Author: Sajjad B

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]With two bank holiday weekends done and dusted (and yet another just around the corner), we recently set up shop at UK Construction Week 2023 at the ExCeL Centre to talk to the public and residential construction industry at large about sustainability, ESG goals and the future of offsite balcony construction.

Why we were there

UK Construction Week 2023 was an opportunity for us at Sapphire to introduce the world, in person, to our Crescent™ Corner Cassette balcony as well as to show off our brand-new Vision 2030 document. Beyond that, we had the opportunity to attend talks concerning sustainability, fire safety and the future of residential construction.

Having the chance to demonstrate our 2030 ESG vision to not just the public, but to our residential construction industry peers too, was one we couldn’t pass up. Proving your competency isn’t just about gaining certificates or meeting standards, it’s about being a role model for your peers too. By showing our commitment to a more sustainable future, we hope it will inspire others to take the same steps.

What’s going on

Sustainability was a huge focus for UK Construction Week, as it is for the residential construction industry at large. We attended several seminars hosted by some of the brightest minds in the construction space to expand our knowledge on how sustainability, procurement and fire safety are crucial to stay competent around.

Our first talk was a ‘question time’ discussion of fire safety in construction chaired by the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire and featured voices such as Steve Hamm (CEO of IFE), Tim Galloway (Building Safety Programme, HSE) and Steve Elliot (CEO, CIA).

Rebuilding trust through competency measures such as CPDs and communication was discussed, as well as playing a long game with educational measures that need to be taken such as schools for construction. Furthermore, it was mentioned that there is a clear need for sustainable innovation which addresses the parameters of fire safety – taking a risk-based approach so that functional requirements meet both fire safety and sustainability baselines.

Sapphire was also in attendance at a second talk by Shaun McCarthy (Supply Chain Sustainability School), Graham Edgell (Morgan Sindall) and Mellita D’Silva (Action Sustainability) where the importance of having a sustainable supply chain and positivity around procurement was discussed.

Amongst other points, the cost, appeal and collaboration possibilities of sustainability were discussed. A sustainable approach generally does cost more but much of this cost will be absorbed by upskilling markets, investing in more sustainable materials and the implicit avoidance of future upgrades through intelligent construction today.[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_imageBlock image=”12462″ notch=”” height=””][/sapphire_imageBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=”” el_id=”” el_class=”” css=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]

What we’ve learned

Much as we expected, sustainability is a crucial factor for success over the next decade. Our Vision 2030 document explains how we’re making high-level changes to expand on our ESG vision and maintain our status as a sustainable and environmentally conscious company.

Sustainability starts with a product and the collaboration, communication and competency between companies invested in creating that product. Sustainable collaboration starts with early engagement, understanding how people add value to the supply chain, investing in and rewarding sustainable behaviours and understanding the root causes of carbon emissions to always stay ahead of the curve.

From a fire safety perspective, we learned that gateways and processes are changing in terms of fire requirements, but the functional aspects are staying the same. Codes and standards will never be ‘finished’, just updated with the knowledge of today and predictions for tomorrow that can make construction as safe an industry as it can be for the end user. Ultimately each building needs to demonstrate compliance to codes and standards, but professional judgement should be the standard we’re meeting, not a bare minimum of just codes themselves.

Rebuilding trust in the construction industry shouldn’t be boiled down to a minimum effort of meeting KPIs and following codes and standards to a bare minimum. Trust means going above and beyond. It means setting out a clear vision for sustainability, making innovative improvements to the way we work and the products we release, getting a professional judgement on our processes and making sure we’re always one step ahead of the crowd.

Sapphire Balconies are dedicated to being a forward-thinking, sustainable manufacturer and supplier. Our Vision 2030 document showcases our dedication to these processes and our newly revealed Crescent™ Corner balcony, as well as plenty of upcoming announcements, shows our commitment to innovative changes to our industry.

UK Construction Week 2023 wasn’t just an opportunity for us to show our latest developments. It was an opportunity for all of us in the residential construction sphere to develop ourselves.[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]From famous faces to innovative ideas, London Build was a showcase of all things new to construction![/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_carousel images=”13291,13292,13283,13284,13285,13286,13287″ notch=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]We’ve packed the stand away for another year and travelled back to headquarters. It’s time to reflect on what a success London Build 2023 was and showcase exactly what we brought to it. From cutting-edge technology to our unwavering commitment to sustainability, we were thrilled to showcase the best of our innovations. Let’s dive into the highlights!

