kennedy fitzgerald architects llp - practice profile T client-focused design solutions are key to success as award-winning belfast practice continues to deliver consistently high standards... Quality counts at KENNEDY FITZGERALD

daptability remains at the heart of the success of award-winning practice, AKennedy FitzGerald Architects LLP. E In the design-and-build focused world of construction, the Belfast practice has proved particularly adept at placing an emphasis on quality while also providing cost-effective and energy-efficient design. By encouraging a professional design team approach, with partner involvement at each stage of the project, Kennedy FitzGerald’s professionally qualified architectural team work in close liaison with the client and contractor to provide buildings which not only meet the needs of the client but which are also completed on programme and within the approved budget. This ability is down to the company’s vast experience. The practice was established in the 1960s and this year sees the current partners - Paddy Acheson, Norman Hutchinson and Billy Hanna - who each have over 30 years’ experience working at Kennedy FitzGerald, celebrate 15 years managing the practice together. But the practice continues to look forward, developing innovative design concepts and leading the way in new sectors, including sustainability. To highlight this forward- thinking philosophy, Kennedy FitzGerald is also set to launch a new webiste and corporate image. It is this all-round expertise across a variety of sectors that places Kennedy FitzGerald at the heart of building design in .

The Kennedy FitzGerald Architects team pictured at the award-winning Queen’s University Sports Facilities at Upper Malone, Belfast. The three partners at Kennedy FitzGerald Architects (from left) Paddy Acheson, Norman Hutchinson and Billy Hanna.

Kennedy FitzGerald Architects LLP, 3 Eglantine Place, Belfast, BT9 6EY T: 028 9066 1632 - F: 028 9066 4532 – E: [email protected] www.kennedyfitzgerald.com www.northernbuilder.co.uk NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 57 U kennedy fitzgerald architects llp - prACTICE profile

Belfast South Methodist Church, Road.

University of Strathclyde Centre for Sports and Health.

Newry Leisure Centre.

Client comes first at

Kennedy FitzGerald Down Leisure Centre, Downpatrick. hile many practices pride successful track record.” Hanna. “For over 30 years, we have been themselves on a specific house But while the client rightly takes centre consistent in delivering the best design Wstyle, it is the diversity of design stage, that is not to say that the award- solutions but having such a dynamic team solutions delivered by Kennedy FitzGerald winning Kennedy FitzGerald team doesn’t also ensures that we continue to remain Architects that sets it apart. deliver innovative building designs. Quite the innovative.” Working on such a wide range of varying contrary. A look at the extensive portfolio not Part of the company’s development projects across a variety of sectors makes only highlights the aforementioned attention- surrounds the change in the architect- it virtually impossible to put an individual to-detail but also hugely unique buildings. contractor dynamic which has placed stamp on buildings but as the company’s contractors right at the centre of the three partners – Paddy Acheson, Norman develop decision-making process. While that may Hutchinson and Billy Hanna – are quick to “I think the most important issue is what have created difficulties for other practices, point out, it is the client’s individual stamp, the building is going to be used for,” stated Kennedy FitzGerald’s team ethos has made not theirs, that they want to deliver. Norman Hutchinson. “That is the most this transition straightforward. Yet you will find plenty of common traits important starting point and from there we “It is about utilising the skills and knowledge in the buildings designed by Kennedy can develop a design that meets those needs of everyone involved,” said Norman. “Design FitzGerald – with an attention to detail being perfectly.” and build is not just a term, it is a positive the most obvious characteristic. In addition to the three partners, Kennedy working practice. Allowing architects, “We simply aim to deliver well-crafted FitzGerald Architects also has six associates consultants, contractors and the client to put buildings,” explained Paddy Acheson. “Our and an overall staff of around 30. their views forward and discuss ideas as early role is to work to the client’s brief and to help “That provides us with plenty of different as possible is essential to the overall success deliver their vision and we are proud of our skills, viewpoints and ideas,” added Billy of the project.”

