Tag: April Fools

Sapphire lifts off with new lightweight Balloon system

Posted on by Sajjad B

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

April Fools!

As you might have imagined, attaching a balcony to a hot air balloon is a little far-fetched. But there’s a grain or two of truth in what we’ve shown off.

Balconies as light as air

Our Next Generation balcony system is designed to be as lightweight as possible in order to reduce the carbon footprint of our product. So, whilst it might not be light enough to be carried by hot air alone, there are numerous benefits to using a lightweight material like aluminium.

We’ve reduced the amount of material in our balconies compared to our standard Glide-On Cassette®, meaning the amount of embodied carbon is reduced as a result. Furthermore, thanks to the lighter-weight Cassette® of the Next Generation Balcony, we’re able to transport more balconies to the site in a single journey, further reducing the embodied carbon footprint of your project.

As an extra benefit, the light weight of the Next Generation Balcony Cassette® means that we’ve further reduced the weight on your building’s structure. This means fewer penetrations in the building façade, less risk of thermal bridging and a more energy-efficient building for both you and your end-users.[/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=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]

Huntley Wharf, Reading

You might have spotted a nod to Huntley Wharf in the Balloon video, a Berkeley development we’re incredibly pleased to have been a part of. Using our Next Generation balcony suite, we were able to help developers Berkeley Group and architects PRP Architects streamline by innovation and bring this site in our headquarter town of Reading to life.

The collaboration focused on integrating the balconies seamlessly with the building facade, by manufacturing offsite brick columns for corner balconies, inset balconies and balconies with brick slip fascias.

One of the project’s major constraints was the proximity of one of the tower crane locations to a stack of balconies. Sapphire’s site support team devised an inventive solution, proposing the use of a compact spider crane to install the balconies from below.

Through early and proactive engagement with project stakeholders, we ensured that the balconies contributed meaningfully to the architectural narrative, enhancing the living experience and honouring the site’s rich heritage.[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_contentLink order=”Image left / content right” image=”15915″ heading=”Huntley Wharf – Case Study” button_text=”Read more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fcase-studies%2Fhuntley-wharf-reading%2F|title:Huntley%20Wharf%2C%20Reading”]See how innovation brought Huntley Wharf to life.[/sapphire_contentLink][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]

Until next year…

Did we fool you? Or are you just eager to hear more about a lightweight balcony system for your next development?

Either way, get in touch with us to book a free design meeting, learn more via one of our expert CPDs or even just to say hello![/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]

Sapphire announces world’s first magnetic balcony

Posted on by sapphireadmin

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column]

It’s here – Sapphire’s game-changing new balcony connection system has entered the market, promising innovation in an area we previously didn’t assume was possible. Sapphire’s new MagicFix Magnetic Balconies are an ultra-low carbon solution, bypassing the need for anchors entirely as they simply Mag-On!

 

 

Here’s how Sapphire’s new system changes the playing field:

Fewer carbon emissions

Almost too good to be true, the reductions in carbon emissions through MagicFix Magnetic Balconies are enormous. Without the need for old-fashioned arm anchors, we’ve been able to reduce the embodied carbon present in modern balconies.

Furthermore, without needing to account for arm anchors, we’ve been able to reduce the material needed per balcony, reducing emissions involved in the fabrication and manufacture of our aluminium balconies.

Quicker installations

How do magnets work? Well, as far as balconies are concerned, they’re practically magic – that’s why we’ve called them MagicFix.

As far as the benefits go, we’ve introduced robots that’ll even fix the magnets for you. Installers need not worry any more about stepping out onto a balcony – our MagicFix robots will make sure the magnets do their job, all you’ll need to do is provide leadership for them!

A change of scenery

What’s more, MagicFix Magnetic Balconies are customisable beyond belief. Thanks to innovations made possible by Dr V. Cunning, the balcony end-user can switch out their view at a moment’s notice, using different balustrade types or even creating privacy from their neighbours if needed.

Our newest generation of balcony is the future that the industry has been looking for. The carbon emissions are lower, they can be installed quicker and they’re massively customisable. What’s not to love?

There’s even more you can learn about MagicFix Magnetic Balconies – the truth is just around the corner. Read our full reveal to find out more:

[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1679919979629{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}”][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Sapphire announces world’s first magnetic balcony

Posted on by Sajjad B

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]It’s here – Sapphire’s game-changing new balcony connection system has entered the market, promising innovation in an area we previously didn’t assume was possible. Sapphire’s new MagicFix Magnetic Balconies are an ultra-low carbon solution, bypassing the need for anchors entirely as they simply Mag-On!

