The new Student Hub at Queen's University in Belfast, UK utilized Corten steel hook-on cassettes to create a visually striking building envelope that is also highly energy efficient. The design team worked closely with Kingspan to select products that met the design requirements and tight construction schedule. The Corten steel facade will weather naturally over time to form a protective rust coating while also tying into the industrial heritage of the area. The new building provides an iconic heart for the campus without compromising the historic architecture.

1. Queens
University
June 2016 Queens University Belfast, United Kingdom 01
Location
Belfast, United Kingdom
Wall / Façade Products
BENCHMARK Karrier with
Corten Steel Hook-on Cassettes

2. Fundamental to the design of
the new Student Hub at Queen’s
University, was the creation of a
building with a strong visual identity
befitting of its status as the new
‘heart’ to the existing 1950’s building.
It was also important to provide a
low carbon building, which would
be able to meet the needs of both
current and future students. Working
with Kingspan enabled us to achieve
this vision, resulting in a visually
striking and high quality building
envelope and a highly energy-
efficient building, which will hopefully
be enjoyed by generations of
students to come.
Burwell Deakins Architects
Location
Belfast, United Kingdom
Wall / Façade Products
BENCHMARK Karrier with
Corten Steel Hook-on Cassettes
“
”
June 2016 Queens University Belfast, United Kingdom 02

3. Form and Function
The new extension both
complements and contrasts with
the original building. The deep
copper-brown tones of the façade
work well with the brick palette
of the original, while the sharp,
angular lines of the new structure
contrast against the symmetrical
regularity of the rest of the building.
Through this, architects Burwell
Deakins have managed to create
a new space that feels designed
for several future generations of
students, without compromising the
architectural and aesthetic heritage
of the venerable university campus.
June 2016 Queens University Belfast, United Kingdom 03

4. Future Proofed
It was important to provide a low
carbon building, which would be
able to meet the needs of both
current and future students.
The products used ensured that
the new building met high-energy
efficient performance and was
future proofed against further
rises in energy costs.
June 2016 Queens University Belfast, United Kingdom 04

5. Design Solutions
Working closely with Kingspan’s
technical team, a product solution
was found to meet all of the design
requirements for the building.
The project design team faced
a significant challenge to meet
the required shape, style and
performance in the specification,
all within a tight construction
schedule which made specifying
the right products for the job vital.
June 2016 Queens University Belfast, United Kingdom 05

6. June 2016 Queens University Belfast, United Kingdom 06
Protection against the Elements
Corten Steel is a weathered steel
façade that naturally rusts over
time, creating a highly durable,
protective coating with a striking
finish reminiscent of Belfast’s
shipbuilding past. This made it the
ideal choice for the project, as it
met both the aesthetic and the
functional requirements of the brief.

7. Contact
For more information on
the products used in this
project, please email
marketing@kingspanpanels.com