Category: Safe Pair of Hands

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

 

How Long Does A Balcony Last? Exploring End of Life

Posted on by Sajjad B

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]How long does a balcony last? What happens at a balcony’s end of life?

End-of-life and disassembly need to be considered from an early stage, even before a new development has broken first ground. Whilst maintenance and repair of balconies need to be considered throughout the building’s lifespan, it’s also important to note that a balcony may need to be replaced entirely at the end of its natural lifespan. We’re here to answer some important questions on what happens once a balcony has reached its final days.

What’s the lifespan of a balcony?

A balcony’s lifespan can depend on a number of factors, including maintenance and mid-life replacement. Building structures are typically designed for 60-year lifespans and our balconies are designed to exceed this.

Some structural elements of the buildings are exposed to different weather conditions and are not protected by the façade, such as balconies. Therefore, careful consideration must be given to the lifespan of the balconies in the building as they reach the end of their design life.

British Standard BS 7543 provides guidance on the durability, design life and maintenance of buildings and their functional components, aiming to ensure that buildings and their elements perform as intended throughout their expected lifespan. Balconies, in this standard, are classified as ‘maintainable’ components, needing regular inspections, cleaning and repairs, with end-of-life planning being necessary, and suppliers needing to consider recycling and sustainable disposal practices.

How are balconies dealt with at the end of their lifecycle?

Our balconies are almost entirely recyclable by design.

In fact, aluminium is one of the easiest metals to recycle.

According to the Council for Aluminium in Building (www.c-a-b.org.uk), the recycling rate of architectural aluminium is between 92 – 98%. Wood Plastic Composite (WPC), a component found in some decking boards, is also easily recycled. Furthermore, according to The Aluminium Association, a 10% increase in end-of-life aluminium recycling can decrease industry greenhouse gas emissions by up to 15%.

For this aluminium to be recycled, the balconies need to be disassembled. Thanks to the demountable connections, our entire balcony range, from our Glide-On™ Cassettes® to our Clip-On® connections, can be removed from a building by a trained professional for repairs, maintenance or disassembly and recycling.

Once removed, the materials can be easily disassembled and the components can be sent for recycling, to be used in either newly fabricated aluminium or in other aluminium products across the globe.

How can you prove what you’re doing is environmentally sound?

Creating ethical sustainability measures is crucial for us at Sapphire. We’ve been committed to sustainable improvements and certifications since 2009 and are delighted to have been the first balcony manufacturer to create full Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) covering all stages of our lifecycle from our cast-in anchor to the completed Cassette®, soffits and balustrading. We’re not resting on our laurels though. We remain committed to continued research and creation of new EPDs for each new generation of balcony products we create.

Furthermore, we’ve also stated our commitment to the Science-Based Target Initiative (SBTi) and our chosen United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We use our EPDs to create transparency around the balcony lifecycle, empowering our customers to make informed decisions about their environmental footprint.

This is all to say that the proof of our environmentally sound process is available and easily requestable. We’ve committed ourselves to transparency around our sustainable processes, and to further educational events and content on ethical sustainability in construction.

The construction industry in 2024 demands a high level of transparency and we understand that it is our responsibility to provide that transparency at every level of manufacture, from early design to the very end of our balcony lifecycle.

To understand more about the construction of our balconies, feel free to get in touch with our support team and see if taking the step towards a sustainable, ethical, prefabricated balcony could be right for your development.[/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]

How Can I Make Sure My Supply Chain Is Financially Stable?

Posted on by Sajjad B

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]We’ve heard your questions on how to ensure financials are safe across the board when dealing with an external supplier, so we put your questions to our Head of Finance, Bruce Wormald.

What challenges has the construction industry faced in recent years?

2023 was a challenging year for businesses with all sectors being impacted by the combined headwinds of high interest rates, inflation impacting energy and material costs, and high cost of living driving wage demands from employees. 2024 has improved, but it’s still important to be aware of the risks facing the construction sector.

