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Tag: Glide-on
Sapphire’s Remote Locker Device puts safety first
[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]Sapphire has always aimed for innovation within the construction industry. With mass timber, unitized facades and precast walls becoming increasingly popular worldwide, the Remote Locker brings a modern method of construction to the balcony business. The Remote Locker, novel and inventive by nature, has been patented by Sapphire due to its ability to change the market – helping residential construction to be a safer industry to be a part of.
What is it?
No bigger than a toolbox and allowing for the advanced, safe and cost-effective installation of a balcony, the Remote Locker is an incredibly smart. The Remote Locker is fixed onto a prefabricated balcony over preinstalled arms within Sapphire’s balcony Cassette®, the building’s stub-arms already installed. The Remote Locker then allows an installer to fix the arms to the stubs via radio. Finally, the remaining bolts can be safely fixed, and the Remote Locker can be removed, without a harness being needed.
Safer to install
The Remote Locker has significant health and safety benefits as it removes the need to harness a worker to the building for installation, as the fixing of the balcony to the building can be done via a radio controller. Sapphire’s Remote Locker device is battery-operated and charged on-site so once the Remote Locker is operational, the safety benefits are instantly tangible.
Saving money with remote locker
With the Remote Locker design, the balcony arms are installed within the Cassette® inside the factory. This comes with cost benefits at two major junctions. Firstly, time spent is reduced at the arm installation stage, as no stub arms will need to be fit onto the building’s façade at a later point. Secondly, labour costs will be reduced as the arms are already fitted inside the balcony, so less time will be needed to fit a two-piece arm onto the stub bracket.
Cost improvements often marry well with sustainability too – by using an innovative installation technique, the time spent on site can be reduced and so too will the carbon emissions present in longer installations, where workers must travel to and from a site each day.
Transforming the way balconies are installed has always been at the forefront of Sapphire’s ethos. By improving safety during the installation phase, costs could come down, less time will be spent on site and work will become more sustainable as a result.[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=”” el_id=”” el_class=”” css=””][vc_column][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Sapphire Launches the Elegant Crescent™ Corner Balcony
[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]Instead of spending your time trying to think around corners, why not just think… round corners?
Today, Sapphire is proud to reveal our next step in elegant yet buildable design – the Crescent™ Corner Cassette. Our dedicated Research & Development team has taken steps in making this stunning design a reality and it’s able to be specified on your balcony project today.
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Instant compatibility
The Crescent™ Corner is compatible with Sapphire’s Glide-On™ Cassette® system, meaning you can expect the same level of practicality and quality with off-site manufacturing, elegance, spectacular speed of installation and rigidity that bolt-on or concrete alternatives can’t match.
The Crescent™ Corner will also be compatible with Sapphire’s incoming ultra-low carbon solution, meaning these stunning balconies will be available at a fraction of the cost of carbon emissions. Stay tuned to our social media profiles and website for more details later this year.
Elegant, yet affordable
Historically, introducing curves anywhere in a building design came with huge cost increases. The same has, historically, been true for balconies. This significant increase is no longer the case with Sapphire’s Crescent™ Corner. As a landmark evolution of Sapphire’s Glide-On™ Cassette® system, the Crescent™ Corner was designed with delivering a new level of elegance whilst keeping buildability and cost firmly in mind. As such, we’ve avoided significant increases to the cost of the Crescent™ Corner Cassette®, by making the smooth flowing alternative work seamlessly with the principles the Cassette, Drainage and Decking use, making Sapphire’s balconies more versatile and feasible for your project than ever.[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_imageBlock image=”12427″ notch=”” height=””][/sapphire_imageBlock][sapphire_textBlock]
Aesthetic benefits
The most tangible and obvious benefit to the Crescent™ Corner is the elegant aesthetic value it provides. Recognisable as a modern, future-ready design for your projects, the curved handrail and Cassette® are elegant, meaning your building’s balconies will translate sharp, harsh corners into smooth flowing and elegant feel.
Sapphire’s Crescent™ Corner Cassettes® are customisable too, with the ability to change colours, include rotations to the vertical bar balustrades and include decorative panels fitted either inside or outside the balustrades wherever requested.
Between elegant yet affordable design, instant compatibility with Sapphire’s Glide-On™ system and the stunning aesthetic benefits that the Crescent™ Corner provides, it’s time to take the next step and see how the Crescent™ Corner could help turn your upcoming project into the world’s next stunning development.
