Category: Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)

Why Would a Prefabricated Balcony Benefit My Development?

Posted on by Sajjad B

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]For years, balcony construction has been a last-minute addition to an otherwise well-considered building. Adding on concrete slabs takes significant time, can be cumbersome in terms of waterproofing and drainage, and can be costly.

Prefabricated balconies change all of this.

By using a prefabricated solution, you could save time and cost, all the while making your development lighter, faster, safer, kinder and with more possibilities than ever.

In this article, we’ll be talking through modular construction and prefabrication, how to integrate cross-laminated timber with your development and some design considerations when using a prefabricated balcony solution.

Why Should I Use Prefabrication or Modular Construction?

Prefabrication and modular construction are innovative approaches that could benefit your development.

Reducing your time on site by not needing to manufacture balconies in-situ can be a time and cost-effective way to manage balconies on your development. Delivering fully assembled units means not only a decrease in cost, but also a reduction in risk.

Pre-finishing as much as possible in the factory reduces the requirement for secure storage on site – a further benefit particularly ideal for projects in city centres like Toronto, Vancouver or New York where site space can often be extremely limited.

On-site health and safety issues, such as the risk of errors and potentially costly project delays due to bad weather, can be reduced with a prefabricated solution.

Finally, this increase in quality stretches out to quality assurance too – prefabricating balconies in factory conditions ensures a high degree of quality control which is almost impossible to achieve on site.

Integration of CLT in Construction

Cross-laminated timber (CLT), or Mass Timber, is created by glueing together layers of solid-sawn lumber from a single log. By glueing together layers of wood at the right angles, CLT can achieve better structural rigidity than regular timber in both vertical and horizontal directions.

The benefits of CLT are numerous. CLT offers a prefabricated material that is incredibly flexible for building design – including CLT in a building’s design from an early stage is beneficial as it can result in shorter installation times therefore reducing the cost of labour on-site if planned well. Furthermore, the fire performance of CLT is very good, as it is fire-rated and compliant for ongoing use. Whilst concrete is the conventional option due to the perceived rigidity of the product, some companies suggest that CLT can be favourable over concrete as it is 20-30% faster to install, so can reduce labour on-site.

Design Considerations for Prefabricated Balconies

Prefabrication may well be the streamlined and simplified method of balcony production, but considerations still need to be taken when using a prefabricated balcony product.

Firstly, balconies need to be designed to ensure compatibility with modular construction processes. Implementing a modular design further allows balcony components to be fabricated off-site in controlled environments, enhancing quality control and streamlining assembly processes on-site.

Ensuring your balcony design integrates seamlessly with other building systems such as façade elements and structural supports, can enhance overall project coordination and efficiency.

Compliance with step codes in Canada must also be considered. Having a prefabricated balcony can lead to sustainability benefits, but making sure that balcony designs comply with relevant building codes and regulations, including requirements for structural integrity, fire safety, and accessibility, are crucial for ensuring code compliance.

 

Prefabrication is reinventing modern balcony construction – as time goes on, we’re seeing signs that the modular approach to balcony manufacturing could be on its way to becoming the norm.

Whilst there are design considerations that need to be taken in order to make prefabricated balconies work on your development, the benefits are enormous. Building with CLT / Mass Timber can mean faster construction times and with a CLT connection bracket, installing a balcony is as simple as gliding it straight on.

Finally, with the various benefits of a prefabricated approach such as faster installation times, reduced working hours on site and quality assurance, your development can benefit from not only a streamlined approach, but a lighter, safer, kinder one too, with more possibilities than ever before.

To learn more about how a prefabricated solution could benefit your project, visit our Next Generation suite page:[/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]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Pre-fab Balconies at BuildEx Vancouver

Posted on by Sajjad B

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]At BuildEx Vancouver, we had the chance to connect with Canadian industry experts and showcase our Next Generation suite of balconies, featuring an innovative CLT connection and standout balcony design.

Our Next Generation balcony sets a new standard, offering a lighter, faster, and more environmentally conscious balcony than any other option on the market.

If you couldn’t attend, don’t worry – we’ve gathered valuable insights from your inquiries and compiled answers to your most pressing questions about our prefabricated Next Generation balconies.

Discover how our Next Generation balcony could significantly enhance your upcoming residential project.

