Category: Canada

5 Reasons Modular Balconies Make Sense in Canada

Posted on by Nimrita Bassi

As Canadian construction evolves, the demand for smarter, more efficient building solutions continues to grow. Off-site construction has moved from being a trend to becoming a strategic choice, and prefabricated modular balconies are playing a key role in that transformation.  

At Sapphire Balconies, we design balcony systems that increase the perceived value of developments, whilst streamlining balcony installation and maintenance processes. Our balconies are built for long-term performance and engineered to deliver consistent value throughout the project life cycle.  

Here is why prefabricated modular balconies are suitable for Canadian projects and why developers, architects, and contractors should consider them:  

  1. Designed to Integrate with Different Types of Building Frames

From mass timber projects in British Columbia to reinforced concrete high-rises in Ontario, prefabricated balconies can connect to various kinds of building frames.   

Sapphire’s prefab balconies are compatible with:  

  • reinforced concrete (RC) frames 
  • cross-laminated timber (CLT) frames
  • light gauge steel frames (LGSF) 
  • tunnel form systems (TFS) 
  • Peikko’s DELTABEAM systems.  

This structural versatility allows project teams to select the best framework for their needs without compromising on balcony design or adding unnecessary complexity to the build.   

  1. Value-Driven without Compromising on Quality

Prefabrication reduces installation time and labor costs, but its biggest advantage is long-term value. Factory-built balconies reduce site errors, improve build quality, and minimize ongoing maintenance. Faster install times also lead to tighter project timelines and improved predictability.   

For developers, this means better cost control, less waste, and a desirable, high-performance feature that enhances marketability and long-term returns.   

  1. Lightweight and Built for Modern Construction

With Canada’s growing focus on sustainability and mass timber construction, weight and thermal efficiency are more important than ever. Our balconies are significantly lighter than traditional concrete options. This reduces the load on the structure, enables easier logistics, and allows for greater design flexibility.   

Each balcony unit is tested to meet Canadian building standards, with resistance to wind uplift, structural deflection, and thermal bridging designed into every system.  

  1. Delivered Faster with Off-Site Precision

Canadian projects often face unpredictable delays due to weather. Prefabricated balconies help avoid these setbacks by moving construction into controlled indoor environments.  

This dramatically reduces on-site trades, accelerates the schedule, and improves safety conditions.  

  1. Designed for Canadian Conditions and Compliance

From harsh winters to complex building regulations, Canadian construction requires resilient and adaptable solutions. Our balconies are built with Canadian codes and climates in mind.  

 They are:  

  • thermally efficient, with built-in thermal breaks 
  • capable of handling snow loads and wind exposure 
  • durable, low maintenance, and corrosion-resistant. 

Features like thermal breaks in prefab balconies improve energy efficiency by lowering heat transfer, supporting compliance with standards like the Toronto Green Standard. Sustainable balcony design can also contribute to lower TEDI ratings.    

Building Smarter for a Better Future   

Prefabricated modular balconies are not just a modern upgrade; they are a strategic investment in smarter construction. With improved speed, safety, cost control, and environmental performance, they align perfectly with the future of Canadian development.  

If you are planning a Canadian project, we would love to help you build it better.  

How could I use MLI Select to benefit my balcony development?

Posted on by Sajjad B

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]It’s true – using a modular balcony system could make the difference when it comes to increasing the value of your development. Here’s how.

What is MLI Select?

Using the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) MLI (Multi-Unit Loan Insurance) Select program, developers can be given financial incentives and rewards for building affordable, energy-efficient and accessible residential units.

The more affordable, energy-efficient and accessible the development, the more points the developer will be awarded.

What are the financial incentives?

The points earned from MLI Select can be used to access financial incentives. Each one provides the developer and the end-user with a range of benefits, including:

  1. Lower mortgage insurance fees of up to 75% reduction.
  2. Longer amortization periods of up to 50 years.
  3. Reduced interest rates of up to 1.5% lower.
  4. Access to preferential financing terms, with lenders confirmed to offer more attractive interest rates due to the lower risk associated with CMHC-backed loans.

Accessibility

Using a modular system designed by Sapphire means accessibility can be considered and implemented from the design stage.

Door reveals and thresholds are designed to be step-free, and balconies can have a 1.7m turning radius factored in (as per ACA requirements), both of which allow a wheelchair user to easily and independently navigate their way on and off the balcony.

Sustainability

Sapphire’s modular balcony systems contribute to energy efficiency by reducing thermal bridging and embodied carbon through innovative design. Each of our balconies is thermally broken by design and features just 1% of the thermal transmission compared to a traditional concrete alternative.

