While standard lintels could be utilised throughout areas of the building, the construction presented additional technical challenges where sections of the outer leaf incorporated double-skin brick and blockwork. In these locations, Keystone’s standard stock lintels were not suitable for the required build-up.

The project also evolved during the design and construction process, with changes made to the original drawings after the initial information had been received. As a result, the lintel schedule required several revisions before the final units could be approved and manufactured.

Keystone’s technical team worked closely with the project team throughout this process, adapting the lintel package to reflect the changing requirements and ensuring the solutions remained suitable for the final construction details.

To overcome the challenges presented by the double-skin construction, Keystone manufactured special single-leaf lintels without a top bend. This bespoke configuration was developed to prevent the lintels from conflicting with the inner leaf and the steel structure above once installed.

Before manufacture, Keystone provided Carey Developments with full lintel submittals for review and sign-off, ensuring the proposed solutions could be coordinated with the wider structure before progressing to production.

This collaborative approach allowed Keystone to respond to evolving project requirements while providing lintel solutions tailored to the structural demands of the monastery.

Keystone Lintels’ sister company, IG Masonry Support, also contributed to the construction of the new Benedictine Monastery, supplying specialist masonry support and brickwork solutions across the development.

The involvement of both Keystone Lintels and IG Masonry Support demonstrates the breadth of expertise available across the Keystone Group, with complementary solutions helping to support the architectural and structural requirements of this significant project.

The completed monastery combines traditional monastic design principles with modern construction to provide a permanent spiritual home alongside spaces for education, hospitality and retreat.

Through technical expertise, responsive design support and close collaboration with Carey Developments and the wider project team, Keystone Lintels helped overcome complex construction details and changing design requirements to deliver lintel solutions suited to this architecturally significant development.

The result is a purpose-built monastery that responds sensitively to its historic and natural surroundings while providing a lasting home for the Benedictine community at Kylemore Abbey.