Games Design and Development, Ulster University

Project: Games Design and Development, Ulster University, Derry-Londonderry Campus

Segment: Education

Country/city: Derry-Londonderry, Northern Ireland

Architect: McAdam Belfast – Michael Redmond

Installer: CMG Contracts – Cahal McGuinness

Main contractor: QMAC Construction Ltd

Photographer: Gordon McAvoy

As part of ongoing redevelopment at Ulster University, Saint-Gobain Ecophon are happy to have been included in the most recent phase, focusing on the Games Design and Development Suite.

When originally approached by Michael Redmond from McAdam Design Belfast, about cutting Solo Squares to achieve a triangle shape, Davina Bradley, Project Specification Manager for Saint-Gobain Ecophon Ireland, explained “panels could be cut and resealed on-site to achieve the desired shape, or this could be facilitated by our Hyllinge factory and delivered to site ready for install.”

Michael explains “the client was keen to achieve a unique aesthetic for the interior design that would reflect the dynamic visual nature of the Screen Production and Digital Games Design. We required a solution that would be both functional and visually striking. The ability to customise the shape of the rafts to size and shape of the unusual triangular rooms allowed great flexibility and creativity in the design process.”

“Two primary teaching rooms were central to the project, the use of two distinct colour palettes allowed two contrasting but complementary atmosphere within the rooms. We used the more energised louder colour palette for the more activity-based studio room, and a more subdued neutral palette for the traditional teaching / lecture space.”

To achieve this look, the design incorporated 4 of Ecophon’s standard colours: Eucalyptus Leaf, Volcanic Ash, Sunset Heat and Silver Stone.

Utilising the UK & Ireland’s technical expertise, Technical Sales Advisor Simon Cooke, visited site to assist CMG Contracts on the best way to install the products due to challenges with intricate lighting & ventilation system. With a full 360 approach Head of Technical, Mark Turner, visited site to sign off the final installation.