Connecting balconies to timber

A question that kept coming up was how we can connect to a cross-laminated (CLT) or mass timber framework – Our balconies have an innovative connection system that can connect to many building frameworks, including CLT.

As CLT is a relatively light building material, unlike concrete the balcony cant be cast in place and the strength of the slab to take forces of heavier balconies are reduced. Brackets can be fixed to the top of the CLT slab at an angle to maximise pull-out resistance from the balcony moment forces and tested in advance to confirm structural integrity. One of the advantages of Sapphire’s system is that the light weight means it can be used with CLT. Our innovative Next Generation Cassette solution can be used as the structural integrity of the frame can be maintained even with the heavier steel anchor arms.

Read our full article on connecting to CLT brackets here:[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_textOverlayBlock image=”13837″ heading=”Connecting to CLT Brackets” button_text=”Learn more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fglobal%2Fglide-on-variation-connecting-to-clt-brackets%2F” double_height=””]It’s possible to connect a balcony to CLT brackets with Sapphire’s Next Generation balconies.[/sapphire_textOverlayBlock][sapphire_carousel images=”13832,13833,13834,13835″ notch=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]

Built-in thermal breaks

With an increased focus on LEED, TEDI and Passive House, thermal performance is crucial. If you make penetrations in a building’s façade, how can you maintain thermal performance?

Simple. Our balconies are future-ready and pre-fabricated off-site. On the site itself, small penetrations are made in the building façade that we’ve incorporated a small thermal break into. Each of these small penetrations can achieve a reduction in heat loss without the need for a continuous linear thermal break.

In fact, built-in thermal breaks can be simpler to achieve than linear thermal breaks in many circumstances and function at an even higher level of performance than traditional concrete alternatives.

To know more, just ask us about the Sapphire StubGuard, or visit the link below:[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_textOverlayBlock image=”6503″ heading=”StubGuard®” button_text=”Read more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Four-product%2Fanchors-stubs%2Fstubguard%2F|title:StubGuard%C2%AE” double_height=””]Learn about Sapphire’s StubGuard solution by visiting the product page.[/sapphire_textOverlayBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]

Appearance vs. Concrete

Finally, we were overwhelmed with comments on just how good our system looks. Thanks to working with aluminum, we can not only control the design but also the aesthetic that comes along with it.

  • Premium Quality – Factory-controlled stage-by-stage quality control processes guarantee a premium balcony.
  • Finished Deck & Underside – With neat aluminum soffits underneath and decking included as standard, Sapphire’s Next Generation balconies have an enhanced street appeal and take the aesthetic appeal of your building to the next level.
  • Discreet Fixings – Sapphire’s Next Generation balconies have been carefully engineered to avoid visible welds and keep fixings discreet. Every single balcony comes with soffits included which complete the underside and maintain a clean, simple aesthetic.
  • Balconies That Fit Every Time – We provide templates with our cast-in anchors. These templates avoid reinforced concrete frame casting mismeasurements and avoid the traditional bolt-on or concrete balcony misalignment issues, which can cause coordination issues and variations.

Visit this page to understand even more about the benefits of our Next Generation aluminum balconies:[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_textOverlayBlock image=”12004″ heading=”Aluminum vs. Concrete Balconies” button_text=”Read more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fknowledge%2Faluminium-concrete-balconies%2F|title:Aluminium%20vs%20Concrete%20Balconies” double_height=””]Read our full article demonstrating the differences between our innovative aluminum solution and traditional concrete.[/sapphire_textOverlayBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]

Conclusion

With our Next Generation Cassette system, we’re offering innovative solutions for connecting balconies to timber frameworks, such as cross-laminated timber (CLT), incorporating built-in thermal breaks, crucial for maintaining thermal performance, surpassing traditional concrete alternatives.

Are you ready to be part of the future of construction? The Next Generation is here and can be specified for your residential project today.

Contact us to find out even more:[/sapphire_textBlock][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Pre-fab balconies at The Buildings Show 2023

Posted on by Sajjad B

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]Between an innovative CLT connection and a balcony design that stood out amongst the crowd – The Buildings Show was a fantastic opportunity for us to meet and greet Canadian professionals and show off our Next Generation suite of balconies.