The Next Generation Suite

At the heart of our exhibition was the presentation of our Next Generation Balcony. Designed to redefine outdoor living, this innovative balcony solution offers a perfect blend of aesthetics, functionality, and durability. Visitors had the chance to experience firsthand how our balconies are shaping the future of architectural design.

The benefits of our Next Generation suite are exciting and tangible – it’s lighter than ever, safer for installers, has more possibilities for both aesthetics and connection methods and is kinder for the construction industry. We’ve managed to lower our embodied carbon by an impressive 19% across stages A1-A5.

Our Commitment to Sustainability

Beyond products, we showcased our Vision 2030 document, a testament to our long-term goals and commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals. Our participation in the science-based target initiative (STBi) underscores our dedication to aligning our business practices with environmental responsibility and in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Visitors got a firsthand look at how we are actively shaping a sustainable future by creating bespoke environmental product declarations (EPDs) for all of our products, by encouraging the use of electric vehicles and through quarterly charitable giving.

More Possibilities Than Ever

One of the highlights of our time at London Build was the promotion of our new and extensive customization options. We believe in offering our customers more than just a product; we offer a tailored experience to your project. From new balustrade options to innovative Cassette designs, the possibilities are endless. Patterned vertical bars, the Identité Balustrade, the Crescent Corner®, and our Clip-On® connection were just a few of the exciting options on display, totalling over 4 million unique combinations.

With our new Clip-On® connection, we’ve even been able to reduce moment forces back to the building as low as 4kNm, making it a lighter, more sustainable option.

Reduced Embodied Carbon

As a company committed to reducing our environmental footprint, we were proud to share a significant achievement. Across stages A1-A5, we have successfully reduced our CO2 emissions by an impressive further 19% compared to our previous low-carbon balcony product. This milestone reflects our dedication to sustainable practices and the ongoing effort to make a positive impact on the planet.

London Build 2023 was an incredible platform for us to share our latest innovations and our unwavering commitment to sustainability. From groundbreaking balcony solutions to pioneering installation methods and a bevy of customization options, we hope our exhibition left a lasting impression. As we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the construction industry, we express our gratitude to all who visited our booth and joined us on this exciting journey toward a more sustainable and innovative future.[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=”” el_id=”” el_class=”” css=””][vc_column][sapphire_contentLink order=”Image left / content right” image=”13250″ heading=”What makes the Next Generation Balcony so exciting?” button_text=”Read more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fproduct-news%2Fwhat-makes-next-gen-so-exciting%2F|title:What%20makes%20Sapphire%E2%80%99s%20Next%20Generation%20Balcony%20so%20exciting%3F”][/sapphire_contentLink][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]In part thanks to the cultural changes required by the Hackitt Review, the industry at large needs to make significant changes to prove its competency at work. The Building Safety Act, granted Royal Assent on the 28^{th of} April 2022, has now introduced ground-breaking reforms to give residents and homeowners more rights and protections regarding their safety. Proving competency should be considered an industry-wide priority and with a now 7-month deadline to do so, the methods to prove competency should be clear.

Spotting areas for improvement

To prove competency by November 2023, the skills, knowledge and behaviour for every role in residential construction should be provably met. Questions need to be asked, such as whether a contractor can suitably spot inadequacies in a subcontractor’s work. Can an architect meet new design requirements without prompting? Are those involved with the external envelope building with fire-rated materials?

Higher-risk buildings need higher competence standards and so by spotting these inadequacies, raising competence can become simpler.[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_imageBlock image=”12445″ notch=”” height=””][/sapphire_imageBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]

Competency in balconies

At Sapphire, proving our competency is a daily, hourly, minute-by-minute task. Spotting potential snagging areas in our balconies needs to be something everyone on not just the factory floor, but the office, on-site staff and showroom attendants needs to be able to accomplish to guarantee our balconies are as proven, promised and trusted as you’d expect.

Our Passport app allows us to monitor the quality of our balconies from the moment they’re fabricated right through to installation onto the building façade. Any snags will be logged the moment they’re spotted to make sure faults are accurately dealt with.

What’s more, we regularly engage in cross-departmental updates and training, our supply chain team recently completing a balcony build day to show the intrepid upskilling they had been provided, managing to build one of our Glide-On™ Cassettes® to an installation standard.

Raising competence

A committee has been established within the Building Safety Regulator in order to support the industry’s work in raising competence. This committee will monitor and help to improve competence industry-wide, publishing guidance and advice for both those working within the industry and the Building Safety Regulator itself.

