White Star House on Queen's Island, Belfast has been officially handed over to the Northern Ireland Science Park (NISP). This new 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.
The design of the building was led by Ferguson McIlveen LLP, acting as Architects, Structural Engineers and Digital Animators. The building is situated beside Thompson Dock, the largest of its kind in the world when it was first built, and its associated pump house, where the Titanic and her sister ships were variously fitted out and repaired. Thompson Dock was the last place the Titanic sat before leaving Belfast.
Shipping themes have been fully integrated into this development. Not only is the building named in recognition of White Star Shipping Line, 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. 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.
The four storey structure makes a bold statement that is easily incorporated into the NISP ethos of technological innovation, and follows on from the industrial innovation for which the site is famous for. Softly lit at night, White Star House will stand as a beacon to those arriving in Belfast by ferry. It is a new landmark building on Belfast's industrial skyline.
The design incorporates a highly sustainable approach that includes groundwater extraction to ensure the building's cooling system operates as efficiently as possible.
White Star House joins the Innovation Centre, the Queen's University Institute for Electronics, Communication and Information Technologies(ECIT) and the Legacy building. Norman Apsley, the CEO of the Northern Ireland Science Park has commented that these buildings are the 'hub of the Northern Ireland knowledge economy'.
The development sits within the 185 acre Titanic Quarter site which is planned to be the largest waterfront urban regeneration project in Europe with an estimated value of £1 billion.