Tag: Projects

Vote Sapphire!

Posted on by Sajjad B

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The general election is well underway and it’s time to address the elephant in the room – Sapphire is exactly what the United Kingdom’s residential construction industry needs at this pivotal moment.

Building a better balcony has been a labour of love for us since founding Sapphire in 1992.

We’re not conservative when sharing our values. In fact, we’ve discussed them openly this past year with publications like Decision Magazine, where Sapphire was noted as a shining example of good company values.

Liberal use of technology has been crucial for Sapphire over the years and we’re pledging to continue excelling in innovative design, balcony systems and installation technology, assisting us in achieving quality, sustainable balcony practices.

We should all be aware of green policies, adhering to Net Zero and Science-Based targets as best as we can. Our Vision 2030 sets out our ESG strategy and our vision to be leaders in the construction industry, driving sustainability and responsible practices.

Reform isn’t what we need when it comes to balcony design – in fact, it’s innovation that matters. Sapphire is making waves with the Next Generation balcony system, and we promise to keep innovating in the years to come.

It’s time for real change in the residential construction sector with Sapphire.

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Our ‘Manifesto’

Sapphire isn’t a political party. In fact, the things that set us apart from a political party are exactly what make us perfect for your next development . Let’s take a moment to reflect on how Sapphire stands out in the often-tumultuous world of politics.

Here are the key differences that set us apart from the major political parties in 2024:

We hold ourselves accountable and champion transparency.

Are you tired of a lack of transparency within politics, decisions shrouded in political manoeuvring and rhetoric? With Sapphire, tire no longer. We operate with a high degree of transparency and take accountability seriously. You’ll be in the loop at every step of the process, making the balcony journey as streamlined as possible.

We embrace innovation over tradition.

Sapphire is dedicated to innovation in the residential construction market. We continuously seek new ways to improve our services and deliver cutting-edge solutions – whether it’s our Next Generation balcony system, our Remote Locker Device or our Clip-On® connection – we’re always looking forward to what’s next.

We centre the customer in our innovation – eschewing broad ‘electoral’ appeal.

Appealing to everyone can often lead to satisfying no one. Our innovations are driven by the needs of our customers, the needs of our developers and the needs of our architects. Driving specific innovations in each of their areas has led to top-class balcony design and seen truly sustainable improvements in the residential construction market.

We use evidence-based development, never ideological decision-making.

No matter where your political allegiance lies, data must lead the charge when making decisions. Our product development is based on tight engineering principles, adhering to ever-evolving industry standards and feedback from our customers.

We lead by our values – never giving them up.

Sapphire’s leadership is guided by our values, which we never compromise. This ensures our decisions and actions are aligned with our principles, driving our organisation forward with integrity and clear, cohesive goals.

We collaborate with our industry partners to improve standards.

Trying to outwit your opponents may work in a general election, but at Sapphire, we’re honoured to often collaborate with other companies in the construction industry to improve standards and practices and even on product innovation like the Clip-On® connection, seen used at the NE02 development in Wembley Park.

We focus on long-term successes, not short-term gains.

Sapphire is committed to long-term success. We build sustainable solutions that benefit our clients and communities for years to come, focusing on enduring progress rather than short-term wins.

We problem-solve proactively, not reactively.

Policymaking can often be reactive, responding to ongoing crises or public pressure. At Sapphire, we are pleased to be proactive. Our research and development team apply their ongoing learning to address potential issues through design innovation, making sure we’re always one step ahead of the curve.

We operate efficiently, putting bureaucracy to bed.

We’ve seen it plenty of times over. Bureaucracy can stall decision-making. At Sapphire, our design, manufacture, operations and supply are all streamlined by innovation for maximum efficiency, reducing lead times, improving productivity and making your balcony journey straightforward.

If we aren’t right for the job, we’ll tell you.

At the end of the day – honesty and transparency are core principles at Sapphire. We’ll always provide the best advice for your needs, even if it means acknowledging when we’re not the right fit for the job at hand.[/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]The choice is clear.

A lighter balcony frame, reducing moment forces back to the building as low as 4kNm. A safer system from top to bottom, with A1 fire-rated anchors and bodywork. More possibilities for aesthetic design, balcony connections and more. A kinder method of balcony construction, with a 19% reduction in CO2 verified by our EPDs.