 

 

Here’s how Sapphire’s new system changes the playing field:

Fewer carbon emissions

Almost too good to be true, the reductions in carbon emissions through MagicFix Magnetic Balconies are enormous. Without the need for old-fashioned arm anchors, we’ve been able to reduce the embodied carbon present in modern balconies.

Furthermore, without needing to account for arm anchors, we’ve been able to reduce the material needed per balcony, reducing emissions involved in the fabrication and manufacture of our aluminium balconies.

Quicker installations

How do magnets work? Well, as far as balconies are concerned, they’re practically magic – that’s why we’ve called them MagicFix.

As far as the benefits go, we’ve introduced robots that’ll even fix the magnets for you. Installers need not worry any more about stepping out onto a balcony – our MagicFix robots will make sure the magnets do their job, all you’ll need to do is provide leadership for them!

A change of scenery

What’s more, MagicFix Magnetic Balconies are customisable beyond belief. Thanks to innovations made possible by Dr V. Cunning, the balcony end-user can switch out their view at a moment’s notice, using different balustrade types or even creating privacy from their neighbours if needed.

Our newest generation of balcony is the future that the industry has been looking for. The carbon emissions are lower, they can be installed quicker and they’re massively customisable. What’s not to love?

There’s even more you can learn about MagicFix Magnetic Balconies – the truth is just around the corner. Read our full reveal to find out more:[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1679919979629{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}”][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Launching the new ‘Sapphire In A Box’

Posted on by sapphireadmin

Innovation and product development are central to our business at Sapphire. We are constantly looking to develop our company and products to serve our customers better. Over the last 30 years, globalisation has increased by 30%, and it looks set to continue. To do this growth and meet market challenges, we have developed ‘Sapphire in A Box’ – a concept that allows us to supply balconies quickly and easily anywhere.

This clever innovation allows each balcony to be flat packed for secure, easy global distribution. This innovation’s heart is an integral wrap-around structure, which protects the balcony during transport and forms part of the balcony cassettes in-situ.

Once the balcony arrives on site, it is lifted and fitted using Sapphire’s patented Remote Locker device. This clever device enables an installer to lift and attach the balcony from within the safety of the building. The Remote Locker holds the balcony in place until the final bolts are added, locking it into place. This process can be controlled using the COACH app.

Thanks to a collaboration with Knotru Technologies, the more significant can be automated using the company’s mechanical lifting hoist on more critical sites. The KT hoist can be programmed to enter a building, navigate stairs, make its way to the correct balcony installation, and then hoist a balcony to its final resting location.  For maximum automation, Sapphire’s Head of Innovation, Professor Pixedoost, has worked closely with KT to fully integrate the hoisting technology with Sapphire’s COACH software.

Once connected to the building, the balcony’s ingenious protective structure unfolds, rolling back into the balcony cassette to form the balcony decking and soffit.

Sapphire in a Box

This brand-new technology is expected to be available globally late summer of 2022.

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column]

Find out More!


Read More

[/vc_column][/vc_row]

The Truth Behind ‘Sapphire In a Box’ April Fool’s Day Video

Posted on by sapphireadmin

Did you think Sapphire in a Box was too good to be true?

Were you suspicious of an April 1st robotic install launch?

Well, you were right! Whilst globalisation is a reality, these clever inventions are not… yet!

 

However, there is plenty of truth; check them out:

1. Sapphire Balconies in Canada have a Sapphire in a Box concept, where you could visit and get the look and feel of our balcony.

Balcony Showroom in a Box

2. Remote Locker devices are used on several sites across the country where facades or tight site perimeters need something innovative. Here are some examples of our projects – Wembley Case Study, Tottenham Hale Works, where we have used our ingenious inventions.

Remote locker in balcony

3. Our COACH balcony configurator software is an innovative tool that automates the balcony design process, saving time and money.

However, remote locking can’t be controlled using our COACH app yet, but the COACH investment is taking us closer to an automated and controlled install.

It won’t surprise you to learn that Knotru Technologies are exactly that…Not True! We also stole the look of a Toronto police robot to create our clever balcony install robot.