To raise competence, it has been suggested by the committee that organisations must provide management systems for their staff that are comprehensive and contemporary, as well as processes, policies and resources that cover all competency requirements.

Upskilling

Raising competence may not be enough to satisfy the needs required by the Building Safety Act. To become and stay compliant by November, some upskilling of current staff may be needed. For example, cross-departmental training could be beneficial. Expanded knowledge on quality control could make for huge improvements in site teams for example. Satisfying the Golden Thread means digital inspection and verification processes need to be understood across the board.

It can be highly cost-effective to upskill as opposed to hiring a consultancy company to do the same work. Hiring consultancy firms can be extremely costly as their experience comes at a premium. By upskilling your own staff in the areas required and building their competency, money can be saved and spent in other areas that may need it more.

A simple method of upskilling staff could be through a shadowing process, or ‘buddy system’. Those with more current training and updated skills could be paired with those that need training and act as an on-the-job learning experience.

The changes required by both the Hackitt Review and the Building Safety Act mean that the industry needs to make significant changes to the way it acts, the way it trains and the way it satisfies competency requirements. Between spotting areas for improvement to fulfil higher competency standards, raising competence through companies providing more comprehensive management systems and upskilling staff through better training processes, the residential construction industry has a deadline for proving its competency.

Can you prove yourself in the ever-changing world of construction competency?[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=”” el_id=”” el_class=”” css=””][vc_column][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]At Sapphire Balconies, we’re thrilled to be at the forefront of innovation, constantly expanding our Next Generation range to provide innovative solutions for architectural projects. The latest addition to our Next Generation suite is the revolutionary Clip-On™ connection, a game-changer that is making waves at Wembley Park’s new North East Lands developments.

In this testimonial video, Ger Hayes elaborates on the exceptional quality, innovative designs and superior customer service that Sapphire Balconies offers:

The Clip-On™ Connection

The Clip-On™ connection, developed in collaboration with leading construction company Sisk, serves multiple purposes: optimising thermal efficiency, enhancing safety by minimising the risk of fire and connecting directly to a pre-cast façade.

According to Sisk, the focus was on optimising thermal efficiency and safety by reducing thermal breaks through the facade. The lightweight (350kg) aluminium clip-on balcony system for NE02/NE03 at Wembley Park is a testament to this commitment.

John Voyce of Sisk highlights the uniqueness of the system, stating, “It’s all about optimising thermal efficiency—trying to reduce any thermal breaks through the facade—but also safety by making sure we’re reducing any risk of fire.”[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]

More Possibilities with The Next Generation

The Next Generation Balcony now offers more connection methods than ever before, providing architects and designers with unparalleled flexibility. From the classic Glide-On™ and Tie-Rod connections to the groundbreaking Clip-On™ connection, Sapphire Balconies is setting new standards for interfacing with construction projects.[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_carousel images=”13306,13307,13439,13440,13442″ notch=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]

Efficiency Redefined

One of the key advantages of the Clip-On™ connection is its contribution to the efficiency of the construction process. The balconies, designed in collaboration with Techrete, ensure a weathertight solution for drylining to start. As Paul Mackell of Sisk explains, “We’ve come up with a system whereby we don’t leave any holes in the facade, and the balconies literally clip on.”

This innovative approach not only enhances safety but also streamlines the construction process. The balconies are designed to be weathertight, eliminating the need for cradles hanging over the edge of the building. Mackell adds, “That’s something quite unique that hasn’t been applied to any other project that I’m aware of.”

At Sapphire Balconies, we are proud to be part of groundbreaking projects like Wembley’s NE02 development, where innovation and sustainability converge. The Next Generation Balcony with the Clip-On™ connection is not just a balcony; it’s a statement—a statement of progress, efficiency, and safety in modern construction.[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=”” el_id=”” el_class=”” css=””][vc_column][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][sapphire_contentLink order=”Image left / content right” image=”13252″ heading=”The Next Generation Revealed” button_text=”Read more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fnews%2Fthe-next-generation-revealed%2F|title:The%20Next%20Generation%20revealed|target:_blank”][/sapphire_contentLink][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][sapphire_contentLink order=”Content left / image right” image=”13287″ heading=”What did we bring to London Build?” button_text=”Read more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fnews%2Fwhat-did-we-bring-to-london-build-2023%2F|title:What%20did%20we%20bring%20to%20London%20Build%202023%3F”][/sapphire_contentLink][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1712754199987{border-bottom-width: 12px !important;}”][sapphire_textBlock]Growth isn’t just about a steadily rising chart – it’s also defined by what we continue to learn and prove as a company. Our history as a grassroots balustrade manufacturer means we truly appreciate our recognition and we’re excited to share how far we’ve come in 2025.

