Northern Ireland construction firm Graham has started work on Belfast’s first-ever Passivhaus-certified student accommodation, on Dublin Road on behalf of Queen’s University Belfast.
The £46million development of 459 high-quality student bedrooms will set a new standard for sustainable student living in Northern Ireland.
Due to the strict standards associated with Passivhaus certification, the development will use minimal energy for heating and cooling, reducing carbon emissions, and improving comfort for occupants.
The building will consist of a concrete frame with brick and glazed facades and will incorporate mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MVHR) units and high efficiency air source heat pumps.
Spread over 16 storeys, the purpose-built managed student accommodation (PBMSA) will feature a mix of cluster apartments and studio units and will incorporate high quality amenities to support students, including meeting rooms, communal and social spaces, group dining areas, a post room, laundry and dedicated staff office and welfare facilities.
There is a growing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient construction and Passivhaus is one of the most exacting global standards. Dublin Road will be the first ultra-low emission multi-occupancy building in Belfast city centre.
