Background

This building, commissioned by Invest NI occupies a commanding site overlooking the Lagan Valley and the City of Belfast.

Fundamental to the brief was the need to take advantage of the views the site affords while providing office space protected from solar glare in an environment conducive to creative thinking and that space be divisible dependant upon the needs of prospective tenants.

Approach

The solution provides a South facing long front elevation taken up by a central entrance, reception, lift, toilets and other ancillary spaces. The location of the display foyer on the first floor assists in the exploitation of the views while creating a welcoming and useful space for casual meetings. This area is protected from excessive solar gain by use of external solar shading louvers.

The first floor accommodation is divided by a top lit corridor running the full length of the building providing circulation with views to the sky and into offices encouraging interaction.

The 2000m2 of office space in general faces South overlooking landscaped car parking and out towards the city in the valley below.  The building mass is broken up by alternating blocks of white render, grey windows and fibre cement shiplap cladding.

Awards

Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland Awards 2003 Exhibition Award Winner