The prefabricated design minimizes construction waste, supports sustainable development goals and aligns with Toronto Green Standard to Tier 4 compliance. By using a modular, aluminum balcony, your project can achieve higher MLI points under the CMHC’s framework whilst ensuring compliance with strict urban sustainability standards.

What next?

Your next development could benefit from extended amortizations, lower insurance fees and reduced interest rates, significantly raising the value of your project. Incorporating a modular balcony system, aligning with schemes like Toronto Green Standard Tier 4 and maximizing the benefits of the MLI Select program could make your next development one to be envied.

To learn more about our modular system and how it could increase your development’s perceived value, get in touch with our team today.[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=”” el_id=”” el_class=”” css=””][vc_column][vc_raw_html css=””]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]

How have prefabricated balconies benefited Vienna House, Vancouver?

Posted on by Nimrita Bassi

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]At Sapphire Balconies, we’re passionate about innovation and sustainability. Our balcony solutions are designed to deliver quality and efficiency, streamlining balcony projects.

Our ongoing work at Vienna House in Vancouver is witnessing the integration of Sapphire’s prefabricated balconies into the project in Canada, contributing to the project’s efficiency goals. Prefab balconies, still making their way into Vancouver, were selected owing to their:

  • safety
  • ease of installation
  • reduced impact on the construction schedule.

What benefits do our prefabricated balconies offer the development?

Vienna House is an affordable, highly sustainable housing project in Vancouver which aims to showcase innovative designs and processes, including prefabricated building components and off-site manufacturing.

We’re pleased to be supplying prefabricated balconies to the development, supporting the vision of developer BC Housing to become an example for other affordable housing projects across Vancouver.

  1. High Quality: Manufactured and assembled in the controlled conditions of the factory line, prefabricated balconies go through strict quality checks, ensuring a high level of quality and a lower risk of error.
  2. Thermal Efficiency: Our balconies are thermally broken as thermal breaks are already built into the balcony anchor points, minimising heat loss. Moreover, the aluminum construction of our balconies makes them lightweight, reducing the number of extra brackets required to connect to the building structure.
  3. Improved Project Speed: By requiring fewer on-site trades, prefabricated balconies significantly reduce project delays and labour time.
  4. No On-Site Storage Required: Pre-finished balconies are delivered to the site ready for installation – a major benefit for developments in busy locations that have limited storage space.
  5. Faster Installation Time: Our balconies are pre-finished and delivered to the site ready to be installed, reducing balcony installation and project time.

“The Sapphire balconies check a lot of boxes on the goals in the Vienna House project charter. They are durable and support resilience by providing passive shading, and they improve quality of life for residents.” – John Wall, principal and co-founder of Public Architecture.

[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_contentLink order=”Image left / content right” image=”15535″ heading=”Transport House” button_text=”Read more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fcase-studies%2Ftransport-house%2F”]

See how Sapphire has excelled with prefabricated balconies in the past at Transport House.

[/sapphire_contentLink][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]

Prefabricated Balconies in Canada: How do Sapphire’s balconies maximize thermal efficiency?

Considering how disruptive low temperatures and extreme weather can be across Canada, the thermal performance of buildings should be considered from concept to completion.

Based on the climate conditions across Canada, building codes and region-specific standards like the Toronto Green Standard should be met.

  1. The difference between a balcony by Sapphire and a traditional concrete slab is that Sapphire includes a thermal break in the balcony at the design stage.
  2. Sapphire maximizes thermal efficiency whilst maintaining a rigid structure within the balconies by incorporating thermal breaks in tactical locations – these can be located between the floors and ceilings of apartments, acting as an extra layer of insulation around the balcony arms.
  3. The insulation materials we use to form the thermal break help insulate the small area in question. Architects should consider using high-quality insulation for floors and ceilings, too.

How are Prefabricated Balconies contributing to sustainability at Vienna House?

With the aim to lower the development’s carbon emissions and energy consumption, Vienna House is being designed using sustainable practices and components. From prefabricated and off-site manufacturing to innovative designs, Vienna House will showcase various sustainable construction examples.

  1. Easy to Transport: Our aluminum Cassette® balcony decks are much lighter than a concrete alternative, making them more efficient to transport and install, reducing transport emissions. The balcony materials have a 19% reduction in embodied carbon when compared with concrete balconies.
  2. Enhanced Building Efficiency: Prefabricated balconies need only a couple of small connections to secure them in place, keeping the thermal barrier of the building intact. This reduces the risk of cold bridging and makes the building energy-efficient for occupants.
  3. Recyclable: Thanks to the Glide-On technology, balconies can be easily removed at the end of their lifespan, then disassembled and sent for recycling.

