A third-year architecture student at Queen's University Belfast, Hannah Jackson, has been named a Regional Winner in the Global Undergraduate Awards.

Recognised in the 'Architecture and Design' category, Jackson was honoured for a concept that blends creative thinking with environmental responsibility.

The Global Undergraduate Awards celebrate outstanding undergraduate work worldwide. Jackson's winning proposal, 'Ephemeral: Embrace – The Rathlin Island Discovery Centre', is rooted in practical considerations as well as place-based design.

Set on Rathlin Island, home to around 150 people and the largest seabird colony in Northern Ireland, the project draws inspiration from the island's natural character and its environmental pressures.

Hannah explained: "During our site analysis, we discovered that the site would likely flood in about 75 years due to rising sea levels. That really stuck with me. Usually, architects design for longevity, but what if a building could serve its purpose and then gracefully return to nature?"

Her scheme imagines a community observatory and research centre using natural materials such as straw, thatch and timber. It references Irish vernacular traditions — circular forms, local materials and a strong connection to the landscape.

"The idea of ephemerality, that something isn't meant to last forever, really resonated with me," she said. "The building would serve the community for as long as it's needed, then eventually become part of the environment again. Even as it decays, it supports new life, providing habitats for marine creatures and letting the land reclaim it."

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Reflecting on early influences, she added: "In sixth form, I did a sculpture A-level," she recalls. "One of our first lessons was on ephemeral sculptures - things made from sticks, leaves, materials that don't last. I didn't realise that idea had stuck with me until now."

The design emerged within 'Studio Interact', which is linked to the AHRC-funded Future Island-Island project exploring green transitions in communities. Hannah explained: "Our studio focused on material culture, and ethical specification of building materials. We investigated sustainable low carbon, natural materials, and my assigned material was straw."

She added: "We learned how to work with it - how it insulates, how it shapes design. My tutors, Dr Clare Mulholland and Laurence Lord, were so supportive and really pushed us to explore sustainability in creative ways."

Commenting on the work, Laurence Lord, Senior Lecturer in Architecture at the School of Natural and Built Environment at Queen's, said: "Hannah's work demonstrates intelligent and sensitive design thinking. She has taken the island context and turned it into an architectural story about time, environment, and designer responsibility"

He added: "Her project moves beyond the idea of permanence to propose a living architecture that grows from and ultimately returns to its landscape.

"It's a powerful reflection of how design can respond to environmental realities with both sensitivity and imagination, and we're delighted to see her creativity recognised internationally."

Dr Clare Mulholland, Senior Lecturer in Architecture, commented: "Hannah's project captured the spirit of what we strive to nurture in our students, creativity grounded in place, material understanding, and care for the environment.

"Her project is a thoughtful proposal that balances poetic vision with technical and ecological sensitivity.

"It's wonderful to see her design for Rathlin Island recognised with this award, and we are immensely proud of Hannah and her contribution to the Queen's University Belfast Architecture community."

Looking ahead, Hannah said: "I've always wanted to work abroad. This experience has definitely given me more confidence.

"I plan to gain some experience in the UK first, then explore opportunities internationally — learning from different cultures and architectural practices."