• The “Castle” (a mixed use building which is a protected structure); 
• The Retreat House (a 40 bedroom residence) and Pedro Arrupe Chapel, both designed by Andrew Devane; 
• Cardoner House, which was in use as an educational centre for members of the Jesuit order.

Our brief was to provide modern Reception and Dining facilities while refurbishing the 3 existing buildings listed above. Our concept was to create a landscaped, sheltered courtyard or cloister on the site of what was a surface car park; using the existing Castle, Retreat House and Chapel buildings on three sides, with the fourth side of the “cloister” being formed by a new Reception / Dining structure to house flexible dining and function spaces; reception, book shop, kitchens and other ancillary spaces.

The form of the new building appears as a colonnaded facade to the cloister, using tactile materials such as charred larch and buff coloured bricks; this is linked via covered walkway to the existing buildings. It addresses views and routes in varying ways. The courtyard or cloister is landscaped with a mixture of hard and soft surfaces with opportunities for relaxation, seating and contemplation.

The Castle’s external fabric was refurbished with roofs, windows and facades being upgraded.

Cardoner House was repurposed as a residence for the Jesuit community with full accessibility; 6No. comfortable suites were created with upgraded services and thermal performance.

The Retreat House facades and windows were upgraded while all bedrooms and bathrooms were completely revamped. In addition, new meeting and breakout spaces were created, along with an accessible suite.

Sustainability permeated all aspects of the brief. The existing buildings have been adaptively reused and all received thermal and services upgrades. The new building is served via efficient heating systems with a combination of solar thermal and solar PV being employed to provide hot water and power. Surface Water is collected into a new pond and integrated into the existing landscape.

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Of particular interest, on entering the building, are the marble mosaic floors in the ground floor reception area and in the first floor lobby. Also noteworthy are the impressive stained glass windows depicting industry, commerce and enterprise, together with the coats of arms of the many ports and cities with which Belfast traded in the past.

The grandiose rooms on the upper floor are heavily ornate in typical Victorian fashion.  They provide an appropriate setting for the Commissioners’ impressive fine art collection. Belfast Harbour remains committed to maintaining the building’s historic fabric in its original glory.

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Working in an executive architect capacity, we collaborated with a local design team, overseeing the realisation of the vision for the hotel’s refurbishment ensuring a sensitive and beautiful transformation.  Works include a new reception area, Guest Living Room and stunning grand salon bar – The Coral Room.

The original entrance at the side of the property was restored, incorporating a new glazed canopy. The original flight of Portland Stone steps leads guests into the new reception area and intimate space which features a Lutyens-inspired Guest Living Room. Here a colour palette of muted greens and pinks, were accented with an electric mix of furnishings, artwork and lighting. The Lutyens’ designed fireplace provides a welcoming focal point.

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The Alumni Office’s new space comprises a reception area, stylish lounge and meeting room.

We reconfigured the previous rooms to create more inviting and useable spaces.  We undertook the design and fit-out of the interiors which included the design of bespoke furniture items.  All the services were also upgraded.

We also liaised with the Curator of the University Art Collections for the Trinity College Art Collection  on the selection and hanging of signature art pieces for the rooms.

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In the Lady Beit Boudoir has had extensive restoration work, including the restoration of the wall paneling and paintwork. The furnishings were carefully conserved and re-upholstered. Notably, the chimney piece, designed by Bossi, was preserved as part of the restoration process. We also re positioned the original satinwood bureau next to the chimney piece, following an illustration in Irish Houses and Castles by Desmond Guinness.

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