At Sapphire, we are dedicated to innovating in construction for the specific requirements of clients and projects. We work with clients to deliver safe and sustainable balconies for residents. If you have a project in mind and wish to discuss it, start a conversation about Prefabricated Balconies in Canada with us: www.balconies.global/contact-us/

Discover how our Prefabricated Balconies in Canada have saved on carbon emissions, time, and money in our case studies here.[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=”” 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”][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=”” el_id=”” el_class=”” css=””][vc_column][vc_raw_html css=””]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Vienna House, Vancouver

Posted on by Sajjad B

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 “Sapphire Balconies check a lot of boxes of the goals of the Vienna House project charter – they’re durable, support resilience by providing passive shading, and they improve quality of life for residents.”

John Wall, Principal & Co-Founder, Public Architecture

History

In response to the global cost of living crisis and issues with housing affordability across Canada, BC Housing has taken a leap in East Vancouver by developing Vienna House, a brand-new and near-zero-emissions rental apartment community designed with the future in mind. Sapphire are incredibly pleased to be a part of this project and provide our innovative, prefabricated, modular balconies to this incredible next step in sustainable Canadian residential development.

Mayor of Vancouver, Ken Sim, has previously spoken on the project at the ground breaking ceremony, stating:

“I’m thankful to our partners at the Province of British Columbia, BC Housing, More Than A Roof and [our knowledge-sharing partners] the City of Vienna for making this possible. Excited to build 123 more affordable rental units for Vancouver. Through strong Ministry of Housing partnerships and a focus on energy efficiency designs, we’re not just building homes, but shaping a future where affordable living is a reality for all Vancouverites.”

Streamlined by Innovation, Delivered by Sapphire

BC Housing and Public Architecture collaborated from an early stage, with a common aspiration of creating a housing community that would set a new standard for sustainable urban development through utilizing mass timber construction, Passive House design principles and prefabricated wall panels to address climate change and housing affordability.

The groups, however, were constrained by a focus on their balconies. Balconies across Canada have typically been constructed using a poured concrete method, but due to the thermal bridging issues that can arise with concrete, the building could have become severely energy inefficient over time as increased use of gas-burning central heating systems would have to compensate for heat lost through concrete balconies.

BC Housing and Public Architecture brought Sapphire on board as a response to these concerns to provide Vienna House with a new type of prefabricated aluminum balcony that intends to help the project become streamlined by innovation.

The prefabricated balconies have helped to increase the speed of installation (shaving “a full month” off project timelines on one project in Hamilton, Ontario, according to one developer), increase safety by all-but eliminating fall risk as the balconies can be installed from inside the patio door openings and, perhaps most importantly when compared with traditional concrete pouring methods, the prefabricated balconies will permit just a fraction of heat to escape the building.

As the balconies at Vienna House are thermally broken by design, attaching to the building via hooks, slide-on brackets and suspension rods, they transfer very little heat to the outdoors and so increase the embodied energy performance of the building throughout its lifespan.[/sapphire_textBlock][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]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

What Are The Handrail Options For My Next Canadian Development?

Posted on by Nimrita Bassi

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]Sapphire Balconies, a leading provider of bespoke guarding solutions, offers a variety of innovative and elegant designs that can elevate Canadian developments and add value to them.

Discover how Sapphire supplied and installed 10,000 panels for guarding at Baltimore Wharf, a 45-storey landmark for luxury living in London.

Guarding is not just a safety barrier but also a design statement and privacy protector. Choosing the ideal handrail and guarding design and type is essential to maintaining a building’s aesthetic appeal and meeting its functional requirements.

What guarding options does Sapphire offer for Canadian Developments?

Sapphire is focused on developing and providing pre-finished modular balconies while offering various types of balustrading, guarding and handrail design choices that are equipped to serve diverse preferences.

Whether your chosen building style is designed to continue a heritage of the location’s industrial theme or a modern façade, a suitable guarding design can be selected from our range. 

Frameless Glass Guarding:

The first option and the preference for most projects has been frameless glass guarding (also known as frameless structural glass). Frameless structural glass provides an uninterrupted view from the balcony itself and has a minimalistic appeal when looking from the ground up.

Sapphire designs frameless structural glass guarding keeping in mind three key considerations: base fixing, choice of glass, and handrails or cappings. We ensure that all our choices comply with the latest regulations and the highest safety standards, giving residents and clients assurance and peace of mind.

