Killybegs Small Craft Harbour Amenity Building

COMPLETED

2025

CLIENT

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Location

Ireland

PARTNER

MDT Construction (McDermott & Trearty Ltd) / Foley Architects

Bespoke Architectural Aluminium for a Coastal Public-Sector Project

Located on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, the Killybegs Small Craft Harbour Amenity Building required a robust architectural aluminium solution capable of performing in one of the country’s most demanding marine environments.

With constant exposure to salt air, high winds, driving rain and changing coastal conditions, the project called for more than standard roofline products. It required precision-manufactured aluminium systems, developed around the exact dimensions of the building and coordinated closely with the contractor team throughout the construction programme.

Kytun supplied a bespoke package of AluSwift architectural aluminium products, including standing seam roofing, fascia and soffit, guttering, capping and architectural cladding. Each element was manufactured to suit the project’s technical requirements, supporting long-term durability, low maintenance and a clean architectural finish.

The Brief

Kytun was appointed to support the delivery of a high-performance aluminium roofline and envelope solution for a public amenity building in a highly exposed coastal location.

The aluminium systems needed to:

Withstand long-term exposure to salt air, wind-driven rain and harsh Atlantic weather
Provide clean, consistent detailing across the building envelope
Integrate accurately with the wider construction programme
Support a durable, low-maintenance finish suitable for public-sector use
Be manufactured to suit bespoke dimensions and site-specific detailing

For a building positioned within an active harbour environment, accuracy and coordination were essential from the outset.

Key Challenges

This was not a standard off-the-shelf installation.

The project required a fully bespoke aluminium package, with each component measured, fabricated, welded and powder-coated to suit the exact shape and detailing of the building.

Key challenges included:

Coastal exposure: salt-laden air, high winds and driving rain at harbour level
Bespoke fabrication: custom aluminium elements manufactured to suit unique dimensions
Programme coordination: staged measurements and close alignment with construction progress
Architectural finish: clean detailing required across visible roofline and façade areas
Public-sector durability: long-term performance with minimal maintenance requirements

The exposed seafront setting also created weather and logistical pressures, requiring a flexible, responsive approach from design through to delivery.

Our Solution

Kytun aluminium soffit and capping

Kytun worked closely with MDT Construction throughout the build, carrying out a series of on-site meetings and staged measurement exercises to ensure every aluminium component was manufactured accurately.

This collaborative approach allowed the team to:

Take precise site measurements at key stages of construction
Coordinate fabrication around live project timelines
Manufacture bespoke aluminium elements to suit exact building details
Support efficient installation on a challenging coastal site
Deliver a durable finish that enhanced the overall architectural quality of the building

The completed AluSwift systems were fabricated, welded and powder-coated specifically for the project, creating a robust, low-maintenance aluminium solution designed for long-term coastal performance.

Kytun Products Used

AluSwift Standing Seam Roofing
AluSwift Fascia & Soffit
AluSwift Guttering
Bespoke Aluminium Cappings
Architectural Aluminium Cladding
Associated aluminium trims and interfaces

The Result

The finished project demonstrates the value of choosing precision-manufactured aluminium systems for public buildings in demanding coastal environments.

By combining technical expertise, bespoke fabrication and close collaboration with the contractor team, Kytun helped deliver a roofline and architectural aluminium package that performs functionally while contributing to the clean, modern appearance of the building.

For public-sector and commercial projects, the right material choice is not just about the finish on handover day. It is about long-term performance, reduced maintenance, programme confidence and products that are made to stand up to real conditions.

At Killybegs Small Craft Harbour, Kytun’s AluSwift systems provide a durable, low-maintenance solution built for the realities of Ireland’s harsh Atlantic coastline.

“Coastal public-sector projects demand more than standard products. They require precision, coordination and materials designed to perform long after handover.”

McDermott & Trearty Construction