Sapphire as a Top 250 Company

We first entered The Business Magazine’s Thames Valley Top 200 list in 2020 and were listed again most recently last year at the 104^th position. Their list comprises 240,000+ mid-market companies (defined as having an annual turnover of between £10-£300 million) in the Thames Valley area. Of the companies featured, 29 are FTSE 350 listed and have a gross turnover of £330 billion in all sectors.

The list has expanded to 250 companies in the past five years, but Sapphire’s position has remained strong, being praised as one of the highest-ranked independent, privately-owned business in the Thames Valley region year-on-year, listed by annual sales turnover.

Sapphire’s newest achievement

By hitting this milestone, we’ve once again proved our competency as a construction company. We’ve proven our competency through accreditation schemes, cross-departmental training and thought leadership exercises. We help to train others in the residential construction sector both in collaboration with Resibuild Events and by speaking at national events like London Build.

We’re proud of our newest achievement – proving competency isn’t just a box-ticking exercise. There are benefits on-site and benefits behind-the-scenes by doing so.

Read the full list on The Business Magazine’s website by following the link here: https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/listings/thames-valley-250/#listing-section

Growth is a many-faceted word. We can prove our growth financially, or we can prove it through the ways in which we can benefit others. By proving our competency time and time again, we can grow as a team and continue to be the construction leaders our customers need.

To understand our commitment to building towards the future, visit our website and read more:[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_contentLink order=”Image left / content right” image=”13471″ heading=”Celebrating our award-winning team” button_text=”Read more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fsapphire-news%2Fcelebrating-our-award-winning-team%2F|title:Celebrating%20our%20award-winning%20team”]Visit our research and development page.[/sapphire_contentLink][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=”” el_id=”” el_class=”” css=””][vc_column][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]Transport innovation drives progress in all areas, and as a society, we’re no strangers to this type of originality.

Across history, incredible innovations have taken place around the globe – at one point the boat, the car or the plane were all innovative ideas that helped bring transport into their respective centuries. We’re still innovating with each of these today in construction, finding new ways to utilize vehicles to help construction thrive.

Residential construction is no stranger to these interesting innovations in transport. Sapphire is here to explain exactly how we’re continuing to innovate in the balcony market.[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]

Offsite storage

Since 1992, we’ve been pioneers in minimising on-site work, maximising offsite production.

Sapphire manufactures and stores all our balconies at offsite facilities. What this means is we have dedicated factories across the world to build the balconies for your project and then store them for as long as you need us to.

Historically, we used to work with a just-in-time (JIT) process but realised that as good as the theory is, it’s a vulnerable method which doesn’t work well for customers. Manufacturing and storing balconies in advance of installation means that customers’ programs or site challenges, weather, delays or needing to change sequencing, can all benefit from working to store rather than the JIT process which lacks flexibility.

We’ve maximised the level of offsite manufacture and storage we perform in part to reduce the number of journeys taken to the installation site. Dedicated production facilities help us to only perform absolutely necessary transport, such as raw materials (aluminium and glass) to the factory and then finished balconies to the site. This reduces the carbon output of your project, as less unnecessary fuel will be wasted and will help to keep your project sustainable.

Our recently-launched Next Generation balconies are manufactured and stored off-site until the site is ready for installation. At that point, they’re delivered as and when needed, making your project’s installation process a breeze.[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textOverlayBlock image=”13193″ heading=”The Next Generation Balcony” button_text=”Read more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Four-product%2Fthe-next-generation-balcony%2F|title:The%20Next%20Generation%20Balcony” double_height=””]Learn more about the Next Generation balcony and how it’s changing the external envelope space.[/sapphire_textOverlayBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]

Stackable balconies

Once a balcony is assembled and checked for quality, it can be loaded onto a flatbed or Hiab truck for transport to the site. Normally, this would be the source of a large amount of carbon output, but at Sapphire, we’ve decided to innovate and perform more sustainable practices at the same time.