Our R&D team is the envy of many in the industry, but there’s no Professor Pixedoost. However, we are always looking for forward-thinking, passionate professionals to join us.

Sapphire – Balconies made Rigid. Ready. Right!

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column]

Discover COACH Today


Try COACH

[/vc_column][/vc_row]

Launching the new ‘Sapphire In A Box’

Posted on by Janani Aravind

Innovation and product development are central to our business at Sapphire. We are constantly looking to develop our company and products to serve our customers better. Over the last 30 years, globalisation has increased by 30%, and it looks set to continue. To do this growth and meet market challenges, we have developed ‘Sapphire in A Box’ – a concept that allows us to supply balconies quickly and easily anywhere.

This clever innovation allows each balcony to be flat packed for secure, easy global distribution. This innovation’s heart is an integral wrap-around structure, which protects the balcony during transport and forms part of the balcony cassettes in-situ.

Once the balcony arrives on site, it is lifted and fitted using Sapphire’s patented Remote Locker device. This clever device enables an installer to lift and attach the balcony from within the safety of the building. The Remote Locker holds the balcony in place until the final bolts are added, locking it into place. This process can be controlled using the COACH app.

Thanks to a collaboration with Knotru Technologies, the more significant can be automated using the company’s mechanical lifting hoist on more critical sites. The KT hoist can be programmed to enter a building, navigate stairs, make its way to the correct balcony installation, and then hoist a balcony to its final resting location.  For maximum automation, Sapphire’s Head of Innovation, Professor Pixedoost, has worked closely with KT to fully integrate the hoisting technology with Sapphire’s COACH software.

Once connected to the building, the balcony’s ingenious protective structure unfolds, rolling back into the balcony cassette to form the balcony decking and soffit.

Sapphire in a Box

This brand-new technology is expected to be available globally late summer of 2022.

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_contentLink order=”Image left / content right” image=”7673″ heading=”Find out More!” button_text=”Read More” button_link=”url:/sapphire-news/the-truth-behind-sapphire-in-a-box-april-fools-day-video/|target:_blank”][/sapphire_contentLink][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The Truth Behind ‘Sapphire In a Box’ April Fool’s Day Video

Posted on by Janani Aravind

Did you think Sapphire in a Box was too good to be true?

Were you suspicious of an April 1st robotic install launch?

Well, you were right! Whilst globalisation is a reality, these clever inventions are not… yet!

 

However, there is plenty of truth; check them out:

1. Sapphire Balconies in Canada have a Sapphire in a Box concept, where you could visit and get the look and feel of our balcony.

Balcony Showroom in a Box

2. Remote Locker devices are used on several sites across the country where facades or tight site perimeters need something innovative. Here are some examples of our projects – Wembley Case Study, Tottenham Hale Works, where we have used our ingenious inventions.

Remote locker in balcony

3. Our COACH balcony configurator software is an innovative tool that automates the balcony design process, saving time and money.

However, remote locking can’t be controlled using our COACH app yet, but the COACH investment is taking us closer to an automated and controlled install.

It won’t surprise you to learn that Knotru Technologies are exactly that…Not True! We also stole the look of a Toronto police robot to create our clever balcony install robot.

Our R&D team is the envy of many in the industry, but there’s no Professor Pixedoost. However, we are always looking for forward-thinking, passionate professionals to join us.

Sapphire – Balconies made Rigid. Ready. Right!

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_contentLink order=”Image left / content right” image=”7673″ heading=”Discover COACH Today” button_text=”Try COACH” button_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fcoach.balconies.global%2F|target:_blank”][/sapphire_contentLink][/vc_column][/vc_row]

A Balcony Fit for a Palace

Posted on by Sajjad B

[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]London’s most famous palace balcony is set to get a 21st Century makeover thanks to CABS and our latest balcony advancement –Generation II Advance Graphic System. G.A.G.S. is an ingenious graphic screen that allows every balcony to be truly unique.

Developed by Sapphire’s chief designer April Asinus G.A.G.S. is the next step in the development of our CABS design technology. The system allows a super high 16k definition screen to be installed onto the balustrade of either new or existing balconies. The system dramatically changes the aesthetic by displaying high resolution graphics which can be changed at the touch of a button.

Images can be changed quickly and easily using Sapphire’s intuitive app. Simply upload your image, or choose one of the pre-loaded options, follow the on-screen instructions and the look and feel of your balcony can be changed in under a minute.

