A significant year passeda more significant one to come!
2024 has been a significant year for Hamilton Architects, with the practice seeing steady growth right across all sections of our portfolio, from health and education to sport and conservation.
The year kicked off with the opening of Newforge Shared Space, a visionary sports scheme in South Belfast which aims to help build peace and reconciliation. It was followed by a Ministerial seal of approval for a game-changing school project in Co Derry – Limavady Shared Education Campus.
Education remains a significant part of our work, with a myriad of projects building on the success of our mould-breaking Erne Campus for South West College in Enniskillen. We recently achieved planning approval for the redevelopment of the CAFRE Greenmount Campus, which will also target Passivhaus and BREEAM Outstanding accreditations.
Education meets sport at Atlantic Technological University at Letterkenny, where we are designing a multi-million euro regional sports hub on a 42-acre site. Closer to home, planning approval has just been granted for a centre of international sporting excellence for NI Civil Service Sports Association at the Stormont Estate.
Community is at the heart of everything we do, and in 2024 this is reflected in three special conservation projects: The Courthouse Creative Hub in Bushmills (shown left); an apartment complex for Nazareth House in Derry; and the transformation of an RAF WW2 Trainer Dome into a community events space for Limavady.
We are no less engaged in designing and developing communities for future living - for example, we are currently tasked with delivering an ambitious Civic Hub and Theatre complex in Newry as part of the wider City Centre Regeneration Project.
In 2025, our well-established London office aims to build on its impressive track record of success by driving further business development on mainland UK. The last 12 months saw significant and growing wins in the south-east, with the securing of important projects with key national clients, and we look forward to telling you about some ambitious wins in the new year!
The Courthouse Shared Space Creative Hub, Bushmills, officially opened in time for Christmas.
The Courthouse
Creative Hub Bushmills
An ambitious reimagining of a listed Georgian Courthouse delivers a shared space and creative hub to breathe new life into the community.
An ambitious extension and refurbishment project has seen Bushmills Courthouse transformed into a shared space and creative hub to serve the wider community in Co Antrim.
The Courthouse has been sensitively refurbished and extended, providing a new space for The Designerie, a social enterprise non-profit shopfront championing local designers and artists.
The new 15,600sq ft extension provides 15 ‘fishbowl’ workshop units, enabling the public to engage directly with the designer-makers, as well as The MacNaughten Hall, a 160sqft community space for anything from dance performances to cookery demonstrations.
Bushmills Courthouse – a Grade B1 listed building situated in the Bushmills Conservation Area – was built by the MacNaghten family of Dundarave Estate in 1834 as a symbol of authority in the area.
It operated as a Petty Sessions Court until 1938, after which the building became a private residence. Falling vacant in 1972, it became a listed building in 1977. Over the decades it went into a state of advanced dereliction and was put on the At-Risk Register in 2004.
The Courthouse is the only three-storey structure within the BCA and features several design flourishes not found elsewhere on Main Street, most notably the unusual sandstone entrance portico.
In 2016, Enterprise Causeway acquired the building and secured capital funding from the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme to deliver The Courthouse Shared Space Creative Hub. Match-funding was provided by the Department for
Communities, Northern Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development, Ireland.
The brief required the creation of a retail space to enable local artisans to sell their products, along with a shared space comprising a large community hall for public events, workshops, and commercial café.
In December 2022, construction began to restore the Georgian fabric of the building, along with the addition of a new three-floor extension at the rear. The project was handed over in August 2024, and events started in the building with the Bushmills Salmon and Whiskey Festival in October. The official opening is scheduled for December 2024.
Overall, the project faced a number of challenges: a complicated programme of public, semi-public and private spaces; the individual character of the listed building; the broader character of the Conservation Area; and a range of technical challenges arising from 60 years of dereliction.
Hamilton Architects worked closely with the client to understand the complex nature of the project brief and to ensure the relationship between the spaces and zoning of the building suited their requirements.
In order to establish the massing and appearance of the extension, we turned to historic images of Bushmills, drawing inspiration from a line of cottages located close to the site, since demolished. We replicated the form and massing of these vernacular cottages, but used contemporary materials and finishes to ensure the extension complemented the original building while enhancing its setting.
A programme of community outreach ran in parallel with the renovation and construction works, creating opportunities for shared learning experiences to explore and understand cultures, traditions and backgrounds.
Activities and workshops brought together people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities to learn, explore and acquire new skills and develop their interests in arts, culture, heritage and artisan food.
The programme included school arts and crafts workshops; taster events in traditional maker disciplines such as glass, pottery and textiles; and a community animation and dialogue programme focused on the culture and heritage of Bushmills and surrounding areas.