By double-stacking balconies on these flatbed lorries, we can transport twice as many balconies at once, meaning not only do your balconies get to the installation site faster but far less carbon is emitted in the process. This simple yet interesting innovation to balcony transport can halve the embodied carbon on your project as it will require half the lorry journeys. In terms of staying sustainable, this innovation is one of the simplest yet most effective ways of doing so.[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textOverlayBlock image=”663″ heading=”Logistics” button_text=”Read more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fproject-pathway%2Flogistics” double_height=””]

Learn more about how we deal with transport and on-site logistics by visiting our logistics hub.

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Digital traceability (Passport)

Beyond just transporting the balconies, we use our innovative Passport app to maintain a Golden Thread of quality along the entire manufacturing process.

This form of digital traceability helps us to make fewer journeys in a single building’s balcony installation. We are able to check at the factory for any faults in the manufacturing process and make sure that only balconies that meet our stringent ‘Rigid, Ready, Right’ brand promise are delivered to the installation site.[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textOverlayBlock image=”8443″ heading=”Carbon Whitepaper” button_text=”Download Now” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fknowledge%2Fwhite-papers%2Fcarbon-whitepaper%2F|title:Carbon%20Whitepaper” double_height=””]Read about our commitment to lowering carbon emissions in our whitepaper.[/sapphire_textOverlayBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]

Offsite Production

Interesting innovations in transport are driving progress across the entire residential construction industry and Sapphire is a strong supporter of innovating in the market.

From manufacturing balconies offsite, checking their quality through our Passport app and then double-stacking them, all to reduce the number of unnecessary journeys and decrease the carbon emissions of your project – Sapphire is making interesting innovations in transport more often than you’d expect.

To learn more about offsite production and storage, visit our Offsite Balcony Production hub:[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textOverlayBlock image=”682″ heading=”Production” button_text=”Read more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fproject-pathway%2Fproduction%2F” double_height=””]Visit our production hub to find out more about offsite balcony production and its benefits.[/sapphire_textOverlayBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]

Contact us:

[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=”” el_id=”” el_class=”” css=””][vc_column][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJ3cGJfd3JhcHBlciUyMiUzRSUzQ2RpdiUyMGNsYXNzJTNEJTIydGV4dC1vdmVybGF5JTIwbWItNSUyMiUzRSUwQSUyMCUyMCUzQ2ZpZ3VyZSUzRSUwQSUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUzQ2RpdiUyMGNsYXNzJTNEJTIyaW1nLWZsdWlkJTIwcmVzcG9uc2l2ZS1pbWFnZSUyMiUyMHN0eWxlJTNEJTIyYmFja2dyb3VuZC1pbWFnZSUzQXVybCUyOGh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGcmVzLmNsb3VkaW5hcnkuY29tJTJGc2FwcGhpcmUtYmFsY29uaWVzJTJGaW1hZ2UlMkZ1cGxvYWQlMkZ2MTY2MDcyNjk0OCUyRkNUQTFfa2lxaTVjLnBuZyUyOSUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRSUwQSUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUwQSUyMCUyMCUyMCUzQ2ZpZ2NhcHRpb24lM0UlMjAlMEElMjAlMjAlMjAlMjAlMjAlMjAlM0NoNCUyMGNsYXNzJTNEJTIyY2FyZC10aXRsZSUyMGJvbGQlMjIlMjBzdHlsZSUzRCUyMmZvbnQtc2l6ZSUzQSUyMDQ2cHglM0IlMjIlM0VHZXQlMjBpbiUyMHRvdWNoJTNDJTJGaDQlM0UlMEElMEElM0NwJTNFQ29udGFjdCUyMHVzJTIwd2l0aCUyMHlvdXIlMjBwcm9qZWN0JTIwZGV0YWlscyUyMHZpYSUyMG91ciUyMGVhc3klMjBvbmxpbmUlMjBmb3JtLiUzQyUyRnAlM0UlMEElM0NhJTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJidG4lMjBidG4tc2Vjb25kYXJ5JTIyJTIwaHJlZiUzRCUyMmh0dHAlM0ElMkYlMkZsb2NhbGhvc3QlMkZiYWxjb25pZXMlMkZjb250YWN0LXVzJTIyJTIwdGFyZ2V0JTNEJTIyX2JsYW5rJTIyJTIwcmVsJTNEJTIyJTIyJTNFJTNDc3BhbiUzRUNvbnRhY3QlMjB1cyUyMHRvZGF5JTNDJTJGc3BhbiUzRSUzQyUyRmElM0UlMEElMEElMEElMjAlMjAlMjAlMjAlMjAlMjAlM0MlMkZkaXYlM0UlMEElMjAlMjAlMjAlMjAlM0MlMkZmaWdjYXB0aW9uJTNFJTBBJTIwJTIwJTNDJTJGZmlndXJlJTNFJTBBJTNDJTJGZGl2JTNFJTBBJTNDJTJGZGl2JTNF[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_contentLink order=”Image left / content right” image=”13193″ heading=”Discover Sapphire’s Next Generation Balcony” button_text=”Discover” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Four-product%2Fthe-next-generation-balcony%2F|title:The%20Next%20Generation%20Balcony”]The Next Generation Balcony is a huge step forward for the construction market[/sapphire_contentLink][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]Whilst now an almost-100-year-old term, first coined in 1926, Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) is a relatively contemporary term used to refer to a wide range of construction techniques, products, and methodologies. New techniques and MMC encompass various methods of speeding up and refining the construction process, whether that involves constructing with Light Gauge Steel Framing, remote installations to reduce labour on-site or even off-site manufacture of balconies.