Witness glass guarding in our project in Woolwich, London.[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textOverlayBlock image=”15304″ heading=”Royal Arsenal Riverside | Case Study” button_text=”Read more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fcase-studies%2Froyal-arsenal-riverside-phase-9-blocks-a1-a2%2F|title:Media%20City” double_height=””]Read the full Royal Arsenal Riverside case study.[/sapphire_textOverlayBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]

Vertical Bar Guarding:

Vertical bar guarding is a common choice. While historically they were considered to be a low-cost, industrial-looking infill option, now vertical bar options are used as part of a neat architectural style. Recently, vertical bar balustrades are being used to create distinction and architectural style.

We have created a solution that enables individual fixing of bars to avoid vertical bar infill panels and to allow a consistent uninterrupted flow.

Perforated Sheet Guarding:

Guarding designs can be customised and tailored according to the client’s preferences. To ensure that the design is cost-effective, it is recommended to optimise the designs and keep them consistent. Perforated balustrade panels are manufactured from an aluminium sheet, perforated, and then powder-coated to a RAL colour.

See the versatility of perforated sheet guarding in action in our projects in London and Southend on Sea.

Privacy Screens:

In large residential developments with multiple apartments, privacy is important for residents’ comfort and integrity. When it comes to terraces, continuous walkways, or balconies that have access from differing apartments, privacy is key. By far the most effective privacy screen option is satin pre-etched glass, which is a cost-effective and durable solution that creates privacy but allows light to pass through.

See privacy screens in use at Media City, Manchester.[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textOverlayBlock image=”15403″ heading=”Media City | Case Study” button_text=”Read more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fcase-studies%2Fmedia-city%2F|title:Media%20City” double_height=””]Read the full Media City case study.[/sapphire_textOverlayBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=”” el_id=”” el_class=”” css=””][vc_column][vc_raw_html css=””]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=”” 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”][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]

Sapphire & Peikko bring balconies to DELTABEAM® Frame

Posted on by Sajjad B

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]Sapphire are delighted to reveal our collaboration with Peikko in developing a unique and replicable balcony connection solution for their DELTABEAM® Frame.

Having historically used a shutter-plate connection filled with concrete, Peikko approached Sapphire after successful balcony projects across North America to develop a partnership and innovative solution to connect balconies to the DELTABEAM® Frame.

What is DELTABEAM® Frame?

Peikko’s DELTABEAM® Frame is an innovative steel building frame solution that reduces the number of columns needed in a building, allowing for longer spans of unsupported horizontal beams, giving you more floor area for any given building footprint.

Connecting balconies to a DELTABEAM® Frame previously required a concrete infill to connect, but thanks to the collaboration between Peikko and Sapphire, this requirement is a thing of the past.

How are balconies connected to DELTABEAM?

Sapphire’s stub arms are brought to site and bolt-secured to the rear of the DELTABEAM® Frame connection plate via an adapted detail weld on the DELTABEAM®, allowing for a bolt connection to be used.

Thanks to this inventive connection detail, Sapphire Balconies are able to connect to the DELTABEAM® Frame, without compromising on thermal performance, speed of install or cost. In fact, this solution is adaptable for any project, with standard components that do not require unique costs, technologies or modifications.

Silvertown Quays

The DELTABEAM® Frame connection can today be found being implemented at the Silvertown Quays development in Newham, where balcony installation will be beginning shortly.[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_carousel images=”15103,15101,15102″ notch=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]Stay tuned for more information on the Silvertown Quays project, where we’ll be sharing our case study on completion.

Sapphire & Peikko’s collaboration on the DELTABEAM connection has ensured that the Silvertown Quays project and projects beyond can be Streamlined by Collaboration.

To find out more about Sapphire’s Next Generation suite of balconies and the endless possibilities for connecting them to your next balcony frame, get in touch with us today.[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=”” el_id=”” el_class=”” css=””][vc_column][vc_raw_html css=””]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=”” 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”][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]

What does Balcony Project Support at Sapphire look like?  

Posted on by Nimrita Bassi

Sapphire is an innovation-powered business that develops smart and sustainable balcony solutions. Our efforts extend to supporting and working alongside our clients, and our approach to project support sets us apart. We are constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation, developing solutions that meet our clients’ needs and have a minimal environmental impact.

We believe in being wholeheartedly involved in every aspect of the project, from concept design to procurement, as well as on-site and off-site support. We are committed to helping architects and designers deliver the best results to developments’ residents, providing comprehensive support every step of the way.

Here’s how Sapphire bolsters projects’ success by supplying expert support and guidance:

How does Sapphire provide concept design support?

Involving us in the concept design stage can simplify designs and avoid tricky and costly detailing.

