Photo credits: Gareth Andrews Photography
A stunning new educational facility designed by Hamilton Architects for Ulidia Integrated College, Carrickfergus, is up and running.
The three-storey, 10,314m2 build on the Victoria Road site, delivers 43 classrooms and ancillary facilities, including a new astro turf pitch, for around 700 pupils.
The Fresh Start programme supported funding for the project, which includes state-of-the-art 3G pitches, a new Technology and Design suite, a dedicated study and wellbeing space for Sixth Form, and a new library with spectacular views over Belfast Lough.
Ulidia’s old buildings were built to house only around two thirds of the current population of the College and were no longer fit for purpose. The new facility meets a growing demand for their broad curriculum, which offers both Grammar and All Ability Pathways for learning.
Drawing upon the positive aspects of the character and appearance of Carrickfergus the concept works with the topography of the surrounding area to take advantage of views over the countryside and Belfast Lough.
The design consists principally of two blocks of a mix of two and three storey construction with a connecting section. The larger block sits into a hill and is three storeys at the front with the two upper floors projecting beyond the ground floor.
To the north, the student entrance is a less-imposing two storeys high, leading on to classrooms located around central circulation areas which also offer access to the main hall and administration rooms.
Arts and humanities, along with school meals facilities, multi-purpose hall and large atrium, are housed mainly in the three levels of the eastern block. Science and technology subjects, along with the sports hall and gym, are accommodated in the two-storey western block.
An area to the north of the humanities block has been designated for future expansion of educational facilities. The multi-purpose hall has been designed with the potential to be used as a stand-alone facility for public use out of school hours.
The building is oriented to minimise solar gain, with selected spaces such as the library and the principal’s office placed at the southern end to take advantage of the views.
Each block has its own distinct appearance while sharing similar visual attributes. The lower section of the humanities block and link block will be of a blue-grey brick. The upper level will be a light-coloured render with different coloured panels of glazing forming a coherent composition.