At Sapphire, we strive to innovate to stay ahead of the curve and act as leaders within our field. We believe that there are various benefits to MMC and by making the most of MMC in balcony design, we can reduce costs at the manufacturing stage, as well as time and money spent onsite.

Add the title of the article to the first paragraph.

Innovation vs. Proven Methods

Innovation in the market is one of our core tenets at Sapphire. We innovate to prosper the community, by which we mean that the residents we live amongst deserve homes of the utmost quality and we endeavour to find ways to provide that quality at a reasonable price for them, for the construction of the building and for us as a supplier.

There are benefits to using tried and tested methods of construction. For example, in Europe, it is still relatively common to see concrete balconies fitted in situ as a building (and its facades) is being erected. Whilst at Sapphire we don’t use concrete as a base, concrete is a proven method of building reliable, sturdy balconies.

However, taking the example of concrete balconies, innovating in design can be of tremendous benefit. At Sapphire, we innovated with the aluminium balcony Cassette®, a lightweight, a prefabricated and highly transportable design that has allowed us to reduce costs in several areas. The benefits of this aren’t just in the cost of manufacture, however. By utilizing a mindset of designing with Modern Methods of Construction and designing new anchors, we were able to keep the deflection down to half the allowable amount.

Testing & Prototypes

A benefit of MMC is the allowance for research and development in dedicated centres. Taking the time to build prototypes can inform whether a design choice is helpful or even necessary at all. Different elements of the balcony can be examined during this research, development, and testing phase such as how fire-safety compliant the materials used on the balcony are. At this stage, using prototype balconies, if safety criteria are not being met, there is enough time to redesign the balcony before the full manufacture is executed. There are also benefits to in-situ testing, where a balcony is tested in a replica construction site for elements like fire resistance, wind resistance or thermal break effectiveness.

Thanks to extensive research and development of new ideas on projects such as Beaumont Court & Richmond House, we were able to implement a new technique: the Remote Locker. The Remote Locker allows our accredited installers to attach a balcony without ever needing to step foot on it – yet another benefit of modern methods of construction. Click through below to read more about our work on Beaumont Court & Richmond House.[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_contentLink order=”Image left / content right” image=”11262″ heading=”Beaumont Court & Richmond House – Case study” button_text=”Read more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fcase-studies%2Fbeaumont-court-and-richmond-house%2F|title:Beaumont%20Court%20and%20Richmond%20House|rel:nofollow”][/sapphire_contentLink][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]

How has Sapphire innovated?

At Sapphire, our work on innovation in the industry is long-standing and ongoing. When we began manufacturing balconies, our first new technique was the above-mentioned Glide-On™ balcony Cassette®, a lightweight design that allowed for faster installations at a reduced cost, all the while being as provably rigid as other balconies on the market.

Another new technique was the use of a counterbalance during balcony installation. In tighter spaces, the use of a counterbalance allowed for the installation of balconies from the top of the building down, a feat that had not been previously achievable.

Finally, our dedicated balcony design tool COACH was a further way that we innovated in the balcony design process. Starting with its predecessor CABS in 2010, COACH allows a user to specify and visualise a series of balconies for their project and be provided with easy access to reports and costings all through the app itself.

New techniques and modern methods of construction are cornerstones of progressing the construction industry. There are significant benefits to the tried and tested methods of construction, such as saving time in design, but innovation needs to be considered to move the industry forward. Techniques such as our balcony Cassettes®, installation counterbalances and our design tool COACH are just some of the ways in which we have brought balcony design and supply into the 21^st century.