To the entire residential construction market, we say to you loud and clear –

Vote Sapphire![/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=”” el_id=”” el_class=”” css=””][vc_column][vc_raw_html css=””]JTNDZGl2JTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJ3cGJfd3JhcHBlciUyMiUzRSUzQ2RpdiUyMGNsYXNzJTNEJTIydGV4dC1vdmVybGF5JTIwbWItNSUyMiUzRSUwQSUyMCUyMCUzQ2ZpZ3VyZSUzRSUwQSUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUzQ2RpdiUyMGNsYXNzJTNEJTIyaW1nLWZsdWlkJTIwcmVzcG9uc2l2ZS1pbWFnZSUyMiUyMHN0eWxlJTNEJTIyYmFja2dyb3VuZC1pbWFnZSUzQXVybCUyOGh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGcmVzLmNsb3VkaW5hcnkuY29tJTJGc2FwcGhpcmUtYmFsY29uaWVzJTJGaW1hZ2UlMkZ1cGxvYWQlMkZ2MTY2MDcyNjk0OCUyRkNUQTFfa2lxaTVjLnBuZyUyOSUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRSUwQSUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUwQSUyMCUyMCUyMCUzQ2ZpZ2NhcHRpb24lM0UlMjAlMEElMjAlMjAlMjAlMjAlMjAlMjAlM0NoNCUyMGNsYXNzJTNEJTIyY2FyZC10aXRsZSUyMGJvbGQlMjIlMjBzdHlsZSUzRCUyMmZvbnQtc2l6ZSUzQSUyMDQ2cHglM0IlMjIlM0VHZXQlMjBpbiUyMHRvdWNoJTNDJTJGaDQlM0UlMEElMEElM0NwJTIwc3R5bGUlM0QlMjJjb2xvciUzQSUyMHdoaXRlJTIyJTNFQ29udGFjdCUyMHVzJTIwd2l0aCUyMHlvdXIlMjBwcm9qZWN0JTIwZGV0YWlscyUyMHZpYSUyMG91ciUyMGVhc3klMjBvbmxpbmUlMjBmb3JtLiUzQyUyRnAlM0UlMEElM0NhJTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJidG4lMjBidG4tc2Vjb25kYXJ5JTIyJTIwaHJlZiUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGYmFsY29uaWVzLmdsb2JhbCUyRmNvbnRhY3QtdXMlMjIlMjB0YXJnZXQlM0QlMjJfYmxhbmslMjIlMjByZWwlM0QlMjIlMjIlM0UlM0NzcGFuJTNFQ29udGFjdCUyMHVzJTIwdG9kYXklM0MlMkZzcGFuJTNFJTNDJTJGYSUzRSUwQSUwQSUwQSUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRSUwQSUyMCUyMCUyMCUyMCUzQyUyRmZpZ2NhcHRpb24lM0UlMEElMjAlMjAlM0MlMkZmaWd1cmUlM0UlMEElM0MlMkZkaXYlM0UlMEElM0MlMkZkaXYlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Non-Structural Balcony Columns Launch

Posted on by Janani Aravind

Sapphire Balconies is proud to announce our innovative product launch of non-structural aluminium extruded balcony columns. Vertical Columns have played a vital role in the architectural world throughout history. It started as a support structure for the building but quickly became an aesthetic feature.

Architects often look to create a distinct architectural language using balconies and columns are certainly an enabler to do just that, whilst adding a sense of grandeur to the building. Vertical columns are particularly common on low-rise buildings, and it has moved from a purely functional role to an increasing trend of being creative with the facade and appeal of the building.

Industry Standard Approach

The ‘stick-built ‘ approach is the standard approach to implementing vertical columns in balconies. Vertical columns are stick-built onsite by general fabricators and will often require a small padstone or foundation because they are a structural requirement.

However, this approach does not appeal to most offsite balcony manufacturers. They believe in high-quality factory finish, which means installing balconies, should be the last activity on the façade, even after removing the scaffolding. Installing columns for high-rise buildings becomes a massive challenge with no proper access.

Sapphire’s Aluminium Extruded Balcony Columns

Our innovative team at Sapphire have launched our new product, ‘Non-Structural Aluminium Extruded Columns’, to address the current challenges with installing feature columns onto building facades.

We believe in high-quality products; hence we use clinical high-quality aluminium extruded columns rather than welded or bolted steel sections, producing both a neat and lightweight balcony column. Additionally, the non-structural function allows lightweight materials instead of heavy steel sections with no need to fix back to the ground.

