RMIG - The Science Park, White Star House, Belfast
Supplier: RMIG Ltd
Customer: The Northern Ireland Science Park
Location: Belfast
Summary of the Project
Project Introduction
The design of White Star House in Belfast incorporates a best practice modern methods of construction approach and was led by Scott Wilson, acting as Architects, Structural Engineers, Town Planners and Digital Animators for the Northern Ireland Science Park.
Use of RM perforated metal cladding can assist in support and in meeting the requirements of the ‘sustainability trinity’ – reduce, reuse and recycle. RMIG Ltd’s metal products can be reused in many cases following the end of the useful life of the building without the need for re-processing, forming, etc. Where products are scrapped the metal can easily be recycled thereby reducing the impact on the environment due to winning and extraction of new raw materials. Recycled materials also require reduced energy during reprocessing.
Project Background
This new £5m development is the fourth building to be developed as part of the Science Park's initiative to offer technologically advanced space for companies to develop ideas and create sound products and services. It is viewed as the "hub of the Northern Ireland knowledge economy".
The building is four-storeys high (40,000sq.ft.) and is situated beside Thompson Dock, where the Titanic was variously fitted out and repaired, and was the last place the Titanic sat before leaving Belfast.
RM perforated aluminium (RM Pattern: C10U15) was chosen to provide a decorative cladding, and to provide privacy and security screening.
Project Scope
Shipping themes have been fully integrated into this development. Not only is the building named in recognition of White Star Shipping Line, the owners of the Titanic, the design is also reflective of this rich history. Three exposed prow-shaped support pillars have been designed as part of the building's structure, and frame the main entrance. These prows are exactly the same height as that of the Titanic, above the waterline represents the Titanic and her sister ships the Olympic and the Britanic. The overall form of the building echoes that of a shipyard gantry, under which the liners were built. Within this form emerges the three prow feature of White Star House.
Value Adding Project Achievements
The design incorporates a highly sustainable approach. The White Star House project with reinforced concrete frame and rainscreen cladding had a high level of recycled content due to the high value of metal elements and their consistently high level of recycled content.
Independent reports confirm that the project had the potential to achieve significant levels of recycled content in the construction at no extra cost. For White Star House this was 33%, offering “quick wins” to raise the level of recycled content.
The design also includes groundwater extraction to ensure the building's cooling system operates as efficiently as possible.
The structure makes a bold statement and follows on from the industrial innovation for which the site is famous. Industrial themes are continued internally with bare wire, metal and concrete. Softly lit at night, White Star House will stand as a beacon to those arriving in Belfast by air and sea. It is a new landmark building on Belfast's skyline.
For further information e-mail mki@rmig.com.
Reference: Scott Wilson Group plc