Overview:

In a testament to architectural innovation and educational excellence, Ulster University's Belfast building has clinched the prestigious Building of the Year title at the 2024 Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA) Awards. DorSuite's bespoke doors stand as silent sentinels throughout this £364 million project, seamlessly blending form and function in a space designed to inspire 15,000 staff and students.

The Brief:

Ulster University embarked on an ambitious project to create a state-of-the-art facility that would foster creativity, collaboration, and sustainability. Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, the acclaimed project architects, were tasked with delivering a cutting-edge design that maximised a challenging, irregular site in Belfast's city centre. The resulting 75,000 sq m complex encompasses a wide range of learning spaces, social areas, and administrative facilities.

The Solution:

DorSuite rose to the challenge of this complex project, supplying over 1,500 specially designed doorsets throughout the building. Our team worked closely with the architects and contractors to ensure each door not only complemented the innovative design but also met the specific functional requirements of each space.

Bespoke Manufacturing:

DorSuite's expertise in bespoke manufacturing was crucial in meeting the diverse needs of this project. We provided an extensive range of doorsets, including:

Steel rebated frames

Steel wrap-around frames

Timber frames

Laminate faced doors

Steel doors

Solid overpanels

Side screens

These varied components allowed for seamless integration with the architectural aesthetic while adhering to critical fire and safety regulations.

Technical Excellence:

The project demanded exceptional technical performance from our products. DorSuite delivered doorsets with:

High acoustic ratings - doors up to 40dB and screens up to 50dB

Fire ratings up to 2 hours

Door heights up to almost 3m

To meet these exacting specifications, DorSuite conducted project-specific testing, demonstrating our commitment to innovation and quality assurance.

The DorSuite Team:

A dedicated team of specialists at DorSuite oversaw the design, manufacturing, and logistical complexities of this project. Their expertise in navigating challenges, coupled with a commitment to open collaboration, ensured the successful delivery of doors and screens that exceeded expectations.

The Ulster University Belfast project stands as a testament to DorSuite's ability to deliver high-quality, bespoke solutions for large-scale, innovative developments. Our contribution to this award-winning building underscores our commitment to excellence in the education sector and our capacity to meet the evolving needs of modern, sustainable architecture.

Warwick Butcher

Project Manager

Nick Stewart

Specification Design