Privately owned national construction and development company GRAHAM has made significant progress in the development of Weavers’ Hall – Belfast’s first ultra-low emission purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), with the concrete cores at the Dublin Road site now reaching full height.
The construction firm is working on behalf of Queen’s University Belfast, and this landmark project is set to become the city’s first Passivhaus-certified PBSA.
Rising to 16 storeys, Weavers’ Hall will deliver 459 student bedrooms in a mix of cluster apartments and studio units. Designed to support both social and independent student living, the development will also feature several high-quality facilities such as a reception area, post room, laundry, quiet study spaces, communal lounges, group dining areas and a dedicated party room.
“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.”
Gary Holmes, Regional Managing Director, GRAHAM
Video credit: Alistair Leith.
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.
“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.”
Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor Professor, Queen’s University Belfast