  • CPD presentations and technical support: We share our expertise and years of learning to guide attendees in understanding regulations, approaches to handling common issues, and innovations to simplify and speed up installations.
  • Interface solutions: We help tackle many interfacing challenges, from casting in brackets to final finishing.
  • Pre-construction concept design refinement: We review designs, identify concerns, and suggest improvements to avoid issues in the future.
  • 2D, 3D, and BIM: We can assist with early-stage concept design drawings of balconies in 2D or 3D CAD or as BIM components.
  • Structural calculations: Sapphire uses a bespoke SES (Structural Evaluation System) to check structural calculations and can also do FEA (finite element analysis).

Here’s what one of our clients had to say:

‘Everything has worked really well. You guys have been very professional, very knowledgeable, and when we’ve needed extra information, it’s always been at hand. Your response has been very quick.’

—Jason Margetts, Director at Berkeley Group

How does Sapphire maintain product quality standards?

We ensure that our clients receive high-quality, high-performing products that meet their exacting standards and satisfy their projects’ needs.

  • Passport app: Our Passport app ensures that each balcony has passed every quality check stage. No balcony can pass to the next stage unless it has satisfied the requirements of the previous stage. We minimise the risk of errors and faults by implementing a strict QC process.
  • Comprehensive records: The Passport app provides a complete and traceable history of each balcony, assuring installers that all quality checks have been passed.

Does Sapphire assist teams on site?

We support on-site installation teams using various methods like training, supply of specialised equipment, and expert guidance.

  • Equipment: We have developed specialised equipment to make balcony installation faster, more efficient, and safer for installation teams.
  • Install sequencing: Our innovations include the Counterbalance Lifter (CBL), which offsets the crane’s hook by using weights to balance the balcony. This opens the door to a wide range of install sequences.
  • Security: We also offer an internal guarding system, behind which installers can safely guide balconies. A SYAM safety harness is available for leading-edge work on corner balconies and walkways.

Our balcony project support goes far beyond our contract duties and obligations to ensure that all installations are carried out by people we have appropriately trained. We maintain our own fleet of specialist equipment, which is certified and regularly inspected and maintained.

You can start a conversation with us about your project needs and specifications, check out our supply and support model, and install partners here.

Read more:

  1. How Do We Promote a Culture of Testing Balconies? 
  2. Paris Proof and Commitment to Science-Based Targets for Sapphire Balconies
  3. Sapphire Reveals the Clip-On Balcony with Vertical Bar Sides

 

Rainwater at 339 Veterans (Veterans Drive)

Posted on by Sajjad B

[sapphire_textBlock]

History

A fast-growing city known for its scenic waterfront, diverse economy, and rich Indigenous and colonial history; Barrie has played a significant role in Ontario’s development over the past two centuries. Barrie was named after British naval officer Sir Robert Barrie, the city grew rapidly with the arrival of European settlers, the construction of the Toronto Road in the 1830s, and the railway in 1865. Incorporated as a city in 1959, Barrie expanded further with the development of Highway 400, becoming a thriving residential and commercial hub. Today, it is home to the latest in Sean Mason Homes’ developments, Rainwater at 339 Veterans Drive.

Streamlined by Innovation, Delivered by Sapphire

Currently under construction and due for completion by Spring 2025, Rainwater at 339 Veterans is a landmark project for Sean Mason Homes and Barrie, Ontario, due to their key aspirations. Firstly, to create a development with ease of information access to keep progress smooth. Secondly – keeping the project sustainable without needing to accept trade-offs in 4 Architecture Inc.’s sustainable and artistic vision.

A crucial constraint for the team at Sean Mason Homes has been finding a sustainable solution for connecting balconies to a mass timber, or Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) frame. Traditionally, balconies in Canada have been constructed using concrete slabs, with separate balustrading being attached afterwards. Due to the weight of concrete, the use of concrete slabs is not practical with Cross-Laminated Timber, and their application would also be unsuitable given the unsustainable nature of concrete as a material.

Sapphire Balconies was able to step in, providing Sean Mason Homes & 4 Architecture Inc. with a sustainable, innovative solution. By using lightweight, prefabricated balconies, constructed with renewable aluminum, the balconies were both light enough to connect to a CLT frame but also helped to lower the total carbon emissions of the building, taking significant weight off of the structure. The balconies, connected to the frame using an innovative Tie-Rod connection, used small penetrations into the timber frame to stay securely attached, with minimal deflection.[/sapphire_textBlock]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

How Do We Promote a Culture of Testing Balconies?

Posted on by Sajjad B

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]Construction products must be tested rigorously to not just ensure quality and compliance with local standards, but to ensure that our end-users receive the safest, highest-quality product on the market.

