the

wider use of the school.” school.”

Gerry Campbell, Campbell,Chief ChiefExecutive Executiveofof CCMS, said:“The “TheCouncil Councilfor forCatholic CCMS, said: Catholic Maintained is to Maintained Schools isSchools delighted delighted to join withfrom colleagues join with colleagues DE and EA from DE and EA to officially markof to officially mark commencement commencement at Primary Our Lady work at Our Lady of of work Fatima of Fatima Primary School…

School…

“The new “The new school school will willnot notonly only accommodate the changing accommodate the changing demographics of demographics of the thearea areabut butwill will provide all students with the provide all students with the resources and resources and facilities facilitiesto tothrive, thrive, grow and reach their full potential.” grow and reach their full

potential.”

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DesIgn TeAM fOR new €9M spORTs cAMpUs fOR ATlAnTIc TechnOlOgIcAl UnIveRsITy wIll be leD by 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.

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.

A high-quality sports facility will deliver a multi-pitch community hub featuring an ancillary pavilion building equipped with meeting, changing and catering facilities which will support the use of the pitches and ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the complex.

“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.

Plans propose nine pitches, including full-size 4G artificial 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.”

The development is supported by national sporting organisations, including the Ladies Gaelic Football Association of Ireland and Cricket Ireland.

Our newest RIAI member will be at the helm of the ATU hub 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 development.

Mark, a graduate 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.

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.

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.

Practice News | Update

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An eye on the past with designs on the future...

Practice welcomes three new faces to team

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.

“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.”

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 study.

Dr Andrew Molloy has been invited to contribute a series of retrospective interviews to Perspective, the professional magazine of the Royal Society of Ulster Architects.

As 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.

Andrew, who is currently working on a number of important heritage projects,

Read all the series articles so far at www.passoverinsilence.com/articles

Canals and Peace Walls under Jonathan’s microscope at 59th Venice Biennale 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 biennale.

Candidates 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.

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.

Jonny has extensive BIM experience and a particular interest in design, project management and restoration.

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.

“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.”

Jonathan’s own project is entitled ‘Research into the housing of Venice and Belfast: a comparison’.

“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.

“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,

Senior Architectural Technologist Simon Wright has 15 years’ experience in the construction sector, having completed a Building Studies qualification at UU. He has particular expertise in the Commercial, Residential, Hospitality and Social Care sectors, with projects including shopping centres, hotels, offices and housing developments.

Jonathan Greig joins us as a Senior Architect.

Jonathan is a QUB architecture graduate and Chartered Architectural Technologist with 10 years’ experience.

With experience across residential, commercial and mixed-use sectors, he is a keen advocate of BIM and was invited to tutor on the RIBA Foundation Course.

depopulation, inadequate social housing and the physical separation of communities due to manmade canals.

“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.”

London

Belfast

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