Weaving into Belfast’s skyline: a landmark for student living

Belfast’s skyline is about to get smarter. Weavers’ Hall, Queen’s University Belfast’s first Passivhaus‐certified student living tower, is setting the bar high for low-carbon student-wellbeing-centred design.

With 459 bedrooms across a 16-storey landmark, excellent air quality and the highest level of energy performance, it’s more than accommodation - it’s a statement of what student housing should be. Join us on 7th October as this landmark project becomes the centrepiece of our upcoming Passivhaus Masterclass, unpacking every detail from design through delivery.

Key stats

Construction: Concrete frame with brick and glazed facades
Number of homes: 459 student bedrooms
TFA: 12159.8 m²
Expected build start date: 2024
Expected completion: 2026
Certification: Aiming for Passivhaus Classic

Weavers’ Hall © Queen's University Belfast

This project underscores our commitment to low-carbon construction through the adoption of the Passivhaus standard. Weavers’ Hall plays a crucial role in our long-term plan to meet growing demand in the city and showcases how sustainable design and exceptional student experience can go hand in hand.

Ian Duddy, Director of Estates, Queen’s University Belfast

Construction

The 16-storey high-rise development features a concrete frame with brick and glazed façades. The fabric specification emphasises airtightness, robust insulation, and high-performance glazing.

The project also forms part of PHT member Queen’s University Belfast’s wider strategy to deliver 3,000 new student beds by 2029 and supports the University’s ongoing Net Zero Plan, which commits all major capital projects to pursue Passivhaus or EnerPHit standards.

U-values
Roof: 0.18W/m²K
Wall: 0.19W/m²K
Floor: 0.12W/m²K

Building performance

Designed energy performance
Airtightness n₅₀ (≤ 0.6ACH @ 50 Pa)	0.6 @ 50 Pa
Space Heating Demand (≤ 15 kWh/m².a)	6.18 kWh/m².a
Heating Load (≤ 10 W/m²)	9.34 W/m²
Primary Energy Demand (≤ 120 kWh/m².a)	76 kWh/m².a
Primary Energy Renewable (PER) Demand (≤ 60 kWh/m².a*)	58.69 kWh/m².a

*+/-15 kWh/m².a allowance if offset by energy generation. See Passivhaus criteria.

Services

Heating strategy: The project will adopt an all-electric heating approach. High-efficiency electric panel radiators will be installed in bedrooms, kitchens, living and dining areas to maintain comfortable internal conditions. In addition, heater batteries within the MVHR units will provide a back-up for cold winter periods, futureproofing the system against extreme weather and ensuring consistent comfort.

Ventilation: A decentralised Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system will deliver fresh, filtered air while recovering heat from exhaust air. Units will be located within ceiling voids on the 5th, 9th, 13th and 15th floors to optimise cost and buildability.

Shading strategy: South-facing window selection, location and sizing have been carefully coordinated to minimise solar gain, meaning no external shading is required. Internal blinds will be fitted to all spaces to provide occupants with adjustable control over daylight and glare.

Working in collaboration with our design and construction partners, the project has demanded innovation and a shared commitment to high quality construction. The knowledge and expertise gained through delivery of the university’s first Passivhaus project provides an invaluable foundation for the University’s Net Zero journey. We anticipate the completion of the project and the attainment of Passivhaus certification in due course.

Ray Mathews, Assistant Estates Manager, Queen’s University Belfast

Key team

Client: Queen’s University Belfast
Architect: RPP Architects Ltd
Passivhaus Designer/ Consultant: Bennett Freehill
Project Manager: AECOM
Contractor: GRAHAM Group
Structural engineer: Etive
M&E consultant: Bennett Freehill
Passivhaus Certifier: Mosart

Do not miss the opportunity to learn more about this Passivhaus giant. The Trust are delighted to be delivering an exclusive case study Passivhaus Masterclass on 7th October. Why not join us in Belfast (or online) before the UK & IRL Passivhaus conference where we dive into the details, hear from multiple team perspectives and get onto site!