Girdwood Community Hub in North Belfast brings together physical regeneration and eco-design principles in the creation of a state-of-the-art, socially inclusive centre offering leisure, community and education facilities.

Part of the overall regeneration of the former Girdwood Barracks site, the Michael Whitley Architects design achieves high levels of thermal performance without compromising aesthetics using an integrated range of products from leading aluminium systems manufacturer Metal Technology.

Both System 17 SP (silicone pointed) curtain walling with concealed vents and System 17 capped curtain walling were specified for the project, complemented with System 5-20D Hi+ doors and System 4-20D Hi+ windows from the  range.

Complying with the latest British Standards, System 17 provides structural integrity, weather performance, thermal enhancement and complete design versatility. The Metal Technology 5-20D Hi+ door and 4-20Hi+ window systems blend seamlessly and offer advantages of polyamide thermal break technology in meeting the latest thermal requirements of the current building regulations.

Opened in January, Girdwood Community Hub has already brought recognition to Michael Whitley Architects with the RSUA (Royal society of Ulster Architects) Regeneration Award 2016. The project also won ‘Community Benefit Project of the year’ at the Property Excellence Ireland Awards 2016.