Therefore, it was no surprise that the construction industry in the UK saw several high-profile insolvencies.  This has sent ripples through the industry, creating financial distress for businesses that have been left with significant unrecoverable debts or left in the lurch by suppliers who have not been able to fulfil orders.

How can the bankruptcy of a key supplier impact your business?

Bankruptcy of a key supplier could pose an existential threat to your business and, too often, businesses are caught by surprise.  It can be difficult to detect signs of financial distress impacting a trading partner, but it is necessary that steps are taken to understand and manage this risk.

The first and, arguably most important, step is having access to sufficient, relevant, and recent financial information on the third-party companies making up your supply chain.  However, in the UK private companies have up to 9 months after year end to file annual accounts with Companies House and many companies are only required to file very limited information and often their accounts do not need to be audited.  This means that it is practically very difficult for Companies to manage the insolvency risk inherent in their supply chain particularly in the case of small companies.

What are effective tools for managing the risk of supplier insolvency?

Given the limitations on publicly available data, in terms of practical and effective risk management tools, there is no substitute to building strong relationships with your key suppliers.  In an increasingly transactional and cost-focused business environment it is easy to lose sight of the value of long-term supply relationships with stable and well-run supply partners.  Having confidence that your supplier will still be in business to deliver the product or service you require at the critical point in your project is priceless.

 

To learn more about financial stability, or to see how Sapphire are a truly safe pair of hands for your next development, contact 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]

What Can I Do To Get The Most Out Of MMC?

Posted on by Sajjad B

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]With the movement around and toward Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) still growing at an ever-outstanding rate, there are still common misconceptions and knowledge gaps that cause barriers to greater adoption.

Most commonly, there appears to be a lack of understanding of methods of engagement. We are constantly approached by customers asking for MMC or Modular solutions for their projects to try and take advantage of what they perceive to be the ‘trend’, without having an understanding of what they are trying to achieve and the true benefit that properly executed MMC projects can bring.

MMC isn’t about replacing bricks with panels – it involves a deep level of improving efficiencies, performances and outcomes. We’ve put together some key considerations to enable you to benefit from MMC.

Why should I consider MMC?

Clients often come to us with an expressed wish to implement MMC on their project without necessarily understanding why they want to, nor the impact it will have upon their business.

We always promote the importance of understanding ‘Why?’ – this establishes clear drivers, desired outcomes and the ability to see MMC as a tool to meet those goals, not the catch-all answer to the question.  

MMC also needs to be viewed as an opportunity to impact positive change across whole organisations by promoting new, efficient ways of working. New efficiencies doesn’t just mean physical products manufactured in a factory, but digital technologies and processes. It’s imperative to encourage clients to put a strategy in place that’s both holistic and also considers the impacts on the wider business, ensuring that the adoption of MMC brings true transformative benefits.[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_contentLink order=”Image left / content right” image=”8235″ heading=”Explore our MMC Hub” button_text=”Learn more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fknowledge%2Fmmc-hub%2F|title:MMC%20Hub|target:_blank”]

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

How should I plan my approach to MMC?

Once you’ve established your outcomes and the optimal MMC approach, the next step is setting up a robust performance monitoring process.

This will provide you with valuable data to prove that the use of MMC delivers better outcomes, time, cost, performance and quality benefits. This data will also give you a benchmark from which to build and improve upon.

Frankly, there is no point in adopting MMC if the benefits can’t tangibly be seen beyond what has been done before – ultimately, if clients’ recorded data proves MMC is better, more will follow, and uptake will increase.

How can I train my team to get the most out of MMC?

You may need to consider additional training to allow your team to unlock the full potential of MMC and associated digital tools. Whilst the materials used in most MMC solutions will be familiar, the processes are different and may require investment in upskilling the workforce to utilise the technology, maintain the building or manage the process.

The current capability of your team, your delivery model and more will impact the level of input needed. Integrating MMC solutions and technologies into any organisation can be complex, and so we would advocate undertaking a skills audit as part of the consideration of the impact of any changes on the people or team which will be using them.

