Client: Lough Erne
Architect: Maxwell Pierce Architects
Type of works: supply of Cupa Heavy 3 slate.
Lough Erne is a prestigious golf resort development in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, which opened in September 2007. Taking inspiration from the scenery of Loch Lomond, the resort sits hand in glove with the surrounding landscape, complemented by the Nick Faldo designed international golf course, completed in 2008. Given the resorts location, Cupa Natural Slate was the perfect choice for the roofing material and has been used exclusively throughout the complex.
Cathal Reilly of Maxwell Pierce Architects commented: I specified Cupa Natural Slate for this development as it is not only hard-wearing and durable, it also looks fantastic. It is important that the resort blends in with its surroundings and the choice of roofing material was an essential part of that. Cupa was a natural choice.
The golf resort is located on a hillside overlooking Castle Hume Lake and comprises a sixty-bedroom luxury country-manor styled hotel. In addition, there are twenty five stunning lodges with feature towers to reflect the medieval monastic architecture found in Fermanagh.
Cupa Natural Slate is extracted from Cupas own quarries and is hand-split by skilled craftsmen. Cupa Heavy 3, a very distinctive Blue/Black slate with a rustic, riven surface, was specified for use as roofing on the hotel and lodges. Irelands Atlantic weather means a thicker slate is required to protect the building against rain and wind. Cupa Heavy 3 is split to a thickness of between 3.5 and 7 - 10mm for the heavy variant, making it the ideal roofing material.
Cupa Heavy 3 slate is a natural material that is exceptionally hardwearing, being virtually impervious to the elements. It can last more than a lifetime, and once installed maintenance costs are practically zero. Its distinctive natural colour, texture and grain deliver a clean sculpted appearance that has a timeless warmth and elegance. Cupas chemical-free quarrying and land reinstatement make Cupa Natural Slate an attractive option in terms of environmental impact and sustainability when compared to concrete or clay alternatives.
Cupa Heavy 3 is regularly specified for projects within conservation areas, national parks, heritage sites and areas of outstanding natural beauty, as an acceptable replacement to locally quarried slate, due to its comparable quality and composition.