Skyfold Divides Belfast University Lecture Theatre

Moveable partitioning experts Style worked with Todd Architects and contractor Felix O’Hare & Co, to divide the Student Hub at Queen’s Business School, Belfast. An impressive 290-seat tiered lecture theatre like this demands an equally remarkable movable wall solution — which is why Style recommended the fully automatic Skyfold Classic 60 system.

This pioneering operable wall is discreetly concealed within the ceiling cavity and descends gracefully at the push of a button, seamlessly dividing the stepped auditorium. With an outstanding 59dB Rw acoustic rating, Skyfold enables two independent teaching spaces to be quickly created, with no risk of sound interference.

Style is the exclusive UK distributor for Skyfold movable walls, including the Mirage glass system and the Zenith, featuring a narrow descent path that is ideal for restricted spaces.

Founded in 1845 as Queen’s College Belfast, Queen’s University Belfast became an independent university in 1908. Today, it is ranked as one of the top 200 universities in the world and is a member of the Russell Group of UK research-intensive universities.

University lecture theatres are often under-utilised, but the stepped flooring makes it challenging to divide the space into two functional rooms using traditional solutions. Skyfold overcomes this problem, offering a fast, safe, and efficient way to partition the facility while providing exceptional acoustic separation. For easy movement between the two areas, an access door can be incorporated.

“This is a unique and impressive moveable wall solution,” said Michael Porter, Style’s group managing director.

“When the Skyfold descends from the ceiling it creates real ‘wow’ factor, sub-dividing this very high-ceilinged lecture quickly and efficiently. We were very proud to have been involved in the Student Hub, which was named Northern Ireland’s Building of the Year 2025 by the Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA).”

 

“Skyfold’s innovative design and seamless functionality ensure that Queen’s University Belfast now has a flexible, future-ready lecture theatre that combines acoustic excellence with striking visual impact.”

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