It’s crucial to remember that large sections of the industry were trained in a pre-digital age. There may be pre-determined or sceptical views arguing that they’ve ‘always done it this way’ and will need very good reasons to adopt new methods of construction.

At Sapphire, we’re advocates of using MMC as a means to impart positive change across a whole organisation, including those on the building site as well as those in the office, to promote the benefits of undertaking a change management programme.

What are the benefits of a shift towards MMC?

The use of MMC will accelerate once people catch up to what the technology can do and how it will benefit them.

  • Digitisation can realise tangible key driver efficiencies.
  • Products manufactured offsite will be of higher quality than those manufactured on site.
  • MMC can help to achieve objectives tied to social values.
  • Programme cost savings can be considerable.

As research continues and more benefits are proven, the clearer these benefits will become.  Homes England completed a large monitoring project of eight developers, published in 2021, to capture this information.

What are the key considerations for adopting MMC?

If adopting MMC is seen as the way forward for your business, then ask yourself these key questions:

  1. Why do I want to adopt MMC? – Work to understand why you want to adopt it, clearly define your strategy and establish your desired outcomes.
  2. What’s the impact on my people? – Consider the impact on your teams, not just the building site.
  3. What will I need to record? – Record and monitor information to prove it’s better and provide a foundation for further improvement.
  4. What have I got to lose? – See the shift to MMC as a journey, not a revolution!

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One Lime Street, Dublin

Posted on by Sajjad B

[sapphire_textBlock]

History

Lime Street, Dublin, located in the Docklands, has historically been tied to the city’s industrial past, named after lime kilns that operated there in the 18th and 19th centuries. The area has since transformed from an industrial hub into a modern, tech-driven district known as Silicon Docks.

One Lime Street is a recently completed residential development located in Dublin’s vibrant Docklands area, in the heart of the Silicon Docks. The development comprises 216 one- and two-bedroom apartments, designed with a strong focus on modern living, offering high-spec interiors, stylish bathrooms, and are fully furnished to a high standard.

Streamlined by Innovation, Delivered by Sapphire

Marlet Property Group, in collaboration with BAM Ireland, sought to deliver a project that exceeded market standards, despite the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The development of One Lime Street was driven by an aspiration to create a best-in-class residential scheme in Dublin’s rapidly growing Docklands area. The scale of the project was unprecedented compared to previous developments, which required a high level of trust and confidence in the processes and technologies being employed, particularly given the restrictions on in-person visits and meetings during the pandemic.

One of the primary hurdles faced during the construction of One Lime Street was the integration of precast connections, specifically the successful implementation of balconies, which had not been achieved on previous projects. This required innovative solutions and meticulous planning to ensure the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the building. Despite these challenges, at Sapphire, we were committed to overcoming these obstacles, leveraging our experience and expertise to deliver a high-quality outcome for Marlet Property Group & BAM Ireland.

The success of the project was largely attributed to the strong trust and collaboration between all parties involved, including the client, contractor, and architects. By demonstrating the reliability and effectiveness of the systems in use, the team was able to instil confidence and streamline the development process. This collaborative approach ensured that the project not only met but exceeded the expectations of all stakeholders, setting a new benchmark for residential developments in the area.[/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=””]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Walled Garden, Dublin

Posted on by Sajjad B

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“Service has been good – any replies have been prompt and design is
progressing well.”

– Site manager

History:

Dundrum is a historic location south of Dublin that has served as both a residential hub and as a commercial district. The walled gardens were originally part of farmland that has been dated back to the 1830s. Marlet Property Group aspired to give this area a new lease of life through their Walled Gardens development, working with Sapphire to bring 114 balconies to the area.

Streamlined by Technology, Delivered by Sapphire:

Marlet Property Group aspired to create a new development amongst the distinctive walled gardens of Dundrum, Dublin. A heritage scheme, Marlet was looking to preserve the historical aspect of the area whilst delivering a modern take on residential development, so the balconies needed to be aesthetically pleasing, all whilst not disturbing the historic walls, nor incurring a large cost.