Doing so can help highlight future risks, and the data from such tests can be used to classify a building site and help make engineering decisions. When it comes to testing balconies at Sapphire, we conduct numerous tests such as structural tests, glass strength testing, decking strength testing, vibration testing, deflection testing and slip resistance testing on balconies. Without such trials, it would be difficult to know whether the product meets the standards detailed in the building regulations. Sapphire has been committed to testing right from the early days. Today, we have our in-house testing lab and work with various experts to ensure the highest quality of all our products.

Use of UK Accredited Services (UKAS)

To ensure the highest levels of protection and peace of mind for our clients in the high-rise housebuilding sector, we have continued to invest in testing at Sapphire. We worked with a leading UKAS-accredited test house to gain expert advice on testing and certification, as well as ensuring materials, components and structures conform to the required standards and meet specifications. We worked closely with this Notified Body under the Construction Products Regulation to conduct rigorous testing to create the most tested balconies in the industry today.

However, while working with UKAS test houses, we found that their test lab was not set up specifically for balcony products. Most of their testing equipment is for general construction products, and we felt this limited our testing capabilities. This led us to set up our in-house testing facility and invest in balcony-specific testing equipment.

These test houses can provide costly large-scale equipment for critical longevity tests. One such piece of equipment is the hydrothermal chamber. This lets us conduct ageing tests on all our products to ensure durability. We leave the product in the chamber for weeks and subject it to scorching and frigid temperatures. We also test for the effect of heavy rain, salt spray for seafront homes, and other factors that could affect our outdoor products.

We have tested our cast-in anchors, balconies, decking, soffits, facias, glass balustrades, vertical bars and powder-coated samples to test how they age in extreme weather conditions.[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_contentLinkBottom image=”14914″ heading=”Research & Development” button_text=”Read more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fabout-us%2Fresearch-development%2F|title:Research%20%26%20Development”]Find out more about our Research & Development team![/sapphire_contentLinkBottom][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]

In-House Testing at Sapphire

To ensure that standards are upheld, we have set up an in-house lab to test our balconies regularly. This lab can conduct a wide range of tests. Over the years, we have invested in various testing equipment to enhance our capabilities to perform most of our testing in-house – excluding specialist testing such as fire tests, during which we work with specialist partners at their test houses.

We have invested in numerous sensors, equipment, pneumatic computer-operated rams and other technology so that multiple forces, factors, measurements, etc., can be applied and recorded during the working day or over several days of 24/7 testing.

With many of the tests we do ourselves, we have done desktop assessments in-house and with experts in the field and often the tests are witnessed by highly qualified and chartered subject matter experts.

We conduct fire tests on our products with accredited testing houses to ensure compliance with the latest Building Safety Standards in the UK. we also engage with various fire and engineering science specialists for testing/studies in the other markets we work in, bringing a wealth of different tests and localised knowledge.

As balconies are such an excellent product, many standard industry tests are for related products rather than balconies directly. e.g. a fire test for external wall systems rather than a test for balconies. This often means that testing an exact balcony scenario needs the principles applied from various related tests to know more definitively how it will relate to a balcony. This often calls for complementary or adapted testing regimes to be set up in-house.

The disadvantage of such testing in-house to slightly different parameters is that it isn’t a formal test it is certified to; however, being in-house, it can often be done much faster than waiting for a test house, and the results are much more scenario-specific.

Overhead Costs and Testing Balconies

In order to conduct exhaustive tests during our research and development stages, we have invested in a balcony test rig that helps us determine many things, from deflection to the natural frequency of a balcony. We work with reputable external test companies and undertake in-house commissions to test components. By investing heavily in testing, we can refine, replace and improve existing products and test out market-leading innovations in terms of concepts and materials.

We work with experts in different fields to ensure compliance, not only with British standards but also with specialists to ensure compliance with KIRO codes, American standards, Canadian standards, Dutch standards and beyond. We work with renowned experts such as Oxford Brookes in the UK and RDH in Canada and North America to better understand and improve the performances of our products.

The disadvantage of testing regularly and having an in-house Research and Development team and test lab is that it is an expensive overhead. The more important thing is that there is much more certainty of performance and thorough knowledge of how balconies can be improved in the future, whether it’s been tested extensively for years or a new product in the market.

Testing fundamentally takes much of the guesswork out of performance and ensures peace of mind for those whose safety depends on our competency.