Our new product is designed to be lifted with the balcony – to overcome site installation needs for scaffold or other external access, which is the perfect solution for high-rise buildings.

A mix of colours is available for these columns, making them attractive for architects. Architects will have the ability to pick colours that match the balconies or let their creative flair shine by choosing contrasting colours.

Extruded Columns Product Application

Sapphire columns are designed to be used from one balcony to another in stacked balconies.

The columns that continue above top balconies to the roof or drop down from the bottom balcony to the ground floor need a project-specific design as no modular solution exists at present.

Installation Sequence

Here is how our product installation sequence will follow through:

  1. Anchors cast-in into concrete with the usual arm attachments.
  2. Arms are then installed to the primary stub
  3. Balconies are delivered with columns flat packed
  4. Columns are assembled on-site at ground level to the balconies
  5. Balconies are then lifted with columns in place

We have launched our ‘Extruded Aluminium Non-Structural Column’ variant with extrusion a standard balcony column profile 200x200mm. Further extrusions can be developed based on the needs of our customers.

To know more about our product, get in touch with our experts at Sapphire Balconies. Or explore what it may look like on your project by using our COACH configurator.

Sapphire’s Global Expansion: Q&A with Kevin Bonnar

Posted on by sapphireadmin

Sapphire Balconies are proud to announce that we have expanded our licensee network to Canada and the US as part of our global expansion plans. We are excited to see our balcony solutions on three continents with over five successful years in New Zealand. Kevin Bonnar, Global Network Manager at Sapphire Balconies, has shared valuable insights during our exclusive Q&A session. He talks about Sapphire’s global expansion goals, building a licensee network, maintaining a brand promise worldwide.

What are the key goals behind Sapphire’s global expansion?

The most significant vital drivers are innovation and product development.

Like many construction companies, Sapphire Balustrades, as it was initially known, started as a small family business. As the company grew and introduced its balcony solutions, it was clear there was a demand in the UK for an alternative to concrete balconies.

Following the Glide-on balcony system launch in the UK, Sapphire began working on global expansion, where my journey with them began.

The key driving force for global expansion has always been innovation. Forward-thinking architects and developers across the globe have shown a fundamental interest in technology. As ‘Global Network Manager’, a part of my role is to align our innovation to our global customers’ regional challenges.

We have been in New Zealand for over five years collaborating with our licensing partner, Belcanto. Their knowledge of the unique challenges developers face in New Zealand has kept that innovation flowing both ways. Being the first venture outside the UK, we did have a few teething problems, but that was to be expected. We have worked closely with Belcanto to develop unique solutions to the challenges affecting construction projects in New Zealand.

Antamex is a well-renowned curtain walling company operating in Canada and the US. Over the last year, we have worked extremely close with a division of the business called Antamex Partner Systems (APS), looking at trends and understanding unique challenges in Canada.

What challenges do you think Sapphire will face during the expansion process?

Our pricing strategy and market acceptance are our two significant challenges.

We will be careful not to price it too high and set our prices per the Canadian market structure.

The concept of glide-on balconies is new to the Canadian market. So, the effect of introducing new metal balconies to the world of concrete balconies may take some time to endure its way to the market.

What are your hopes for the future with Sapphire’s Global expansion?

At Sapphire, we intend to expand worldwide. Beyond US and Australia, we have other continents in our roadmap, but they are farther from our current plans.

How does your global licensed network work?

We want to leverage the local knowledge and facilities. So, we network with the thought leaders in the industry and work alongside them to manufacture, deliver and install Sapphire balconies.

Sapphire’s Global Expansion: Q&A with Kevin Bonnar

Posted on by Janani Aravind

Sapphire Balconies are proud to announce that we have expanded our licensee network to Canada and the US as part of our global expansion plans. We are excited to see our balcony solutions on three continents with over five successful years in New Zealand. Kevin Bonnar, Global Network Manager at Sapphire Balconies, has shared valuable insights during our exclusive Q&A session. He talks about Sapphire’s global expansion goals, building a licensee network, maintaining a brand promise worldwide.

What are the key goals behind Sapphire’s global expansion?

The most significant vital drivers are innovation and product development.

Like many construction companies, Sapphire Balustrades, as it was initially known, started as a small family business. As the company grew and introduced its balcony solutions, it was clear there was a demand in the UK for an alternative to concrete balconies.

Following the Glide-on balcony system launch in the UK, Sapphire began working on global expansion, where my journey with them began.