If you’ve been inspired, contact our support team for more on how to integrate this elegance into your project:[/sapphire_textBlock][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJ3cGJfd3JhcHBlciUyMiUzRSUzQ2RpdiUyMGNsYXNzJTNEJTIydGV4dC1vdmVybGF5JTIwbWItNSUyMiUzRSUwQSUyMCUyMCUzQ2ZpZ3VyZSUzRSUwQSUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUzQ2RpdiUyMGNsYXNzJTNEJTIyaW1nLWZsdWlkJTIwcmVzcG9uc2l2ZS1pbWFnZSUyMiUyMHN0eWxlJTNEJTIyYmFja2dyb3VuZC1pbWFnZSUzQXVybCUyOGh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGcmVzLmNsb3VkaW5hcnkuY29tJTJGc2FwcGhpcmUtYmFsY29uaWVzJTJGaW1hZ2UlMkZ1cGxvYWQlMkZ2MTY2MDcyNjk0OCUyRkNUQTFfa2lxaTVjLnBuZyUyOSUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRSUwQSUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUwQSUyMCUyMCUyMCUzQ2ZpZ2NhcHRpb24lM0UlMjAlMEElMjAlMjAlMjAlMjAlMjAlMjAlM0NoNCUyMGNsYXNzJTNEJTIyY2FyZC10aXRsZSUyMGJvbGQlMjIlMjBzdHlsZSUzRCUyMmZvbnQtc2l6ZSUzQSUyMDQ2cHglM0IlMjIlM0VHZXQlMjBpbiUyMHRvdWNoJTNDJTJGaDQlM0UlMEElMEElM0NwJTIwc3R5bGUlM0QlMjJjb2xvciUzQSUyMHdoaXRlJTIyJTNCJTNFQ29udGFjdCUyMHVzJTIwd2l0aCUyMHlvdXIlMjBwcm9qZWN0JTIwZGV0YWlscyUyMHZpYSUyMG91ciUyMGVhc3klMjBvbmxpbmUlMjBmb3JtLiUzQyUyRnAlM0UlMEElM0NhJTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJidG4lMjBidG4tc2Vjb25kYXJ5JTIyJTIwaHJlZiUzRCUyMmh0dHAlM0ElMkYlMkZsb2NhbGhvc3QlMkZiYWxjb25pZXMlMkZjb250YWN0LXVzJTIyJTIwdGFyZ2V0JTNEJTIyX2JsYW5rJTIyJTIwcmVsJTNEJTIyJTIyJTNFJTNDc3BhbiUzRUNvbnRhY3QlMjB1cyUyMHRvZGF5JTNDJTJGc3BhbiUzRSUzQyUyRmElM0UlMEElMEElMEElMjAlMjAlMjAlMjAlMjAlMjAlM0MlMkZkaXYlM0UlMEElMjAlMjAlMjAlMjAlM0MlMkZmaWdjYXB0aW9uJTNFJTBBJTIwJTIwJTNDJTJGZmlndXJlJTNFJTBBJTNDJTJGZGl2JTNFJTBBJTNDJTJGZGl2JTNF[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]
How do Tie-Rod balconies work?
[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]What is a tie-rod? Tie-rod design is the process of attaching supporting metal rods between the balcony and façade to secure the Cassette in place. Simplicity is key – great benefits can be found in a simple tie-rod design.
Keeping things simple is a joy. The simplicity of a good book, an early night’s rest or a hot bath are some of the most often reported joys in our personal lives. This simple delight can and should be extended to our professional lives – if satisfaction can be found in construction, it will be found in tie-rod design.
Tie-rods are a smart method of connecting a balcony Cassette® to the building’s façade. By using tie-rods between the far-projecting corners of the balcony and the building, the overall force on the balcony anchors can be reduced as well as increased thermal protection.
Connections for tie-rods
Beyond just reducing force on the balcony anchor, the tie-rod design is versatile in that it can be connected to just about any type of façade. Early consultation is key here – Anchors would normally need to be considered well in advance of a series of balconies being designed, let alone installed, as they would need either casting at the same time as the slabs between floors or would need casting into a precast façade.
Tie-rod anchors are smaller by design as the force is carried mostly by the tie-wire connection to the building itself. These smaller connections can easily be fixed through small penetrations into the slab, the building’s façade at balustrade level or even set into a balcony above.