“Our role is to work to the client’s brief and to help deliver their vision”

58 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE www.northernbuilder.co.uk kennedy fitzgerald architects llp - prACTICE profile T Specialists Hospital, Main Entrance. in a variety of projects

ust as it is impossible to pinpoint a particular design style for Kennedy JFitzGerald – aside from delivering well- crafted buildings – it is equally as difficult to pigeon-hole the practice’s project specialism. The practice offers a range of services, including feasibility studies, preliminary and detailed design for new and existing buildings, conservation design, interior design, project management, technical and procurement advice, planning supervision and health and safety duties in accordance with CDM Regulations. These services are provided across a wide variety of sectors and specialisms, including:

St Cecelia’s College, L’Derry. n Healthcare – Recent projects such as the completed Community Treatment and Care Centre and a similar project in , which has recently started on-site, illustrate Kennedy FitzGerald’s ability to design people-friendly buildings in this complex sector. The practice enjoys a successful partnership with London-based Avanti Architects to provide visually stunning yet practical solutions to these specialist buildings. Kennedy FitzGerald has Passivhaus social housing pilot project, been appointed to deliver a Generic Ward Dungannon. Block and an Acute Services Block at the Ulster Hospital in association with Avanti Architects. n Leisure – Kennedy FitzGerald has designed alongside the use of renewable technology, The practice previously designed and managed a range of leisure projects, including swimming Kennedy FitzGerald prides itself on having the the new Main Hospital Entrance which opened pools, leisure centres and sports venues, right ability to create buildings which are designed in May 2011. across Northern Ireland and, more recently, to comply with the latest regulations. in Great Britain. The award-winning Upper Evidence of this has been in the practice’s n Education – Long-term success has Malone sports project for Queen’s University involvement with Oaklee Homes Group on an developed a solid reputation in Northern perfectly highlights how intuitive design can innovative pilot project to create the first built Ireland in primary, secondary, third level and make a significant difference to a project’s and certified German Standard ‘Passivhaus’ special school design. Successful experience in usability. social housing scheme in Ireland and Northern PFI/PPP procurement methods in the recently Ireland, providing ‘passive’ homes with a much completed St Cecelia’s College, L’Derry and n Ecclesiastical – Church projects have reduced energy cost for tenants. Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Belfast significantly changed in recent years and while creates a solid working relationship with the conservation and restoration schemes remain The experience and expertise of Kennedy main contractor. Post-primary projects in the important, it is in the new-build sector that the FitzGerald in these areas is enhanced by Republic of Ireland, with strong community- practice has gained an enviable reputation. having a certified Passive House Designer based aspects, involve both the DoES and local Combining traditional church designs with and RIBA Accredited Conservation Architect councils. modern requirements has generated some amongst its architectural team while the The company’s attention to developing design- interesting results. practice also operates an integrated quality, based solutions to meet user needs has proved environmental and health and safety particularly successful when working in the n Sustainability – This has been placed management system conforming to ISO special education sector, including the recently right at the centre of new build design and 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004 and BS OHSAS completed Jordanstown School. as well as integrating energy-efficient design 18001:2007.

Kennedy FitzGerald Architects LLP, 3 Eglantine Place, Belfast, BT9 6EY T: 028 9066 1632 - F: 028 9066 4532 – E: [email protected] www.kennedyfitzgerald.com

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Supporting Ballymena based construction company. Est. 1967 Kennedy FitzGerald$UFKLWHFWV//3

“Proud to be associated with Audio, Lighting & AV solutions Kennedy FitzGerald “Design & Build” Architects LLP”

martin & hamilton 46 Doury Road, Ballymena, Co Antrim, BT43 6JB 57 Drum Road, Cookstown, BT80 8QS T: 028 2565 3672 F: 028 2564 5880 028 8676 4059 028 8676 4141 www.reasound.com E: [email protected]

Project Partners with Kennedy Fitzgerald Architects Llp

n Head Office Cambane House, Shepherd’s Way, Newry, County Down, BT35 6EE T: +44 (0)28 3026 4662 - E: [email protected] www.ohmg.com

60 | NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE www.northernbuilder.co.uk kennedy fitzgerald architects llp - project in focus T