Get in touch with our team at Sapphire to learn more about our specific testing methods get in touch with our team at Sapphire.[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=”” el_id=”” el_class=”” css=””][vc_column][vc_raw_html css=””]JTNDZGl2JTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJ3cGJfd3JhcHBlciUyMiUzRSUzQ2RpdiUyMGNsYXNzJTNEJTIydGV4dC1vdmVybGF5JTIwbWItNSUyMiUzRSUwQSUyMCUyMCUzQ2ZpZ3VyZSUzRSUwQSUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUzQ2RpdiUyMGNsYXNzJTNEJTIyaW1nLWZsdWlkJTIwcmVzcG9uc2l2ZS1pbWFnZSUyMiUyMHN0eWxlJTNEJTIyYmFja2dyb3VuZC1pbWFnZSUzQXVybCUyOGh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGcmVzLmNsb3VkaW5hcnkuY29tJTJGc2FwcGhpcmUtYmFsY29uaWVzJTJGaW1hZ2UlMkZ1cGxvYWQlMkZ2MTY2MDcyNjk0OCUyRkNUQTFfa2lxaTVjLnBuZyUyOSUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRSUwQSUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUwQSUyMCUyMCUyMCUzQ2ZpZ2NhcHRpb24lM0UlMjAlMEElMjAlMjAlMjAlMjAlMjAlMjAlM0NoNCUyMGNsYXNzJTNEJTIyY2FyZC10aXRsZSUyMGJvbGQlMjIlMjBzdHlsZSUzRCUyMmZvbnQtc2l6ZSUzQSUyMDQ2cHglM0IlMjIlM0VHZXQlMjBpbiUyMHRvdWNoJTNDJTJGaDQlM0UlMEElMEElM0NwJTNFQ29udGFjdCUyMHVzJTIwd2l0aCUyMHlvdXIlMjBwcm9qZWN0JTIwZGV0YWlscyUyMHZpYSUyMG91ciUyMGVhc3klMjBvbmxpbmUlMjBmb3JtLiUzQyUyRnAlM0UlMEElM0NhJTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJidG4lMjBidG4tc2Vjb25kYXJ5JTIyJTIwaHJlZiUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGYmFsY29uaWVzLmdsb2JhbCUyRmNvbnRhY3QtdXMlMjIlMjB0YXJnZXQlM0QlMjJfYmxhbmslMjIlMjByZWwlM0QlMjIlMjIlM0UlM0NzcGFuJTNFQ29udGFjdCUyMHVzJTIwdG9kYXklM0MlMkZzcGFuJTNFJTNDJTJGYSUzRSUwQSUwQSUwQSUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRSUwQSUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUzQyUyRmZpZ2NhcHRpb24lM0UlMEElMjAlMjAlM0MlMkZmaWd1cmUlM0UlMEElM0MlMkZkaXYlM0UlMEElM0MlMkZkaXYlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Paris Proof and Commitment to Science-Based Targets for Sapphire Balconies

Posted on by Nimrita Bassi

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]As the urgency of climate change intensifies, the built environment is becoming a crucial battleground in the fight for a low-carbon future. In the Netherlands, industry leaders are stepping up with bold commitments like the Paris Proof initiative, driving real, measurable reductions in energy use and CO2 emissions. This aligns with the ambitious targets of the Paris Agreement. By adopting science-based targets and transparent practices, organisations are not just meeting regulatory expectations but leading the way towards a more sustainable future.

In this blog post, we are taking a closer look at the Paris Proof Commitment by Dutch businesses and how Sapphire Balconies is committed to science-based targets such that it could significantly assist the built industry in achieving sustainability goals.

What is the Paris Proof Commitment in the Netherlands?

The Paris Proof Commitment is a groundbreaking Dutch initiative where 125 market players have pledged to reduce energy consumption in the built environment by two-thirds. This ambitious target is directly aligned with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Unlike traditional approaches that focus on theoretical energy performance, the Paris Proof initiative emphasises actual energy use, making climate goals more achievable and measurable.

Dutch businesses committing to the Paris Proof are not only transforming their operations but also influencing the broader industry. By signing this commitment, organisations agree to adhere to a structured approach that includes endorsing the Paris Proof ambition, being transparent about their energy use and CO2 emissions, creating actionable roadmaps, and promoting these standards within their networks.

This initiative is part of a larger global movement, the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment, which aims to achieve zero carbon emissions across the entire building sector by 2050. Through radical renovations, precise energy monitoring, and a focus on real-world results, the Paris Proof Commitment is driving significant progress towards a more sustainable built environment in the Netherlands.

The Paris Proof Commitment goes beyond regulatory compliance; it represents a leadership stance. Dutch businesses are setting a powerful example for the global industry by tackling potential obstacles and collaborating effectively. Sapphire Balconies is proud to contribute to sustainability in the built sector and position itself as the suitable choice for sustainability-driven businesses.