Our Next Generation balcony, which is lighter, faster, and kinder than any other balcony on the market. If you missed out, don’t fret – we listened to what you had to say and collected some answers to some of the most crucial questions you had about our pre-fab Next Generation balconies.

Here’s how our Next Generation balcony could truly benefit your next residential project.[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_carousel images=”13430,13431,13432,13433,13434,13435″ notch=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]

Connecting balconies to timber

A question that kept coming up was how we can connect to a cross-laminated (CLT) or mass timber framework – Our balconies have an innovative connection system that can connect to many building frameworks including CLT.

Unlike concrete, CLT is a relatively light building material and does not need to be cast in place. Brackets can be fixed to the top of the CLT slab at an angle to maximise pull-out resistance from the balcony moment forces and tested in advance to confirm structural integrity. One of the advantages of Sapphire’s system is that the light weight means it can be used with CLT. Our innovative Next Generation Cassette solution can be used as the structural integrity of the frame can be maintained even with the heavier steel anchor arms.

Read our full article on connecting to CLT brackets here:[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_textOverlayBlock image=”13427″ heading=”Connecting to CLT brackets” button_text=”Read more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fnews%2Fglide-on-variation-connecting-to-clt-brackets%2F|title:Glide-On%20Variation%3A%20Connecting%20to%20CLT%20brackets” double_height=””]Find out how our modular balcony system connects to CLT by reading the full article here.[/sapphire_textOverlayBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]

Built-in thermal breaks

With an increased focus on LEED, TEDI and Passive House – thermal performance is crucial. So if you make penetrations in a building’s façade, how can you maintain thermal performance?

Simple. Our balconies are future-ready and pre-fabricated off-site. On the site itself, small penetrations are made in the building façade that we’ve incorporated a small thermal break into. Each of these small penetrations can achieve a reduction in heat loss without the need for a continuous linear thermal break.

In fact, built-in thermal breaks can be simpler to achieve than a linear thermal break in many circumstances and function at an even higher level of performance than traditional concrete alternatives. To enable the continuity of fire barrier integrity, we created the StubGuard® to improve this performance even further.

To know more, just ask us about the Sapphire StubGuard, or visit the link below:[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_textOverlayBlock image=”6503″ heading=”StubGuard®” button_text=”Read more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Four-product%2Fanchors-stubs%2Fstubguard%2F|title:StubGuard%C2%AE” double_height=””]Learn about Sapphire’s StubGuard solution by visiting the product page.[/sapphire_textOverlayBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]

Cold weather performance

How do modular balconies protect buildings from the cold?

Between using a material that doesn’t crack in the cold weather, unlike traditional concrete balcony building methods, and including our previously mentioned built-in thermal breaks, pre-fab balconies are the best way to protect a residential unit from the cold without having to sacrifice outdoor living space.

Sapphire has been supplying and installing balconies for many years and has amassed a large amount of knowledge and experience in effective balcony solutions to increasing demand for improved thermal performance, off-site prefabrication and reduced structural loadings.

Our balconies have been thoroughly examined by RDH, successfully tested for Freeze-Thaw and Cold Weather performance and we’ve collected our findings in a new whitepaper, available for request via the below link.[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_textOverlayBlock image=”13334″ heading=”Freeze-Thaw Whitepaper” button_text=”Download whitepaper” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fknowledge%2Fwhite-papers%2Ffreeze-thaw-cold-weather-performance-of-sapphire-balconies-whitepaper%2F|title:Freeze-Thaw%20%26%20Cold%20Weather%20Performance%20of%20Sapphire%20Balconies%20%E2%80%93%20whitepaper” double_height=””]Request the full whitepaper to understand how our balconies perform in freezing weather.[/sapphire_textOverlayBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]

Bespoke design

Sapphire’s Next Generation balconies have a huge number of design possibilities that can be catered to your architectural design needs.

We’ve increased not just the number of connection methods available with the Next Generation Balcony but increased the aesthetic freedom for your design and architecture team too. Thanks to our new Clip-On™ connection, the Next Generation Balcony clips into small hooks integrated into the façade just like a seatbelt. Furthermore, we’re proud to introduce the Crescent Corner Cassette®, Identité Balustrade and Crescent Balustrade as options for your balcony balustrade, each available in hundreds of colors for a total of over 7 million aesthetic combinations.[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]

Appearance vs. Concrete

Finally, we were overwhelmed with comments on just how good our system looks. Thanks to working with aluminum, we can not only control the design, but also the aesthetic that comes along with it.

