Construction of three storey Mathematics Building for Queen’s University, Belfast – approx 20,100M2.
The construction method was a concrete framed structure with brick / stone / curtain walling façade.

The new mathematics building is being constructed on the new Library site. As the project necessitated the demolition of the existing David Bates building in College Park East, a replacement Mathematics building is being constructed on the site as part of the overall scheme. Phase 1 of the development includes construction of a free standing Mathematics building and when completed will create a ‘buffer zone’ between the main Phase 2 Library development and the nearby residential properties throughout the remainder of the construction period.

The building is predominantly academic office accommodation and has lecture rooms for classes of up to 70 students. By its nature it will be a lower-scale building with windows and storey heights in keeping with the character and scale of the residential neighbourhood. The creation of landscaped open space to the north of the new Library will significantly enhance its overall setting.

The project aims to preserve its historic fabric whilst laying foundations for the future. The site will provide a high quality sustainable building in an urban setting, complementing the wider Queen’s Conservation Area whilst reflecting the architectural concepts and building practices of the era within which it will be built. The following aspects of the buildings demonstrate OHMG ability to create high quality internal environments.

•Curtain walling with automated windows and blinds. Extensive curtain walling around the south and west elevations with integrated automated windows and blinds. These windows and blinds are linked to the heating controls and sunlight conditions via the building management system (BMS).

•Air tightness testing. The full building envelope (15,922sq m) was tested for air tightness, which involved pressurising the inside of the building to 50 Pa and a target figure for air permeability was 10 cu m/hour/sq m. the result achieved was 9.03 which passed the required air tightness performance criteria. The purpose of this is to prevent heat loss and improve the environment.

•Ground cooling system. This system uses 100m deep boreholes with circulating water to add to the cooling system of the building. It reduces the need for energy sapping air handling units in warmer weather.

•Library shelving, both static and mobile. A large portion of the shelving provided is mobile (both manual and electronic). This is a great space saver and makes optimum use of floor space. The electronic shelving uses the latest one-touch operation providing unparalleled ease of operation for the user.

•Natural stone cladding. Areas of the external façade are finished with natural stone which provide a contrast to the facing brickwork and aluminium curtain walling. This stonework is of the highest quality and has been installed by the most skilled stonemasons in the country, giving an effect which shows the building as an individual piece of architecture to be admired by all.

•Computer access flooring. The majority of the floor space is computer access flooring, which allows most of the services to be contained below the floor. It makes future adjustments to the building more manageable and less disruptive to the user.

•Complex Building Management System. The BMS for this building is designed to create the most pleasant internal environment for the occupants, while being environmentally friendly and cost effective. Items that are linked to the heating/cooling include AHU’s, radiators, trench heaters, underfloor heating, ground cooling system, automated windows, automated blinds. Items that are linked to electrical installation include fire alarm system, security systems, lighting, public address system, data transmission.


The University’s vision was to build a central, high quality library to achieve a seamless range of service and support for users, and an environment that will encourage multi-disciplinary learning and collaboration. OHMG recognises that the successful delivery of these high quality internal environments has been largely based on our Construction Teams effective supervision and co-ordination of specialist services installations in tandem with our quality assurance procedures.