Ultimately, the restoration has resulted in the Courthouse being removed from the HED At-Risk Register, enabling it to play a key role in driving the rejuvenation of Bushmills Main Street going forward.
We believe the success of the project lies in bringing a long-derelict building back into use, increasing social sustainability and cementing its role in rejuvenating the historic village of Bushmills.
The scheme will be one of the most sustainable campuses in the UK and Ireland, utilising leading building design principles and renewable energy technologies.
Planners approve new highly sustainable campus for Greenmount
Planners have approved our proposal for the redevelopment of the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise’s (CAFRE) Greenmount Campus outside Antrim.
Hamilton Architects are leading a team to deliver a 15,000m2 highly sustainable campus that embodies local heritage and the sense of place within Greenmount’s mature landscaped setting.
The scheme will be one of the most sustainable campuses in the UK and Ireland, utilising leading building design principles and renewable energy technologies.
The campus redevelopment consists of the phased delivery of three buildings that encompass exemplary environmental and energy efficiency credentials: Student Accommodation, Teaching Building, and Central Hub.
The new buildings are consolidated around a series of interlinked landscaped courtyards and accessible secure pedestrian thoroughfares. The site plan
arrangement is informed by the context and daily journeys through the campus, and aims to reconnect the campus community with Greenmount’s valued landscape and Grade B1 listed heritage assets.
The Central Hub provides a welcoming reception, conference centre, staff offices and dining hall. The 200-bed Student Accommodation building includes residents’ leisure and social spaces. The Teaching Building hosts a range of educational facilities to accommodate CAFRE’s agriculture and horticulture programmes.
The future-proofed scheme is designed to meet PassivHaus Premium certification by incorporating high levels of insulation, airtight construction and passive design measures.
Clean sustainable energy will be generated through a ground source heat pump system and roof-mounted PV array combined with a battery storage system which are designed to attain BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ accreditation.
Planners give the green light to new sports complex for NICSSA
Planning approval has been granted for a new multi million-pound centre of international sporting excellence at the Stormont Estate in Belfast, designed by Hamilton Architects.
The NI Civil Service Sports Association (NICSSA) complex at Dundonald will be redeveloped to deliver a wide range of sport and leisure services, including training programmes, to members and non-members across Northern Ireland.
Formed in 1950, NICSSA currently serves over 8,500 members with its mission to improve quality of life by encouraging people of all ages and abilities to boost their fitness through participation in sports. Services are delivered through a network of 65 workplace clubs and 14 sports clubs.
The new complex will deliver a large range of quality sporting facilities across a 20ha site, representing a true centre of sporting excellence for Northern Ireland,” said Partner Mark Haslett. “We look forward to moving ahead with the project, so the whole community can benefit from participation as soon as possible.”
The old Pavilion building is to be replaced with a modern take on the traditional cricket pavilion which will encompass 5,850m2 over 2 storeys. Facilities will include a state-of-the-art indoor sports halls, fitness centre, changing accommodation, and hospitality/meeting spaces.
Currently, the site hosts test cricket games for Cricket Ireland and games for Ulster Hockey, and the approved design for the new pavilion sites it in a central position to offer enhanced spectator seating, hospitality and media facilities.
Further international standard sports facilities are provided across the wider site by way of leading edge external natural and artificial floodlit pitches to accommodate football, rugby, GAA and tennis.
Standalone international changing accommodation supports two additional indoor training centres sized for international football and Rugby training.
The day-to-day operation of the site will be enhanced by improvements to the internal road network via new access/egress arrangements from the existing Stoney Road junction, additional car and cycle parking, and new waste/recycling areas.
Canteen & Reception fit-out is just one item on the menu for ATU
Canteen and Reception fit-out works have been completed at the Atlantic Technological University campus at Killybegs in Co Donegal.
The fit-out is just the latest in a series of works Hamilton Architects is carrying out on behalf of ATU (formerly Letterkenny Institute of Technology).
Three campus buildings have been undergoing refurbishment works: the Tourism Building, Millennium Building and Main Building, along with associated upgrades of external works to comply with current building regulations.
The Canteen and Reception refurb included aesthetic improvements, with new finishes and furniture; an energy efficient roof replacement to the front single storey extension; and WC works.
Works to the Tourism Building include an upgrade of the building's fire
performance, conversion of classrooms to electrical workshops, and refreshed finishes throughout.
The Millennium Building refurb will upgrade the building's fire performance, including mechanical vents and electrics, and new finishes. External Works will see the installation of guard railings, ramps and dropped kerbs.
Hamilton Architects have been working with LYIT/ATU for many years, with planning permission already granted to provide a top notch, multi-million euro regional sports hub on a 42-acre site at Letterkenny.