Tie-rod anchors
As previously mentioned, a smaller anchor is needed for a tie-rod design due to most of the moment of the balcony being taken by the tie-rod itself. Due to the smaller anchors, less penetration is needed into the façade. With less penetration comes less risk of thermal bridging, making tie-rod anchors a very sensible choice from a thermal perspective.
Utilising the thermal bridging-averse properties of smaller anchors is excellent for colder or even more moderate climates like Northern Europe or Canada. This makes for a future-proofed and sustainable solution for each area.
Designing the costs out of balconies is crucial for your project – a simplified design can reduce labour costs, improve production efficiency and reduce material waste. Cost reduction through tie-rod design does not mean you have to sacrifice the features that are important in order to hit budgets. Find out more by downloading our whitepaper:[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_contentLinkBottom image=”10854″ heading=”Designing the costs out of balconies – Whitepaper” button_text=”Download” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fknowledge%2Fwhite-papers%2Fhow-to-design-the-costs-out-of-balconies-whitepaper%2F|target:_blank|rel:nofollow”]Download our whitepaper on designing the costs out of balconies.[/sapphire_contentLinkBottom][sapphire_textBlock]
Beaumont Court & Richmond House – Case study
We’re no stranger to using tie-rods as a simple yet elegant solution for our balconies. One project that we are proud to have used a tie-rod design on was Beaumont Court and Richmond House – a renovation of an existing building, meaning anchors could not be cast into the slab. Our dedicated design team made the intelligent decision to use tie-rods to connect to an already existing façade, achieving a high level of rigidity without needing to know the exact strength of the existing floor.[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_textOverlayBlock image=”12197″ heading=”Beaumont Court & Richmond House – Case Study” button_text=”Read more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fcase-studies%2Fbeaumont-court-and-richmond-house%2F|title:Beaumont%20Court%20and%20Richmond%20House” double_height=””]Read all about how we’ve used tie-rods as a simple but elegant solution on our previous projects.[/sapphire_textOverlayBlock][sapphire_textBlock]Simplicity is key. By allowing connections to many parts of a façade, to pre-existing facades or by reducing the risk of thermal bridging, your project can be simple. Why not get in touch with us today to find out how Sapphire can streamline your development:[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_textOverlayBlock image=”4239″ heading=”Is Simplicity the Solution?” button_text=”Read more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Findustry-news%2Fis-simplicity-the-solution%2F|title:Is%20Simplicity%20the%20Solution%3F%20Ask%20The%20Expert” double_height=””]We ask our expert Lee Goodenough whether simplicity is the solution when designing and streamlining your development.[/sapphire_textOverlayBlock][/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]
Glide-On Variation: Connecting to CLT brackets
[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]
Connecting via tunnel construction
[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]As is the case with a great number of matters, not all residential construction projects are built equally. Some use precast concrete facades to speed up the build process and allow for balcony anchors to be cast in a factory setting, others might use cross-laminated timer (CLT) framework to temper the overall cost of a project. However, an option for both rigidity and accuracy across the board for your balconies is connecting via tunnel construction.
What is tunnel construction?
Tunnel construction is a framework system that allows a building contractor or developer to cast walls and concrete slabs at once as a part of a daily routine. Tunnel construction is one of the many modern methods of construction (MMC) that are now used to increase the speed of a project, the quality of the final result and the accuracy that offsite production and storage can provide.
This type of modular construction results in a type of fortified, partitioned structure that is durable enough to only require minor adjustments to finish, such as façade details or balcony connections. Once the tunnel framework has been cladded and completed with thermal detailing such as thermal breaks or a balcony StubGuard, the structure is ready to take a load.[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_carousel images=”11739,11744,11745,11746,11747″ notch=””][sapphire_textBlock]
How to connect a balcony via tunnel construction
As is the case with standard concrete slabs, tunnel construction cells can be penetrated on-site and thermally guarded to create balcony anchor points. However, due to the insitu-cast nature of tunnel cells, the balcony anchors can be cast with the concrete slab to avoid excess penetration of the slab itself. This casting insitu means that solutions such as our Glide-On anchors can be used for different balcony connection options such as the Glide-On Cassette, Remote Locker variation or even for smaller anchor connections such as the tie-rod or Sapphire’s currently-in-development ultra-low carbon balcony solution.
