Student Hub - Northern Ireland Building of the Year 2025
Queen’s Business School is proud to announce that the Student Hub has been named Northern Ireland’s Building of the Year 2025 by the Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA).
Also, One Elmwood Students Union received the Design Award and Queen’s University Belfast was honoured as Client of the Year, recognising the university’s commitment to architectural excellence and sustainability.
Designed by , our Student Hub is situated beside the historic Riddel Hall within the Stranmillis Conservation Area. The building thoughtfully integrates with its mature woodland surroundings, featuring a two-storey façade facing Riddel Hall and stepping down to three floors at the rear to preserve views of the woodland canopy. Its design includes entrance colonnades, a triple-height atrium, and a variety of teaching and learning spaces that promote collaboration and reflection.
The RSUA judges praised the Hub as “an outstanding achievement in holistic design, skilfully responding to a sensitive site, a complex brief and Queen’s University’s sustainability ambition”. The building incorporates a geothermal heating system and uses sustainable materials, aligning with the university’s environmental goals.
Sonia O’Hare, School Manager at Queen’s Business School, commented, “This recognition is a testament to the collaborative effort and dedication of everyone involved in bringing the Student Hub to life. The project reflects our commitment to providing an inspiring and sustainable environment for our students and staff.”
The Student Hub’s success at the RSUA Awards underscores Queen’s Business School’s dedication to creating spaces that enhance learning and build community, setting a benchmark for future educational developments.