To read more about how we strive to innovate, click through below to our Innovation Hub.[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_contentLink order=”Content left / image right” image=”675″ heading=”Innovation Hub” button_text=”Read more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fabout-us%2Finnovation-patents%2F|title:Innovation%20%26%20Patents|target:_blank”][/sapphire_contentLink][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=”” el_id=”” el_class=”” css=””][vc_column][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Precast façades aren’t always the cheapest option, but the benefits of using them far outweigh the costs. A precast façade is a prefabricated wall element, often constructed from a concrete slab, that can be used to quickly install up to 100m² of external wall per day. The added benefits of a smaller workforce, less on-site noise pollution, fewer health & safety risks and the building being fire-safe by design all contribute to precast facades being one of the many fascinating modern methods of construction available in today’s market.

With innovation in Modern Methods of Construction occurring so frequently, you might be asking yourself a question – how can precast facades benefit me?

Casting the façade & getting the anchors right

The benefits of a precast façade begin at conception. Before the first litre of concrete has been poured, the design team can take balcony anchors into account.

There are modern methods of construction that will allow us to cast anchors in perfectly without compromising on quality. Firstly, casting the anchors in with the façade itself removes time spent on-site casting whilst also allowing a more controlled environment for ensuring the correct fitting of the anchors. Alternatively, a custom stub can be designed to fit snugly between the precast façade and concrete slab. This prevents excess penetration of the façade of the building and can increase fire safety as a result.

Finally, the concrete is poured and cast. This process is done entirely off-site, in a factory environment. The façade is cast, lined with cladding and fascia details, then transported and fit on a live building site. Below are a few case studies where Sapphire has worked with precast facades to our advantage.

Local Blackfriars, Salford

Also known as Trinity, Local Blackfriars is a gated community comprising 380 apartments across two striking towers, overlooking the grade II listed Black Friar pub.

During the build in 2020, we at Sapphire provided the means to install 290 balconies across the towers using an innovative cast-in bracket. This allowed us to install the balconies without either any connection back to the slab or any excess penetration of fire barriers. By using this pre-cast bracket on the MMC precast facades, a potentially tricky process of casting at a later date was eliminated and made the building more fire safe as a result.

/case-studies/local-blackfriars-salford/

Eastlands E05

Precast façade panels were also used on the Eastlands E05 project in Wembley, manufactured by Techrete.

To ensure the installation was neither slowed down nor that the project was reduced in quality, a unique socket stub was designed to be fitted between the precast panels. A close line of communication was kept between us at Sapphire and the manufacturers at Techrete, coordinating to ensure an exact specification for the socket stubs could be met. By innovating with MMC, we reduced the time spent in anchor casting, balcony installation and reduced the overall cost of the project, never compromising on quality or efficiency.

/news/modular-balconies-game-changer-at-eastlands-e05/

Thanks to Modern Methods of Construction, it’s possible to install the walls of a building quickly without ever compromising on balcony anchors or the quality of the finished build. Using innovative techniques such as cast-in brackets or custom socket stubs, we at Sapphire have managed to bolster the usefulness of precast facades and prove that premanufactured elements are the way forward.

To learn more, visit our Modern Methods of Construction knowledge hub here: /knowledge/mmc-hub/

Modular Balconies are getting popular by the day. They reduce the time on site and improve quality while reducing risks and costs. Various companies are producing modular Glide-On and Bolt-On balconies today. Some offer installation packages, whereas others deliver the products to be installed by independent accredited installers. But which split package should you opt for?

In this article, we will discuss the advantages of the ‘Supply & Support’ model and the ‘Supply & Install’ model so that you can understand and select the right option for your project.

Split Packages: ‘Supply & Support’ Model and Its Benefits

The ‘Supply & Support’ model is a better alternative to the ‘Supply & Install’ model for clients whose primary focus is improving quality. Under this model, the manufacturer of the modular balcony supplies the ready-to-install balconies to the site and provides support to ensure that the product is delivered and installed correctly by experts. This method allows for the introduction of expertise at various levels in supplying and installing the balconies.

This model is highly beneficial as it allows each party involved to focus on their expertise and deliver products and services that match the highest levels of quality in the industry. It also provides accountability and transparency in the construction process as each party gets a chance to inspect the product.