Connecting via tunnel construction is yet another way to connect a lightweight Sapphire balcony to your residential construction project. Allowing both the walls and concrete slab to be cast at once as a type of partitioned cell can increase the speed and quality of a project, whilst also allowing various connections with different sizes of anchor, such as Glide-On, Remote Locker, Tie-rod, or our upcoming ultra-low carbon balcony solution to be used with ease and minimal penetration.
Learn more about connecting via other types of frameworks here:[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textOverlayBlock image=”11741″ heading=”Connecting to a traditional frame” button_text=”Read more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fnews%2Fconnecting-to-traditional-frame%2F|title:Connecting%20to%20a%20traditional%20frame” double_height=””]Learn about connecting your balcony to a traditionally poured facade.[/sapphire_textOverlayBlock][sapphire_textOverlayBlock image=”11742″ heading=”Connecting to a precast facade” button_text=”Read more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fnews%2Fconnecting-to-precast-facade%2F|title:Connecting%20to%20a%20precast%20facade” double_height=””]Learn more about connecting your balcony to a precast facade.[/sapphire_textOverlayBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Connecting to a traditional frame
[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]The Netherlands is home to over 200 buildings standing at 70 metres or higher. With even more of these towering structures currently being planned in The Hauge, Amsterdam and other cities across The Netherlands, now’s a better time than ever to consider your project’s balcony requirements. Traditionally, balconies have been fixed to buildings by connecting to a traditional frame made of concrete.
What is a traditional frame?
A traditionally poured concrete frame is built from the ground up, poured between stacks of rebar steel to create a sturdy wall to the building. Thanks to its rigidity, this method is used to this day as a reliable (albeit slower than a precast alternative) way to build apartment blocks and a durable material to anchor a balcony into. However, given how labour and carbon-intensive this approach is, many countries are looking for more advanced approaches.
We can connect to a traditionally poured concrete façade in several ways with our lightweight aluminium Cassette® balconies. Thanks to the slim, manageable form factor of our Cassette® balconies, any number of connections can be made, such as a tie-rod connection, a Remote Locker connection or even our innovative Glide-On™ solution.
Tie-Rod
The tie-rod connection is a fantastic choice for a traditionally poured frame as it makes minimal penetrations into the façade, meaning less risk of thermal bridging over time. Furthermore, far less raw material is used with the tie-rod connection, making it a sustainable, greener solution as both embodied and operational carbon is reduced.
Remote Locker
The Remote Locker is another smart solution, using radio technology and a small, toolbox-sized device which fixes the balcony to the arm anchors. With the Remote Locker, the stub arms are cast into the concrete façade as the façade is being poured. The main body of the arms are fixed inside the balcony Cassette® and raised by a crane up to the stub arms. The Remote Locker then fixes the arms to the stubs with a series of bolts controlled through a radio signal. Once the bolts are fixed, the balcony is safe to be stepped onto by a worker and the Remote Locker can be safely removed.
Glide-On
Finally, the Glide-On™ solution is available for traditionally poured frames. Using our innovative and speedy solution, we cast the anchors into the concrete slab, forming a robust base for the balcony Cassette® to slide directly onto, being secured by an on-site team.
Traditionally poured concrete frames have been used for decades and due to their structural benefits, they will likely be used for many decades to come. Thanks to that reliability, securing balconies to a concrete frame can be done incredibly sustainably with a tie-rod connection, smartly with the Remote Locker design or faster than ever before with our innovative Glide-On Cassette system.
If you’re interested in learning more about balcony design, various other frame connections and connecting to a traditional frame, book yourself onto one of our CPD sessions here:[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=”” image=”712″ heading=”Specify Your Bespoke Balcony” button_text=”Specify Now” button_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fcabs.balconies.global%2Fbalcony-configurator%2F|||” double_height=””][vc_column][sapphire_textOverlayBlock image=”8456″ heading=”Balcony Design CPD” button_text=”Specify Now” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fknowledge%2Fcpd-presentations%2Fbalcony-design-cpd%2F|title:Book%20now” double_height=””]With the absence of a balcony-specific standard, yet a host of different organizations stipulating a range of requirements, balcony design has often been a minefield. We have extensively explored the thousands of pages of regulations, and add our findings from expansive testing to bring to you a clear understandable presentation in which we explore the requirements that need to be met as well as innovative solutions.[/sapphire_textOverlayBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Embodied Carbon
With carbon as such a hot topic and at the front of our minds so often, it is important to consider the impact of embodied carbon in all forms of construction. This is no different when designing, manufacturing, and installing balconies. It is now mandatory in many countries to build properties as ‘net zero ready’ by 2030. With this date now rapidly approaching and with a global focus on achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, reducing the embodied carbon in construction is a method of working towards that goal.