Considering the scheme was so close to the heritage walls, Sapphire was consulted from an early stage and brought on board to streamline the project through technology and technological design. Sapphire’s counterbalance equipment was used to effectively and quickly install the balconies, all whilst keeping the live load a good distance from the heritage walls.[/sapphire_textBlock]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

Shackleton Phase 4, Dublin

Posted on by Sajjad B

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History:

Named after the Anglo-Irish Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton, this new development builds on the history of Dublin. Best known as a suburban centre to the west of Dublin city centre, Shackleton Phase 4 is a new development in Lucan, Dublin, providing quiet residential living to countless residents, on which Sapphire provided 86 balconies.

Streamlined by Efficiency, Delivered by Sapphire:

The initial aspiration for the Shackleton development was to embody the spirit of creativity and advancement, which Sapphire helped make a reality by using a future-ready balcony system.

At this stage, the client hadn’t used our balcony system before, so their dilemma was whether they could trust both our process and our product. By engaging with the client at an early stage, Sapphire was able to explain the system in full detail, show examples of previous proven successes in the marketplace and give them the confidence to use a brand-new system on their project.

Efficiency in logistics was a prime example of the success of the Shackleton project. We showed the client how our factory process worked and encouraged a sense of trust with the stage-by-stage assembly. By showing the client that we don’t manufacture with a “just-in-time” mindset and manufacture each balcony far in advance of when it’s needed, the client was able to put faith in the process.

When it came to delivery, transport logistics were smooth. Balconies were stored offsite until needed and delivered to the site to be installed the same day.[/sapphire_textBlock]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

Huntley Wharf, Reading

Posted on by Sajjad B

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“I found the Sapphire team to be very professional, proactive and helpful. We have had a very good collaboration throughout and felt the team at Sapphire successfully managed to meet both architect’s and client’s expectations.”

Technical Coordinator, Berkeley Group PLC

History:

Huntley Wharf in Reading stands on the historic site of the former Huntley and Palmer biscuit factory, once a bastion of Britain’s biscuit empire, famously supplying millions of biscuits to Allied troops during WW1 and WW2. Nestled beside the Kennet and Avon Canal and facing the former Reading Prison—home to a Banksy artwork—the redevelopment of this site into a modern residential area sought to pay homage to its rich historical context. The architectural language and balcony finishes were pivotal in conveying the site’s heritage, as envisioned by PRP Architects and desired by Berkeley Homes. Capturing the essence of the site’s past, while providing contemporary living spaces, became a central theme in the project’s development.

Streamlined by Innovation, Delivered by Sapphire:

Sapphire Balconies, based in Reading, engaged early with Peter Brett Associates, PRP Architects, and Berkeley Homes to ensure that the balconies would reflect the architectural vision and historical significance of the Huntley Wharf site. The collaboration focused on integrating the balconies seamlessly with the building facade, respecting the architectural heritage and the canal-side setting. Through innovative design solutions, Sapphire was able to manufacture offsite brick columns for corner balconies, inset balconies, and balconies with brick slip fascias. These components were mechanically fixed offsite with brick slips, enabling them to blend effortlessly with the rest of the brick facade, mirroring the industrial aesthetic of the former factory.

One of the project’s challenges was the proximity of one of the tower crane locations to a stack of balconies, which punched through the podium slab. This could have necessitated the costly and disruptive relocation of thousands of pounds of M&E ductwork. Sapphire’s site support team devised an inventive solution, proposing the use of a compact spider crane to install the balconies from below. This approach not only preserved the integrity of the existing infrastructure but also reduced costs and simplified the installation process, showcasing Sapphire’s ability to overcome complex logistical challenges through creative problem-solving.

The Huntley Wharf project stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit and innovative solutions that Sapphire Balconies brings to modern developments, marrying historical reverence with contemporary design and functionality. Through their early and proactive engagement with project stakeholders, Sapphire ensured that the balconies contributed meaningfully to the architectural narrative, enhancing the living experience while honouring the site’s rich heritage.[/sapphire_textBlock]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