The key driving force for global expansion has always been innovation. Forward-thinking architects and developers across the globe have shown a fundamental interest in technology. As ‘Global Network Manager’, a part of my role is to align our innovation to our global customers’ regional challenges.

We have been in New Zealand for over five years collaborating with our licensing partner, Belcanto. Their knowledge of the unique challenges developers face in New Zealand has kept that innovation flowing both ways. Being the first venture outside the UK, we did have a few teething problems, but that was to be expected. We have worked closely with Belcanto to develop unique solutions to the challenges affecting construction projects in New Zealand.

Antamex is a well-renowned curtain walling company operating in Canada and the US. Over the last year, we have worked extremely close with a division of the business called Antamex Partner Systems (APS), looking at trends and understanding unique challenges in Canada.

What challenges do you think Sapphire will face during the expansion process?

Our pricing strategy and market acceptance are our two significant challenges.

We will be careful not to price it too high and set our prices per the Canadian market structure.

The concept of glide-on balconies is new to the Canadian market. So, the effect of introducing new metal balconies to the world of concrete balconies may take some time to endure its way to the market.

What are your hopes for the future with Sapphire’s Global expansion?

At Sapphire, we intend to expand worldwide. Beyond US and Australia, we have other continents in our roadmap, but they are farther from our current plans.

How does your global licensed network work?

We want to leverage the local knowledge and facilities. So, we network with the thought leaders in the industry and work alongside them to manufacture, deliver and install Sapphire balconies.

Looking Back on Baltimore Tower

Posted on by Sajjad B

Baltimore Tower, completed in 2016, remains to date the largest project in Sapphire’s history. We supplied and installed over 10,000 panels for the balustrading and the glass floors for the balconies.

The tower dwarfs the other project we supplied balustrades for on the plot known as building 9, which stands at a considerable 20 storeys.

The monumental building is comprised of 45 storeys containing 366 residential units, a street-front café by the water and triple-height penthouse restaurant.

The tower now represents an unmissable landmark in the London skyline. The balconies form an oblong shape rotating around the central axis creating a unique twisting effect.

The project presented a unique challenge and opportunity for us as the client wanted to avoid the use of scaffolding due to the unusual shape of the building. We found a solution to this issue by developing an innovative Sapphire shroud. The shroud wrapped around each storey allowing all trades to work from within the building without the need for fall arrest.

This covering allowed the balustrades and glass flooring to be installed safely without the need for scaffold, mast climbers or harnesses and climbed with the building as it stretched to a final height of 150m.

The tower has since won the ‘Best Residential High-Rise Architecture’ award from the International Property Awards 2017 and features proudly in our portfolio.

Sapphire gets it Right for Berkeley’s Royal Arsenal apartments.

Posted on by sapphireadmin

Sapphire has kept its promise to supply balconies Right for this high rise tower project at Royal Arsenal, London; producing a total of 588 balconies, including both projecting and inset.

The slimline Cassette® balconies used at t he Royal Arsenal apartments are designed to very tight tolerances to suit the project specification and assist rapid and rigid installation. Coupled with this Sapphire has developed specialist lifting equipment for use by fitting teams and also provides expert offsite theory and practical training as part of its comprehensive support.

Unlike traditional steel balconies that need elements such as decking and soffits added after install, Sapphire delivers a snagged, prefinished product that is ready to fit, says the Project Director of Berkeley Group at Royal Arsenal. “With Sapphire you get a complete offsite-manufactured balcony that can be installed with very little fuss,” he comments. “This pioneering approach means minimal finishing is required on site – saving time and reducing the risk of damage to apartments that are predominantly completed by this stage of the build”.

Sapphire takes its promise to supply each balcony ‘Right’ seriously investing in a number of its own trailers, specially adapted to allow double stacking of balconies to minimise vehicle movements, emissions and transport
costs. Trailers also have pre-fitted guardrails and certified slings are attached at the point of dispatch to enable quick offload without having to climb onto each of the balconies.

Sapphire gets it Right for Berkeley’s Royal Arsenal apartments.

Posted on by Sajjad B

Sapphire has kept its promise to supply balconies Right for this high rise tower project at Royal Arsenal, London; producing a total of 588 balconies, including both projecting and inset.

The slimline Cassette® balconies used at t he Royal Arsenal apartments are designed to very tight tolerances to suit the project specification and assist rapid and rigid installation. Coupled with this Sapphire has developed specialist lifting equipment for use by fitting teams and also provides expert offsite theory and practical training as part of its comprehensive support.

