Ciaran McAliskey, National Specification Manager for Keystone Lintels explains how cutting-edge lintel solutions provide the flexibility to achieve distinctive architectural designs
Modern steel lintels have evolved well beyond their traditional load-bearing function, now offering capabilities that surpass timber or stone predecessors. These specialised lintels play a pivotal role in enabling housebuilders to incorporate intricate forms, and striking features into their projects.
With government pushing to deliver 1.5 million new homes in the next five years, the housebuilding sector has the dual challenge of meeting these targets while avoiding the pitfall of creating great swathes of homogenous, characterless developments. Innovative building products and materials such as special lintels can play their part in creating homes with character. By embracing these solutions, housebuilders can deliver the volume required without compromising quality or design.
Lintel innovation
Nowhere is the potential for design innovation more evident than in bespoke lintel solutions. Offering opportunities to add distinctive architectural features to new homes, specially made lintels can help transform building facades. Custom-made to precise specifications, special lintels are engineered to suit the aesthetic requirements for any given opening on a build, while seamlessly integrating structural steelwork into a design.
Keystone’s engineering and manufacturing teams have a wealth of experience in designing and manufacturing out-of-the-box solutions to achieve the client’s ambitions. The company offers a diverse array of lintel solutions to cater to different architectural visions.
For example, Corner Lintels can enhance spaciousness and natural light in a room while Splayed Bay and Square Bay Lintels can achieve a timeless blend of classic and contemporary elegance. From Large Apex Lintels that are perfect for accommodating impressive glazed openings to Full and Segmental Arch Lintels, Gothic, Parabolic, and Venetian Arch Lintels that provide striking architectural features, there are a range of options for designers seeking creative freedom.
Station Approach
In the context of a specific project, The Old Coal Yard in Marlow, adjacent to the former railway station platform, has been transformed by Bellwood Homes into three converted Victorian railway terraced buildings. Broadsman House, Palatine Place, and Fenman Court include three 2-bedroom houses, eight 2-bedroom apartments, and one 1-bedroom apartment, blending contemporary design within the context of Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian styles of architecture in Marlow.
Keystone provided extra heavy-duty brick slip feature arch lintels and special segmental arch lintels to balance traditional aesthetics with modern innovation. Over 40 prefabricated lintels were manufactured offsite, saving significant time and labour costs. Each lintel incorporated Hoskins Maltings Antique bricks bonded with BBA-approved adhesive, ensuring a high-quality finish.
This approach eliminated the need for skilled bricklayers to craft arches onsite, reducing delays from weather and winter daylight constraints. Keystone’s solution also supported the recreation of Victorian-era window tax designs, with symmetrical window arches complementing the historic railway station context. Larger modern segmental arches above glazed bedroom windows added a contemporary twist, creating a perfect balance between old and new architecture.
Matthew McGill, Site Manager at Bellwood Homes, said “Keystone’s prefabricated lintels were efficient, reducing labour costs and brick wastage while achieving the desired architectural design.”
Creating extra space
The extent to which special lintels and systems can enhance a building project is typified by Keystone’s Sun Lounge Lintels. More practical and user friendly than a conservatory, a Sun Lounge Lintel is an easy way to add space and value at low cost when building a new house or extending an existing property.
A Sun Lounge Lintel is more visually appealing than a conservatory and offers much better heat retention in winter, and protection from the blazing summer sun. Furthermore, a sun lounge floor area can be included in the overall measurement of your house size, adding much more value to your home.
Housebuilder support
Striking the right balance between quality homes and meeting ambitious housing targets has often been the challenge. However, innovative solutions such as special lintels can provide design flexibility that will set developments apart in terms of architectural features.
Moreover, complementary manufacturer services that include free scheduling and specification, customised design, and on-hand technical expertise will mean that manufacturers such as Keystone Lintels are able to empower housebuilders to create bespoke homes at scale whilst ensuring communities do not lose their distinctiveness.
For more information on special lintels and complementary services visit Special Lintels | Free Scheduling Service | Keystone Lintels.