What is embodied carbon and where is it found?
Embodied carbon refers to the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions produced in the fabrication of materials and eventual construction during the lifecycle of a building or type of infrastructure.
Fabrication of building materials can create CO2 emissions. Legacy materials such as concrete may become significant contributors to carbon emissions. Whilst generally the materials making up the frame and structure of a building are the primary contributor, the transport of those materials to the site on which they are being installed can also be a contributing factor.
Embodied carbon is the carbon footprint of a project, building or piece of infrastructure before it becomes operational. It refers to the history of carbon emissions. It can also refer to any carbon emissions produced up until the handover of the building such as burning fuel on a commute, cooking a meal in the office, or even powering a laptop used to communicate amongst the project staff.
How can you save on embodied carbon?
There are various ways to reduce the embodied carbon in construction. By tackling the amount of embodied carbon in a project at the design phase, projects can be greener and save drastically on the carbon emitted in the process.
During the fabrication of construction materials, it is possible to limit the carbon intensity of materials used. For materials with high carbon footprints such as aluminium, careful use is key, but not perilous. Aluminium has a high volume of embodied CO2 per tonne, but the relatively small weight used per balcony means that emissions can be kept to a very low level. As such, it is reasonable to use any material in a design, but when using it, it may be pertinent to keep the volume of it used to a minimum.
Though recycled materials can be difficult to obtain and may not offer guaranteed structural performance, it is advisable from an emissions perspective to recycle and reuse materials. This cuts down on the energy used on virgin/raw material and so reduces embodied carbon in a final product drastically. Reclaimed material, or even content with highly recycled value, is very important in metals. By reusing materials, it is possible to cut down embodied carbon by up to four times.
Aluminium balconies vs Concrete balconies
The qualities of aluminium and concrete balconies can differ greatly, and each has its situational benefit. But when considering embodied carbon, aluminium balconies have an advantage.
Aluminium balconies can be manufactured to be lightweight – approximately 30% the weight of a concrete alternative – and therefore provide a reduced number of brackets connected back to the façade of the building. This, in turn, reduces the carbon emissions in extra construction, in extra materials used for fabrication and reduces the risk of cold bridging – meaning excess operational carbon is avoided from the outset.
Further to this, Sapphire’s Glide-On™ Cassette® system increases the speed of installation, cutting down on transport, working and crane hours. Each of these contains some embodied carbon to a degree – the emissions from the combustion engine of a car or van, or emissions from running a crane for an extended period of days – the Glide-On™ Cassette® system can only be used with an aluminium frame due to its light yet rigid nature, reducing emissions from the outset.
Making science-based choices to positively impact your embodied carbon
Understanding the principles of embodied carbon is crucial. Simply put, the less material used, the less embodied carbon. In many cases, this can also lead to less operation carbon as an added benefit. To assist you, we offer:
- Product EPDs for your balcony, for a scientific study of many of your scenarios.
- An easy-to-digest whitepaper on carbon in balconies.
- An initial design consultation at no extra cost to look at reducing carbon in your project whilst making sure interfaces, efficiency and cost are optimised.
Embodied carbon is something to be considered heavily in the manufacture and installation of balconies. By reducing the embodied carbon in the product and materials used, the UK will have a stronger chance of fighting climate change and tackling hurdles toward the net zero carbon emission goal in 2050.
What’s the benefit of the Remote Locker Device?
[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column]
Innovation is one of the core principles of Sapphire’s existence. ‘Innovation to prosper the Community’ is a belief we have held strongly onto since our founding in 1992 and we continue to innovate to this day. Therefore, the use of our automated Remote Locker Device (RLD) across global projects has been paramount to success.
The Remote Locker Device is an automated installation tool, no bigger than a toolbox, which allows for the installation of a balcony in a safe and cost-effective manner. The RLD is fixed onto a prefabricated balcony over preinstalled arms within the balcony Cassette®, the building arms already installed. The RLD then allows an installer to fix the arms to the stubs via radio. Finally, the remaining bolts can be safely fixed, and the RLD can be removed, without a harness being needed.