  • Premium Quality – Factory-controlled stage-by-stage quality control processes guarantee a premium balcony.
  • Finished Deck & Underside – With neat aluminum soffits underneath and decking included as standard, Sapphire’s Next Generation balconies have an enhanced street appeal and take the aesthetic appeal of your building to the next level.
  • Discreet Fixings – Sapphire’s Next Generation balconies have been carefully engineered to avoid visible welds and keep fixings discreet. Every single balcony comes with soffits included which complete the underside and maintain a clean, simple aesthetic.
  • Balconies That Fit Every Time – We provide templates with our cast-in anchors. These templates avoid reinforced concrete frame casting mismeasurements and avoid the traditional bolt-on or concrete balcony misalignment issues, which can cause coordination issues and variations.

To understand even more about the benefits of our Next Generation aluminum balconies, download this whitepaper:

/knowledge/aluminium-concrete-balconies/[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_textOverlayBlock image=”12004″ heading=”Aluminum vs. Concrete Balconies” button_text=”Read more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fknowledge%2Faluminium-concrete-balconies%2F|title:Aluminium%20vs%20Concrete%20Balconies” double_height=””]Read our full article demonstrating the differences between our innovative aluminum solution and traditional concrete.[/sapphire_textOverlayBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]

What’s next?

You asked, we answered. Sapphire have got the future-ready balconies that North America is after.

That’s it. No greenwashing, true carbon reduction and a lighter, safer, kinder product with more possibilities than ever before that we’re proud to call the Next Generation.

Are you ready to be part of the future of construction? The Next Generation is here and can be specified for your residential project today.

Contact us to find out even more:[/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]

Glide-On Variation: Connecting to CLT brackets

Posted on by Sajjad B

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]Building in residential areas can be costly if the correct considerations are not taken into place at an early stage, but by connecting to cross-laminated timber (CLT), these costs can be easily reduced. Connecting to CLT brackets is a sustainable building frame solution, popular due to its flexibility for design, cost on smaller projects and environmental benefits.

What is CLT?

CLT is created by glueing together layers of solid-sawn lumber from a single log. By glueing together layers of wood at the right angles, CLT can achieve better structural rigidity than regular timber in both vertical and horizontal directions.

The benefits of CLT

The benefits of CLT are numerous. CLT offers a prefabricated material that is incredibly flexible for building design – including CLT in a building’s design from an early stage is beneficial as it can result in shorter installation times therefore reducing the cost of labour on-site if planned well. Furthermore, the fire performance of CLT is very good, as it is fire-rated and compliant for ongoing use. Whilst reinforced concrete (RC) frames are the conventional option due to the perceived rigidity of the product, some companies suggest that CLT can be favourable over RC frames as it is 20-30% faster to install, so can reduce labour on-site.

How to connect to CLT

As CLT is a relatively light building material, the foundations do not need to be as large, and the machinery required on-site can be much smaller. Brackets can be fixed to the top of the CLT slab at an angle to maximise pull-out resistance from the balcony moment forces and tested in advance to confirm structural integrity. One of the advantages of Sapphire’s system is that the light weight means it can be used with CLT. Many connections, such as our innovative Glide-On Cassette solution, can be used as the structural integrity of the frame can be maintained even with the heavier steel anchor arms.

Connecting to CLT brackets has its advantages thanks to its sustainable properties, being considerably cheaper to construct with than reinforced concrete if used correctly and can reduce time spent on site as well as machinery and labour costs. It is possible to connect many kinds of balcony anchors to a CLT bracket, such as tie-rod, our innovative Glide-On Cassette solution, or our upcoming ultra-low carbon anchor solution.

To learn more about building and connecting with CLT brackets, get in touch with our Sales team or read about how we’ve connected to CLT frames at the Woodberry Down 1B development:[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_contentLink order=”Image left / content right” image=”11787″ heading=”Woodberry Down 2B – Case Study” button_text=”Read more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fcase-studies%2Fwoodberry-down-1b%2F|title:Woodberry%20Down%20Phase%202%20Block%20B|target:_blank”]Read more about our Woodberry Down project and how we used CLT to great effect.[/sapphire_contentLink][/vc_column][/vc_row]