Location

Portadown, County Armagh

Architect

Paul McAlister

Products Used

Del Carmen Prime natural slates were chosen to crown this contemporary residence, situated on a rural site just west of Portadown, County Armagh. The design of the house was inspired by traditional Irish farm buildings, yet also offering a modern and light-filled living area – all while meeting stringent targets for energy efficiency. To bring the building to life, some unusual design decisions led to it taking on a near-cruciform shape, complete with vaulted ceilings and multiple sections of intricate slate roof designs, calling for a sleek, uniform look.

Working closely with Paul McAlister Architects and Lester Weir Construction, SSQ offered an elegant solution by putting forward a natural slate of premium quality. The unfading colour and appearance of Del Carmen was of the utmost importance – its natural blue-black colour coupled with faintly rippled riven texture provided a finish that is sympathetic to the hues of the surrounding countryside and is in keeping with the traditional slating practices throughout the centuries.

The use of Del Carmen natural slate upgraded the building’s green credentials, ensuring that the owner’s environmental sensibilities were met by creating a life-time lasting, low-maintenance and waterproof roofing solution.

A green material with low carbon footprint, SSQ’s Del Carmen is sourced from an exclusive slate quarry in the Cabrera Mountains of North-West Spain. It is consistently handpicked by architects around the world for its unrivalled beauty and exceptional high quality.