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Agriculture Food & Science Institute

Agriculture Food & Science Institute

Agriculture Food & Science Institute

Location

Hillsborough, Northern Ireland 

Architect

Todd Architects

Contractor

H & J Martin

Products used

Parabolic Arch Lintel

Keystone’s bespoke continuous heavy-duty arch system restored the historic character of the Agricultural, Food & Bio-Sciences Building while providing structural support across a 16.5m span.

The restoration of the Agricultural, Food & Bio-Sciences Building involved reopening and reinstating a series of original masonry arches that had previously been blocked up and replaced with concrete lintels.

Custom-engineered heavy-duty arches and support posts delivered seamless heritage restoration with the strength to support substantial stone masonry loads.
Working with Todd Architects and H & J Martin, Keystone designed a bespoke continuous heavy duty arch system capable of supporting a 600mm thick solid stone wall across a 16.5 metre span while restoring the building’s historic appearance.

The original arches had been concealed during earlier alterations, removing a key architectural feature from the façade. Investigations also identified significant deterioration within the lower stonework.

The project required:

  • Temporary support of the upper structure during restoration works.
  • Removal and replacement of deteriorated masonry.
  • A structural arch solution capable of carrying substantial masonry loads.
  • Preservation of the building’s traditional appearance.
  • Keystone engineer Chris Patterson developed a bespoke continuous heavy duty arch system tailored to the project requirements.

Steel pins were installed through the existing stonework to temporarily support the upper structure while damaged masonry was removed. Keystone posts and heavy duty arches were then installed and bolted into place to form a continuous structural support system.

Once the steelwork was secured, the original brick and stone façade was rebuilt around the new structure, restoring the building’s traditional arch detailing.

The completed project successfully restored the original character of the building while delivering the structural performance required to support the substantial masonry loads above.

By combining modern structural engineering with heritage restoration techniques, Keystone delivered a solution that preserved the architectural integrity of the façade with minimal visual impact.

“It was beautiful to see the old barn arches restored. Keystone made our dream come true.”

Derek Cahoon - Agriculture Food & Bio-Sciences Institute