Balcony decking can also get a similar makeover with the introduction of a specialist HD coating that allows the appearance of the decking to be manipulated.

The palace’s new G.A.G.S. makeover is expected to be ready in plenty of time for the next public appearance, where we might see an update to the red velvet swag traditionally used at such events.

Read more about this ingenious new technological development which is set to take balconies to new heights here.[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1594300923020{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][sapphire_contentLink order=”Content left / image right” image=”6696″ heading=”Watch our CABS video” button_text=”Watch” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fconfigure%2F|||”][/sapphire_contentLink][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1594300923020{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”][sapphire_contentLink order=”Image left / content right” image=”3760″ heading=”Balcony design made simple” button_text=”Find out more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fconfigure%2F|||”][/sapphire_contentLink][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Behind the scenes of our 3D printed balcony April Fool video

Posted on by Sajjad B

Sapphire balconies are always innovating. As shown in the recent April Fools day 3D Printing Video which was in fact a bit of fun for that light hearted day of the year. Sorry if you felt misled by this – but don’t worry as you weren’t the only one.

Let’s go behind the scenes to show you how we created such an authentic looking video. There are however some clues and some truths in the video, both of which we’ll point out to you!

You can see an operator appears to be working on some neat 3D print software. If you look more closely however, it is in fact an image slideshow being clicked through. On the next scene you may have noticed that the 3D Printing progress bar doesn’t actually move. Also the time remaining happens to be 01 04 18 or coincidentally matches the date, 1st, April 2018!

Taking a closer look at the 3D printhead, it is in fact a scale replica we had made of a real life 3D printhead, just scaled up to be the right scale when alongside an actual balcony frame. The replica was then simply connected to Sapphire’s test rig with a rope to move the head around, out of sight from the camera.

The decking scene was in fact filmed at Hex, one of our suppliers who operate large format 2D printers. They printed a 2D deck board vinyl which we filmed. We then shot a separate scene of lifting out a real deck plank from the printer, so as to craftily give the illusion of another 3D Printer!
Our last major clue was the legal protection notice of “Polyaprilfoolisium” which is obviously a completely fictitious material.

Hidden Truths:
Like last year there are some genuine parts:

  1. There really is a skilled construction labour shortage in the UK. Those headlines are genuine 2018 news
  2. Sapphire’s Patented Glide-On balconies do address the skills shortage by enabling rapid install. To date, Sapphire has installed a record breaking 34 balconies in just over 6 hours.
  3. Sapphire lead the industry through clever innovation and the test rig and high-tech equipment featured in scenes of this video are all part of Sapphire’s substantial R&D investment.

So there you have it, whilst 3D printed balconies and Polyaprilfoolisisium aren’t yet available, be assured that the innovative balconies Sapphire supply can benefit your next project.

The world’s first 3D printed balcony

Posted on by Sajjad B

The world’s first 3D printed balcony

Sapphire 3D printed balconies address skills shortage

Sapphire is once again pushing balcony production technology to the next level with the world’s first 3D printed balcony. Using a brand new material called Polyaprilfoolisium, Sapphire was able to ‘3D print’ a high quality residential balcony in just 1 hour 4 minutes. The specially formulated alloy material is printed layer by layer and joined under computer control to create a balcony with exceptional accuracy and speed.

Using a brand new material called Polyaprilfoolisium, Sapphire was able to ‘3D print’ a high quality residential balcony in just 1 hour 4 minutes

Commenting on this exciting industry breakthrough, Nick Haughton, Sapphire’s Head of Marketing, says: “3D printing is already being used on an industrial scale to print concrete houses and car parts, for example, so we thought why not balconies?”

Just like its standard Glide-On™ Cassette® balconies, Sapphire utilised super-quick, fully automated offsite manufacturing techniques to produce the 3D printed version. These methods save both factory time and labour and so help address the skills shortage in the construction sector. The high-speed 3D printing process also offers the potential to produce tailor-made products for customers with much shorter lead-times. And as a further benefit, it produces near-zero waste, making it a highly sustainable way to make balconies.

Summing up Sapphire’s ground breaking innovation, Nick Haughton says: “Using this innovative 3D printing process and material we could even produce balconies overnight in time for next day delivery just like a product you order from companies like Amazon. This technology is a clear demonstration of Sapphire’s pioneering spirit 3D printing looks set to become the next big thing in balconies!”

Click here to find out more