Northern Builder illustrates how kennedy fitzgerald architects deliver CONSISTENT quality with a look at this award-winning project for queen’s university... A lesson in design INNOVATION at Queen’s University

he redevelopment of the Queen’s Highly Commended in the Community Benefit and sports pitches. University Sports Facilities has already section at the RICS Northern Ireland 2012 But this modern sports complex has not only Tattracted praise and plaudits, not only Awards and receiving a Commendation at the enhanced a major green space in the city but from the client and users but also from awards RSUA Design Awards 2012, highlighting how it has also opened up the facilities to the local judges. the project team involved delivered a fresh community by improving accessibility and The project was recently named as the winner approach to a scheme that many others would creating a new identity. of the Design & Innovation category and have simply viewed as some changing rooms

Kennedy FitzGerald Architects LLP, 3 Eglantine Place, Belfast, BT9 6EY T: 028 9066 1632 - F: 028 9066 4532 - E: [email protected] www.kennedyfitzgerald.com

www.northernbuilder.co.uk NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 61 U kennedy fitzgerald architects llp - project in focus Architect

QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY BELFAST SPORTS FACILITIES

Kennedy FitzGerald delivers a winning sports formula

holistic approach to the Queen’s space within the city,” explained Jonny happen before.” University Belfast Sports Facilities at Cassidy, Architect at Kennedy FitzGerald But in order for this to happen, first the AUpper Malone has helped unite the Architects. “These buildings have been problematic issue of access to the site had various aspects of the project together into one designed as a contemporary response to to be addressed. In the past the narrow lane cohesive scheme. traditional pavilion architecture and form a new made it difficult for cars accessing the site Two new synthetic grass pitches, complete with homogenous aesthetic and identity for the and created problems for local residents. To associated floodlighting, were added to the University and the sports complex. combat this, a new vehicular entrance and number of grass/turf pitches that already existed “The main pavilion is relatively unique access road was created alongside a new car- to create a sports facility that caters for a range within the local context, as there is limited park adjacent to the clubhouse and improved of sports, including football, rugby, Gaelic precedence of a single building supporting pedestrian access. football, hurling and hockey. the multi-sports at both community and elite “While accessibility was one issue that we had But with so many different teams playing sporting levels. We used this to our advantage to overcome, overall the location of the sports different sports, one of the main aspects of the when creating the social club facilities by facilities was perfect in trying to generate a brief provided to Kennedy FitzGerald Architects making it a more welcoming space that also fresh identity that would attract new users from was to develop a facility that would encourage offers the practical benefits of providing the surrounding community,” added Jonny. and enhance a collegiate spirit. uninterrupted views across the competition “When looking at positioning and access, “To achieve this we created a ‘family’ of arena and one of the main pitches. Queen’s this objective was very much central to our pavilion buildings constructed within the has already indicated that this is leading to thinking.” parkland setting within the Lagan Valley players from a range of different sports coming The main clubhouse has been placed in a Regional Park, which is also a protected green together after games – something that didn’t predominant location within the site and is

“Designed as a contemporary response to traditional pavilion architecture.”

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“These buildings have been designed as a contemporary response to traditional pavilion architecture and form a new homogenous aesthetic and identity for the University and the sports complex.”

visible from the new access road and the Upper the theme of unifying the various facilities by Not only has it allowed the university’s elite Malone Road. It has been designed to augment providing ease of access from the sports teams to compete within their relevant the different ground level, with the pavilion’s main pavilion. national league and cup competitions, but primary access located at the upper ground While the internal design of the main pavilion the complex has also hosted the European level, with the building forming internal and caters for spectators, the competitors have not Club Hockey Championship and is set to host external routes to the competition arena at the been ignored. The lower ground level changing the World Fire & Police Services Games next lower ground level. facilities have been developed to work in year. While making the main pavilion a focal point of tandem with the pitches competitors will be the overall facility, blending the building into using, with the turf pitch changing and synthetic the parkland was also essential. pitch changing being separated and provided Design Team... To create this, robust stonewalls were created with specified access foyers and routes. The n Client: Queen’s University, Belfast to contrast with white render and glazing to same user-led ideals have been implemented n Architect: Kennedy FitzGerald create a contemporary appearance. into the additional grass changing pavilion, Architects LLP Yet the parkland context is recognised with which also utilises the split-level concept to n Main Contractor: Bowen Construction the addition of a sedum grass linear roof that great effect, and the extended grounds staff Ltd/McLaughlin Harvey Ltd binds the different elements of the pavilion facilities – both of which continue the rough n Quantity Surveyor: Stevenson Munn together and, in effect, has been treated as a stone and white render aesthetic. As well as n Mechanical & Electrical Engineer: fifth elevation of the building. the recent awards success, the redevelopment URS (formerly Taylor & Fegan) The addition of a grandstand, which has a of the sports complex has also led to positive n Civil/Structural Engineer: Doran maximum capacity of 316 seats, continues developments for Queen’s. Consulting