For example, the manufacturer ensures proper delivery and quality checks post-delivery to assure the quality of the products. The installer, too, gets a chance to inspect the product to a high degree before installation. This ensures higher levels of quality and allows for snag reporting in a timely fashion.

This model also allows for self-inflicted penalties that promote a culture of improving and innovating to work more effectively. It also standardises the process and supports accountability from the various parties involved through licensing agreements with accredited installers. This highlights clear goals and responsibilities and ensures that each party works to a certain standard.

This process also allows for an explicit cut warranty with clear responsibilities. It facilitates clear lines of responsibility resulting in no blame between the manufacturer and the installers.

‘Supply & Install’ Model and Its Benefits

The second option is the ‘Supply & Install’ model for modular balconies, where the manufacturers provide the product and send their in-house team to complete the installation process. This could be an excellent option for those looking to reduce the number of parties involved in the process, as the manufacturer provides the full service that includes the installation of the balconies onsite.

While this method can be a great option, it also reduces accountability in the process. Various factors can remain hidden due to the lack of accountability and the single layer of expertise employed for the supply and installation.

For example, the balcony delivered on-site is not inspected by experts at various levels as there is only one party involved in the entire process. These balconies are installed directly and signed off, leading to less accountability and transparency than the ‘Supply & Support’ model. On the off chance that something goes wrong, this process is not equipped to highlight where the issue arose and may lead to more complications in the future.

Besides, when it comes to snagging reporting, it is not in the interest of the manufacturing company to flag such snags. This could jeopardise the product’s quality and blame external factors for this reduced quality as there are no clear-cut responsibilities and warranties to protect the developer’s interests.

If you still need help selecting the suitable model for your project, get in touch with our team at Sapphire Balconies for further guidance on your balcony requirements.

Dealing with balcony anchors is a highly complex process. Structurally, anchors are the essential elements of the balcony, despite being out of sight. But getting them right is crucial for improving the balcony’s strength and the entire building’s thermal performance. When balcony anchors are not fitted correctly, it can increase dampness within the building and raise costs for the developer and the tenant. These balconies could also feel bouncy and be a significant safety risk for the residents of the building.

Strength and thermal performance must be considered when selecting a suitable anchor for your balcony. A sound anchor system optimises the strength and thermal performance to improve the overall performance of the building and significantly reduce the project’s embodied carbon. Let’s take a closer look at the factors to understand the role this highly complex system plays:

Strengthening the Balcony Anchor Connection and Reducing Bounce

The anchor connects the balcony to the façade of the building, so it needs to be rigid enough to carry the weight of the protruding structure. According to the latest British Standard 8579: 2020, various aspects of balcony design like structural, acoustics and wind effects need to be considered when calculating the deflection parameters of a balcony. The finished product should not deflect more than 5mm under a 2kN concentrated load. Additionally, to minimise the bounce on the balcony, the deflection of the balcony under load should not be more than 3mm at any given time.

To reduce the deflection and bounce on balconies, a suitable anchor must be chosen, strong enough to handle the structure’s weight and provide stability and security to the resident. We recommend selecting an anchor that can pass the 2kN point load test to ensure performance.

Thermal Performance and the Role of Anchors in Reducing Thermal Bridging

The other aspect that needs to be considered while selecting the proper anchors for your project is the effect it has on the thermal performance of the building. Thermal bridging occurs when a material penetrates the insulation layer with high thermal conductivity. If not insulated, it can create condensation dampness and lead to mould. Also, buildings with poor thermal performance are not environment friendly as they require more energy for heating and cooling during extreme weather conditions.

While selecting the anchors for your project, you should consider the number of anchors to be used. The fewer you use, the better it is for reducing thermal bridging. Hence, you will need to select an anchor that provides excellent thermal performance and has tremendous structural performance. This will reduce the number of penetrations in the façade of the building and truly improve the thermal performance overall.

Choosing an anchor with excellent thermal performance but poor structural performance is likely to cost more and provide the thermal benefit of having a similar performing thermal anchor that enables fewer connections.

Reducing Embodied Carbon

Lastly, our Sapphire Balconies anchor system is designed to reduce on-site and crane time dramatically. Additionally, our Glide-On technology balconies are entirely recyclable and are lightweight, making them far more efficient to transport and install. This helps bring down the embodied carbon of the building.

Additionally, the lightweight system reduces the number of brackets and connections required for installation. This reduces the risk of cold bridging and dampness and makes the building more energy efficient for occupants, driving significant cost savings.

Learn more about Sapphire’s anchors and stubs here.