The practice is leading the design team to deliver 9 pitches, a 1,000m2 dome with indoor sports facilities, 6-lane athletic sprint track, walking trail loop, children’s play park and biodiversity gardens.
Walking in the steps of RS Wilshere
Our design for historic Glenwood Primary School in Woodvale, West Belfast, has received planning permission.
The Grade B1 listed school, originally designed by RS Wilshere in 1928, will benefit from an extensive refurbishment and extension programme (as outlined recently in Perspective magazine).
This will include provision of 21 new classrooms, a Special Education Needs unit encompassing 3,563m2, and a replacement building for the Sixties extension.
One of the project’s biggest challenges was to deliver a design that meets modern educational requirements while respecting the integrity of the original listed building and retaining as many unique historic features as possible.
Spotlight on concept design for Irish language school
A concept design for a new school building for Gaelscoil Aodha Rua in Dungannon is awaiting Department of Education approval. The project, situated off the Donaghmore Road, will provide a modern facility to meet the increasing demand for Irish Medium education in the area.
Approval has been given for a 5-classroom base which would be constructed to the north of the current modular accommodation, due to 75% of the site being within a floodplain.he proposed design follows a simple structure of grouping classrooms around a shared resource base, while providing breakout opportunities for the children.
A central open courtyard has been introduced, allowing additional light into these resource areas and to provide protected outdoor play opportunities. Carefully considered cladding will ensure the building blends into the rural landscape. The main entrance will be clad in brick to provide a prominent and welcoming focal point.
The classroom block, which features a butterfly style roof, will be clad in white render. A bronze standing seam metal cladding will be used on the multi-purpose hall, to replicate agricultural buildings in the locality.
Education Minister officially opens Roe Valley Integrated PS
Education Minister Paul Givan has officially opened a new school for Roe Valley Integrated Primary School, Limavady, designed by Hamilton Architects. The project delivered a 1,550m2 educational facility with seven classrooms, two resource areas, multi-purpose hall, library, and a stand-alone nursery unit.
Site for new school for Glenravel community gets seal of approval
Education Minister Paul Givan recently visited the site of Mary Queen of Peace PS, a newbuild school for Co Antrim designed by Hamilton Architects.
Hamilton Architects have designed a nine classroom, 1,975m2, school for 250 pupils at Glenravel to facilitate the amalgamation of two existing schools, St Mary’s Primary of Cargan and Glenravel Primary of Martinstown.
A bespoke design pays tribute to the building’s rural vernacular.
A distinctive barn style multi-purpose hall is prominent in the landscape, with classroom blocks in subtle pitched roof echoing the area’s traditional housing.
The multi-purpose hall, with a full product kitchen adjacent, acts as a formal dining room. There are also three large resource areas and a central glazed octagon which engages the interior of the school with the outdoors. A series of staff facilities is provided, including three multi-purpose rooms.
Historic trainer dome to be transformed into vibrant community space
Hamilton Architects have submitted a plan on behalf of The Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust to transform the historically significant RAF Dome Trainer at Limavady into a community events space.
The proposal highlights the preservation and adaptive reuse of this unique wartime structure, which is the only one remaining on the island of Ireland and one of six still standing in the United Kingdom.
Built in 1942, the dome was used as a gunnery training facility during the Second World War and forms part of the Defence Heritage Project. It holds historical and architectural significance due to its role in wartime training and pioneering use of audio-visual simulation for anti-aircraft gunners.
The project proposal underscores a ‘curated decay’ approach which focuses on preserving the dome’s authenticity while making it suitable for contemporary use.
Given the dome's fragile state, the proposed development involves inserting a new structural steel shell to ensure safety and stability. Additional enhancements include electrical upgrades, new access paths and external lighting.
To make the site more accessible, improved vehicular and pedestrian access from Dowland Road, along with the creation of an access road and eight parking spaces, are planned.
The interior of the dome will be adapted for multi-purpose events and feature a 360-degree projection capability, with an immersive space for historical exhibitions and creative projects
Multi million-pound scheme restores historic building and brings new life to the heart of Derry
An ambitious scheme has transformed Grade B2 listed Nazareth House in Bishop Street, Derry, with the creation of 24 new apartment units for Choice Housing Association.
Designed in 1892 by distinguished Victorian architect Edward Toye, the former residential care home faced imminent dereliction due to severe damp and dry rot.
Hamilton Architects were initially engaged for conservation advice, but the practice’s involvement expanded significantly as the building's deteriorated condition became increasingly apparent.
A thorough condition survey identified extensive problems and was followed up with a comprehensive suite of repair works which would be required to rescue the building and ensure its suitability for habitation.
Specialist surveys of the stonework on the front elevation were undertaken, with Hamilton Architects overseeing the sensitive repair of the sandstone dress stone due to its historical significance.