Kennedy FitzGerald Architects LLP, 3 Eglantine Place, Belfast, BT9 6EY T: 028 9066 1632 - F: 028 9066 4532 – E: [email protected] www.kennedyfitzgerald.com www.northernbuilder.co.uk NORTHERN BUILDER MAGAZINE | 63 U kennedy fitzgerald architects llp - project in focus Mechanical Contractor QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY BELFAST SPORTS FACILITIES Mechanical excellence from CHC Group Ltd ith a focus on energy-efficiency, panels at the main pavilion. CHC Group was involved in the Subsidiary company, F3 Engineering, carried Wmechanical installation of a wide out the ventilation and air conditioning works range of systems that ensure the running of as well as installing the gas-fired AHUs on Queen’s University Belfast Sports Facilities is behalf of CHC Group. as cost effective as possible. The company has a reputation based on The company was involved in the installation high standards of service and customer care, of plumbing, heating, ventilation and bringing the same high standards to a variety air conditioning systems as well as the of projects. CHC Group works hard to meet BMS controls, with several energy saving these high standards and has even had a technologies incorporated into the system. recommendation from the Keeper of the The main pavilion and the additional grass House of Parliament buildings, who said, “I changing pavilion are heated by four ACV would have no hesitation in recommending Heat Master boilers while CHC Group also CHC Group Ltd both for quick response to installed energy-saving technology in the emergency call-outs/out of hours emergencies form of Barkell Gas Fired AHUs with heat and also for the quality of their work, which recovery in both locations as well as solar has always been of the highest standard.”

CHC Group Ltd, NI: 33 Seagoe Industrial Estate, Craigavon, County , BT63 5QD. T: 028 3833 4874 - F: 028 3833 8760 ROI: 27 Redleaf Business PArk, Turvey Avenue, Dunabte, Co . T: 00353 (0)1 8904923 - F: 00353 (0)1 8079351 E: [email protected] - www.chcltd.com Tile Supplier QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY BELFAST SPORTS FACILITIES The perfect solution from Tile Solutions

ile Solutions supplied the wall and “We have an extensive range floor tiles for new Queen’s University of tiles to meet any demand TBelfast Sports Facilities. or style, all of which are The company, which is part of leading imported from the highest bathroom distributor, Robinson Butler, is quality manufacturers across renowned for its tile expertise and with the world.” varying demands to be met at these superb As well as commercial projects, new facilities Tile Solutions was able to Tile Solutions also has retail provide a complete solution. showrooms in Ballymena and Johnston Prismatic wall and floor tiles were Boucher Road, Belfast, offering supplied for the changing room and shower a vast array of quality tiles. areas while a porcelain range of floor tiles Tile Solutions has also recently was sourced for the entrance area and bar. launched a new online tile “We have a lot of experience in meeting store which perfectly illustrates the needs of commercial projects such as the tiles, mosaics, adhesives this,” explained Brian Smith, Sales Director. and accessories on offer.

Tile Solutions - BELFAST: - 41 Boucher Road - BT12 6HR - T: 028 9068 1251 BALLYMENA: Unit 2b - Unit 23 - Pennybridge Industrial Estate - Antrim, BT42 3HB - T: 028 2563 9890 www.tilesolutions.co.uk

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