Hamilton Architects are pleased to see Ulidia Integrated College, Carrickfergus, featured in the latest edition of Perspective, the RSUA magazine.
The new college represents a key development in the progress of integrated education in Northern Ireland, reflecting the school’s ethos of inclusion, openness, and shared learning through its design.
Strategically positioned on a sloping site, the building is set into the landscape and enjoys expansive views over Belfast Lough. Designed for 700 pupils, the layout centres around a main atrium for general teaching, with specialist facilities for PE, science, technology, and home economics located in a separate wing. Breakout spaces and informal learning zones complement the classrooms, supporting a variety of teaching styles.
A simple palette of brick, render, and glass, along with accents in the school’s colours, gives the building a clear identity. Sustainability measures were integrated from the outset, including a highly insulated and airtight fabric. The orientation and detailing of classrooms maximise natural daylight while managing glare and heat gain.
Staff have reported improved collaboration and flexibility since moving in, and students have responded positively to the building’s openness, supporting Ulidia’s aim to provide a shared, inclusive learning environment.
Ulidia Integrated College demonstrates how thoughtful design can contribute meaningfully to educational outcomes and the wider goals of integrated education in Northern Ireland.
