Project: Kilboy, Ireland

Architects: Quinlan & Francis Terry Architects

Contractors: Tynan Construction

Built 2008-2010 with additional works 2011

Brief description

The reconstruction of a Paladin Irish House where Ketton were involved in the development of how to integrate the old existing basement (all that was remaining of the original structure) into and being able to take the loads of the design of the new structure to be placed over. The works involved traditional vaulting in the basement, a complete stone load bearing, highly decorative inner hall with an elliptical stair hall with 2.2m wide cantilever steps rising 2 storeys. The outside facade was sourced by Ketton from redundant quarries in Ireland with sandstone coming from Donegal that had not been used for over 100 years and limestone coming from Ballinasloe. The house has been described by a prominent Irish architect academic as being the most important house to have been built in Ireland for over 200 years. He has stated that he did not believe such workmanship was possible in today’s era. There was 2,000 ton Donegal stone; 3,000 ton Irish limestone and 300 ton Portland stone.