Why is innovation important?
Sapphire has always endeavoured to innovate within the construction industry. With mass timber, unitized facades and precast walls becoming increasingly popular, the Remote Locker Device brings a modern method of construction to the balcony business. By being a forward-thinking, modern company, we can change with the industry as opposed to constantly catching up to it. The world of construction is ever-changing, so working with a 21st-century mindset is incredibly beneficial.
The Remote Locker Device is another of Sapphire’s inventions which has been patented due to the novel and inventive nature of the concept.
Is Remote Locker Device safer to install?
The Remote Locker Device has significant health and safety benefits as it removes the need to harness a worker to the building for installation, as the fixing of the balcony to the building can be done via a radio controller. Our innovative Remote Locker Device is battery-operated and charged on-site so once the Remote Locker is operational, the safety benefits are instantly tangible.
How can I save money with the Remote Locker Device?
Thanks to the design of the Remote Locker Device, the balcony arms are installed within the Cassette® inside the factory. This comes with cost benefits at two major junctions. Firstly, time spent is reduced at the arm installation stage, as no stub arms will need to be fit onto the building’s façade at a later point. Secondly, labour costs will be reduced as the arms are already fitted inside the balcony, so less time will be needed to fit a two-piece arm onto the stub bracket.
Cost improvements often marry well with sustainability too – by using an innovative installation technique, the time spent on site can be reduced and so too will the carbon emissions present in longer installations, where workers must travel to and from a site each day.
Transforming the way balconies are installed has always been at the forefront of Sapphire’s ethos. By improving safety during the installation phase, we can improve costs, spend less time on site and work more sustainably as a result. To find out more about how we strive to innovate, read more here.
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What’s the benefit of the Remote Locker Device?
[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]Innovation is one of the core principles of Sapphire’s existence. ‘Innovation to prosper the Community’ is a belief we have held strongly onto since our founding in 1992 and we continue to innovate to this day. Therefore, the use of our automated Remote Locker Device (RLD) across global projects has been paramount to success.
The Remote Locker Device is an automated installation tool, no bigger than a toolbox, which allows for the installation of a balcony in a safe and cost-effective manner. The RLD is fixed onto a prefabricated balcony over preinstalled arms within the balcony Cassette®, the building arms already installed. The RLD then allows an installer to fix the arms to the stubs via radio. Finally, the remaining bolts can be safely fixed, and the RLD can be removed, without a harness being needed.
Why is innovation important?
Sapphire has always endeavoured to innovate within the construction industry. With mass timber, unitized facades and precast walls becoming increasingly popular, the Remote Locker Device brings a modern method of construction to the balcony business. By being a forward-thinking, modern company, we can change with the industry as opposed to constantly catching up to it. The world of construction is ever-changing, so working with a 21st-century mindset is incredibly beneficial.
The Remote Locker Device is another of Sapphire’s inventions which has been patented due to the novel and inventive nature of the concept.
Is Remote Locker Device safer to install?
The Remote Locker Device has significant health and safety benefits as it removes the need to harness a worker to the building for installation, as the fixing of the balcony to the building can be done via a radio controller. Our innovative Remote Locker Device is battery-operated and charged on-site so once the Remote Locker is operational, the safety benefits are instantly tangible.
How can I save money with the Remote Locker Device?
Thanks to the design of the Remote Locker Device, the balcony arms are installed within the Cassette® inside the factory. This comes with cost benefits at two major junctions. Firstly, time spent is reduced at the arm installation stage, as no stub arms will need to be fit onto the building’s façade at a later point. Secondly, labour costs will be reduced as the arms are already fitted inside the balcony, so less time will be needed to fit a two-piece arm onto the stub bracket.
Cost improvements often marry well with sustainability too – by using an innovative installation technique, the time spent on site can be reduced and so too will the carbon emissions present in longer installations, where workers must travel to and from a site each day.
Transforming the way balconies are installed has always been at the forefront of Sapphire’s ethos. By improving safety during the installation phase, we can improve costs, spend less time on site and work more sustainably as a result. To find out more about how we strive to innovate, read more here.[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=”” el_id=”” el_class=”” css=””][vc_column][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]