The rear elevation, which had been adversely affected by inappropriate extensions, was successfully restored, enhancing the building’s appearance when viewed from the River Foyle.
Preservation of key features such as decorative cornices, panelled window reveals and original Victorian staircases, has safeguarded the character and historical authenticity of the building.
Vets turn veteran building into a boutique haven for furry friends
Forestside Veterinary Clinic is one of the smallest projects ever undertaken by Hamilton Architects – but also one of the most rewarding.
The challenge for Conservation Architect Dr Andrew Molloy was to help vets Andrew McQuade and Rory Liston transform a Grade B2 listed building into their dream clinic for family pet care.
The gate lodge to Galwally House was built in 1885, designed by an unknown architect. When Galwally estate became a hospital in 1917, the gate lodge became disconnected from the main house. In 1985, the little building was extended and converted into a tile showroom, then used as offices from 2006 until 2020.
Jonathan scores another exam success!
Congratulations to our colleague Jonathan Spence for passing both modules of the ICE Certificate in Law and Contact Management. Project Architect Jonathan is a graduate of QUB and UU and has experience in multiple building sectors, including community, commercial and education. He also has extensive BIM experience and a particular interest in design, project management and restoration.
In brief …
November was moustache time at Hamilton Architects, with staff signing up to embrace the fuzz in support of men’s mental health, suicide prevention, prostate and testicular cancers. Since 2003, Movember has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world. The practice supported the team effort by making a donation on behalf of each participant.
HA staff were out in force for Architecture Night 2024, held on the 9th Floor of the new Ewart building on Bedford Street, Belfast. Over 300 guests attended a jampacked schedule of live music, great food and socialising. The night was rounded off with recognition for the best of the next generation of architects, including a Silver Medal for Best Postgraduate for our old colleague Rachel Murphy!
A specialist from our healthcare partners, Inspire Wellbeing, came in-house to provide staff with a training session on issues around menopause. While the focus was on women’s health, we were delighted that male colleagues also joined the session to better understand symptoms and how to support individuals through this life stage.
Ceramics artist wins Hamilton Architects Sculpture Award at 143rd RUA
Royal Ulster Academy exhibition.
‘Oval Form’ took top prize in a strong field of entries at the 143rd annual show, which opened to the public today at the Ulster Museum.
Paul Millar of Hamilton Architects, accompanied by RUA President Dan Dowling, was tasked with choosing the winner. The practice has a long association with the RUA, having sponsored various categories for many years.
Paul said: “Grainne’s piece is hugely impactful. For me, it stood out from the competition thanks to a mesmerising clarity of form, pattern and tactility. It is a memorable piece and a very worthy winner.”
Grainne’s body of work is inspired by the Irish coastline. She works with porcelain and stoneware clays, using layers of vibrant underglazes and slips to create interesting surface detail. A gallery of her work can be seen at grainnewattsceramics.com.
The RUA exhibition, the highlight of Northern Ireland’s artistic calendar, will run until 6th January 2025. Hundreds of works will be on show in mediums as diverse as painting, drawing, original prints, photography, video, textiles and ceramics. Admission is free, with more information at royalulsteracademy.org.
Launch of bigger and better Hamilton Architecture Bursary Awards 2025
It’s that time of year again! Hamilton Architects are following up on last year’s success of our debut bursary awards scheme with an even bigger and better competition for Ulster University students in 2025.
Partner Graeme Ogle said: “I would urge all eligible UU architecture and ATM students to participate in the Hamilton Bursary Awards 2025. The awards have proved to be a great experience for all involved, stretching students and offering them an opportunity to show what they can do.
“This year, we are separating out the competitions and creating exciting new challenges for participants with a total prize fund of £2k. This will create opportunities for group and well as individual work and bring the awards to a wider student audience.”
Four Ulster University students - two Architecture and two Architecture Technology & Management undergraduates – benefited from awards in 2024. Winners were selected from outstanding projects submitted as part of their student coursework at UU. Graeme added: “We very much enjoyed having the four 2024 winners with us at the practice, giving them the opportunity to expand their skills and experience, and look forward to working with Dr Martina Murphy and Gareth Alexander of UU in rolling out the 2025 competition.”
Dr Murphy, Architecture Senior Lecturer, said: “Hamilton Architect’s Award offers the opportunity for creativity and innovation amongst our 2nd year architecture students, showcasing UU’s future talent and celebrating their achievements.”
Dublin ceramics artist Grainne Watts has won the Sculpture Award, sponsored by Hamilton Architects, at this year’s
Sculpture Award winner Grainne Watts with, from left, judge Phill Jupitus, Paul Millar of Hamilton Architects, and Dan Dowling, President of the RUA.
