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Castlederg
Castlederg

Projects

Castlederg

Projects

Castlederg

Project overview

Location

Castlederg, Northern Ireland

Date

2015

Architect

Andrew Coulter

Contractor

H & J Martin

Products used

Apex Sun Lounge Lintel

The Glazed Gable Apex project showcases Keystone Lintels’ ability to deliver highly specialised structural steel solutions for architecturally ambitious residential developments.

The completed glazed gable creates a dramatic visual statement while flooding the interior with natural light throughout the day.

Every apex frame was manufactured to project-specific dimensions, ensuring accurate installation and seamless integration with the glazing package.
Project details
Designed to create a dramatic floor-to-ceiling glazed gable feature, the project required a bespoke support system capable of carrying substantial masonry loads while maintaining a clean and uninterrupted glazed appearance.

The client’s vision centred on maximising natural daylight and creating a striking focal point within the home. The large apex glazing installation was intended to provide panoramic views and establish a strong connection between the interior living spaces and the surrounding landscape. However, achieving this design required a carefully engineered structural solution capable of supporting the building envelope without compromising the visual impact of the glazing.

Working closely with the project team, Keystone designed and manufactured a bespoke Glazed Gable Apex Frame that combined structural performance, thermal efficiency and architectural elegance. The completed installation demonstrates how modern steel engineering can enable bold architectural concepts while maintaining structural integrity and long-term durability.

The Challenge

Large glazed gable installations have become increasingly popular in contemporary residential design, allowing homeowners to introduce greater levels of natural light and create impressive architectural statements. However, these designs often present significant structural challenges due to the removal of traditional loadbearing masonry and the introduction of large unsupported openings.
In this project, the apex glazing extended through a substantial section of the gable elevation, requiring the structural loads from the masonry and roof structure above to be transferred safely around the opening.

Key Design Challenges

  • Supporting significant masonry loads above a large glazed opening.
  • Maintaining a slim and unobtrusive structural profile.
  • Accommodating the complex geometry of the apex roof.
  • Providing precise tolerances for specialist glazing installation.
  • Minimising thermal bridging through the structural frame.
  • Preserving the clean contemporary aesthetic specified by the architect.

The project also required careful coordination between the steel design, glazing contractor and construction team to ensure all elements aligned accurately during installation.

Keystone Solution

Following a detailed design review, Keystone’s engineering team developed a bespoke structural steel apex frame tailored specifically to the geometry and loading requirements of the project.

The solution was designed to provide full structural support to the masonry and roof construction while creating the large uninterrupted opening required for the glazing system.