GRAHAM - Weavers' Hall

Significant progress has been made in the development of Weavers’ Hall, Belfast’s first ultra-low emission student accommodation, with the concrete cores at the Dublin Road site now reaching full height.

Delivered by leading construction firm GRAHAM on behalf of Queen’s University Belfast, this landmark project is set to become the city’s first Passivhaus-certified purpose-built managed student accommodation (PBMSA).

Rising to 16 storeys and comprising 459 student bedrooms, Weavers’ Hall will include a mix of cluster apartments and studio units. Designed to support both social and independent student living, the development will also feature a range of high-quality facilities such as a reception area, post room, laundry, quiet study spaces, communal lounges, group dining areas and a dedicated party room.

As Belfast’s first student accommodation built to Passivhaus standards, Weavers’ Hall is being constructed with energy efficiency at its core. Passivhaus buildings are engineered to minimise energy use for heating and cooling, resulting in lower carbon emissions, reduced running costs, and consistently high levels of indoor air quality and comfort.

The building features a concrete frame with brick and glazed facades, incorporating MVHR units and high-efficiency air source heat pumps. Designed for maximum energy efficiency, it includes high-spec insulation, triple glazing, an airtight fabric, and uses 100% renewable energy for heating and hot water.

Gary Holmes, regional managing director for GRAHAM Building North said: “Reaching this important milestone marks significant progress on a development that will help set a new standard for student accommodation in Belfast. We’re proud to be delivering a project that not only reflects Queen’s University’s ambition for high-quality, sustainable housing, but also supports the city’s wider drive toward low-carbon, future-ready buildings.”

President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer at Queen’s University Belfast, said: “Reaching this milestone brings us closer to delivering a truly exceptional living environment for our students. Weavers’ Hall represents our ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility with student experience at its heart while also strengthening our presence in Belfast city centre.”