Commitment to Science-Based Targets at Sapphire Balconies

At Sapphire Balconies, our dedication to sustainability is both comprehensive and strategic, anchored in science-based targets and innovative design. We understand that effectively addressing climate change requires more than regulatory compliance – it demands a bold, data-driven approach to significantly reducing embodied carbon and energy consumption.

How Do Science-Based Targets Power Sustainability Goals for Sapphire?

Science-based targets form the bedrock of our Vision 2030, which details our ambitious strategy for transforming the built environment. By aligning our sustainability goals with the latest climate science and industry standards, we ensure that our efforts are impactful and transparent. This approach supports our regulatory obligations and drives meaningful progress in reducing our carbon footprint.

How Does Sapphire Incorporate Sustainability in Its Work?

We Design Balconies to Improve Energy Efficiency  

We meticulously design our balconies with a strong emphasis on energy efficiency, which is essential for lowering overall building energy consumption. By employing advanced materials and innovative design techniques, our balconies help regulate building temperatures, reducing the need for excessive heating and cooling. This results in lower energy usage and reduced embodied carbon, contributing to a more sustainable built environment.

We Integrate Circular Economy Principles 

We are at the forefront of incorporating circular economy principles into our balcony designs. This approach focuses on the reuse and recycling of materials, minimising waste and extending the life cycle of our products. By designing balconies that can be easily disassembled and repurposed, we not only lessen environmental impact but also enhance resource efficiency. This commitment ensures that our balconies surpass current sustainability standards.

We Use Innovative Materials and Practices 

Our commitment to sustainability is a testament to our innovative spirit. From selecting eco-friendly materials to optimising our manufacturing processes, we make sure that every aspect of our balcony production is geared towards minimising environmental impact. Our design solutions are crafted to improve energy performance and positively contribute to the overall sustainability of building projects.

We invite you to learn more about our unwavering dedication to sustainability and our vision for an eco-friendly future at Sapphire: /knowledge/sustainability/. [/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=”” el_id=”” el_class=”” css=””][vc_column][vc_raw_html css=””]JTNDZGl2JTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJ3cGJfd3JhcHBlciUyMiUzRSUzQ2RpdiUyMGNsYXNzJTNEJTIydGV4dC1vdmVybGF5JTIwbWItNSUyMiUzRSUwQSUyMCUyMCUzQ2ZpZ3VyZSUzRSUwQSUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUzQ2RpdiUyMGNsYXNzJTNEJTIyaW1nLWZsdWlkJTIwcmVzcG9uc2l2ZS1pbWFnZSUyMiUyMHN0eWxlJTNEJTIyYmFja2dyb3VuZC1pbWFnZSUzQXVybCUyOGh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGcmVzLmNsb3VkaW5hcnkuY29tJTJGc2FwcGhpcmUtYmFsY29uaWVzJTJGaW1hZ2UlMkZ1cGxvYWQlMkZ2MTY2MDcyNjk0OCUyRkNUQTFfa2lxaTVjLnBuZyUyOSUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRSUwQSUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUwQSUyMCUyMCUyMCUzQ2ZpZ2NhcHRpb24lM0UlMjAlMEElMjAlMjAlMjAlMjAlMjAlMjAlM0NoNCUyMGNsYXNzJTNEJTIyY2FyZC10aXRsZSUyMGJvbGQlMjIlMjBzdHlsZSUzRCUyMmZvbnQtc2l6ZSUzQSUyMDQ2cHglM0IlMjIlM0VHZXQlMjBpbiUyMHRvdWNoJTNDJTJGaDQlM0UlMEElMEElM0NwJTNFQ29udGFjdCUyMHVzJTIwd2l0aCUyMHlvdXIlMjBwcm9qZWN0JTIwZGV0YWlscyUyMHZpYSUyMG91ciUyMGVhc3klMjBvbmxpbmUlMjBmb3JtLiUzQyUyRnAlM0UlMEElM0NhJTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJidG4lMjBidG4tc2Vjb25kYXJ5JTIyJTIwaHJlZiUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGYmFsY29uaWVzLmdsb2JhbCUyRmNvbnRhY3QtdXMlMjIlMjB0YXJnZXQlM0QlMjJfYmxhbmslMjIlMjByZWwlM0QlMjIlMjIlM0UlM0NzcGFuJTNFQ29udGFjdCUyMHVzJTIwdG9kYXklM0MlMkZzcGFuJTNFJTNDJTJGYSUzRSUwQSUwQSUwQSUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRSUwQSUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUzQyUyRmZpZ2NhcHRpb24lM0UlMEElMjAlMjAlM0MlMkZmaWd1cmUlM0UlMEElM0MlMkZkaXYlM0UlMEElM0MlMkZkaXYlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]