Belfast's best-known teaching college has picked up two major design awards for its impressive Orchard Building.

The building, at Stranmillis University, lifted a Wood NI Award, as well as gaining a commendation in the 'Over £3m' category at the Royal Society of Ulster Design Awards 2008.

The annual Society awards are aimed at promoting excellence in architectural design in Northern Ireland, and accolades are highly respected in the profession.

Belfast-based Scott Wilson and Knox & Clayton Architects of Lisburn shared the award for their joint efforts in the design.

This followed the project's recognition by the Royal Town Planning Institute NI branch and the RSPB.

The building collected the first ever Sustainable Planning Award in Northern Ireland.

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The Orchard Building is now regarded as a model, and educational tool, for other schools and colleges, in how sustainable technologies can be used effectively to benefit the environment.

It is also the first building of its scale in the education sector to employ bio-fuel heating.

Sitting on a wooded 18 hectare site, the building houses art and design, technology and physical education departments.

Alison Brown, a Principle Architect on the dual-firm project said: "We hope that it will inspire the building users and continue to influence others in achieving the goal of high quality sustainable development in Northern Ireland."

Scott Wilson's Architectural Technical Director Trevor Leaker said the incorporation of wood into design help provide the project's distinctive look.

"We had been looking at the use of timber in building generally because it is a very sustainable material," Said Mr Leaker.

The Technical Director explained: "Western Red Cedar which is self finished was used for the cladding and also to create louvres to provide solar shading to the main teaching areas."

"The Orchard Building proves that highly sustainable buildings can also exhibit the highest standards in architectural design and we are delighted this was recognised with these awards," he added.

(PR/JM)