Unlike traditional steel balconies that need elements such as decking and soffits added after install, Sapphire delivers a snagged, prefinished product that is ready to fit, says the Project Director of Berkeley Group at Royal Arsenal. “With Sapphire you get a complete offsite-manufactured balcony that can be installed with very little fuss,” he comments. “This pioneering approach means minimal finishing is required on site – saving time and reducing the risk of damage to apartments that are predominantly completed by this stage of the build”.

Sapphire takes its promise to supply each balcony ‘Right’ seriously investing in a number of its own trailers, specially adapted to allow double stacking of balconies to minimise vehicle movements, emissions and transport
costs. Trailers also have pre-fitted guardrails and certified slings are attached at the point of dispatch to enable quick offload without having to climb onto each of the balconies.

Cassette balconies are rigid, ready and right at West London Lillie Square

Posted on by Sajjad B

Sapphire’s offsite modular balconies and superior support have provided the perfect solution for the demanding specification and construction schedule at Lillie Square, one of the largest and most high profile residential developments in West London.

Working in partnership with the project’s façade contractor, Colorminium, Sapphire designed and manufactured 129 projecting balconies using its innovative Glide-On™ Cassette® technology. Once the façade was complete, the bespoke balcony cassettes (the frame structure and glass balustrade) were delivered to site, preassembled and factory-finished, ready to be lifted into position and simply glided onto the pre-installed brackets.

Located in fashionable Fulham (West London), Lillie Square is a prestigious phased development offering a range of stylish apartments set around a new garden square with panoramic views over Central London. The project showcases Sapphire’s industry-leading ‘Supply and Support’ package for the UK’s top residential developers and contractors. Based on its experience of working with many teams, Sapphire’s project support includes installer training and loaning of certified and maintained specialist equipment like door guarding systems and Counter Balance Lifter (CBL). Specially developed by Sapphire, CBL offsets the crane hook by using weights to balance the balcony. This enables a wide range of install sequences, including top down installation, for maximum programme flexibility.

Structural glass balustrades for balconies at Lillie Square, West London were specified to exceptionally high tolerances. In order to meet the client’s exacting requirements, Sapphire used heat strengthened laminated glass in a secure wedge system. This ensures optimum rigidity and minimises issues with Nickel Sulphide Inclusion, which can create spontaneousfractures, causing panel failure. The custom-built specification also features a special gold-effect powder coating to balcony soffits, adding both aesthetic appeal and durability.

Commenting on the successful completion of balconies for Lillie Square, Nick Haughton, Sapphire’s Head of Marketing, says:

“As an experienced supply and support partner to residential balcony projects, Sapphire can provide a proven combination of innovative, quality-tested products, specialist expertise and equipment. Whether balconies are being fitted by the façade contractor or any other team, we offer advice and support throughout the project, while developers and contractors get the convenience of just one main point of contact on site. Our unrivalled service and support ensures that your balconies are always Rigid, Ready and Right, and give installers the ability to achieve a Rapid install on site.”

Download Full Case Study

Sapphire showcases speed and innovation at North Wharf Gardens

Posted on by Sajjad B

Sapphire is showcasing speed and innovation with glide-on balconies for North Wharf Gardens in Paddington, a new residential development at the very heart of London living. Sapphire’s pioneering concept, which combines offsite manufactured Cassette® balconies with a unique glide-on connection system, enabled rapid installation, saving both time and money on site. The fast-track install method minimised crane hire and associated site costs; while delivering fully assembled balcony units reduced the need for secure storage on site – a particular benefit for projects in city centres like London where site space can often be very limited. Having watched balconies being installed at North Wharf Gardens, Design Coordinator for main contractor, Bouygues UK, says: “Sapphire’s glide-on balcony concept is so simple and yet very clever. It provides a really fast and flexible solution for this type of high-rise residential development.”

“Sapphire’s glide-on balcony concept is so simple and yet very clever. It provides a really fast and flexible solution for this type of high-rise residential development.”

Comprising four residential towers ranging in height from eight to 14 storeys, North Wharf Gardens is a stunning addition to London’s landscape. Sapphire designed, manufactured and installed projecting balconies to apartments on the development’s east and west elevations. Balconies were produced and assembled in Sapphire’s factory and stored ready for delivery call-off as required to meet the build programme. This supply route not only helped keep the project on schedule but also ensured a high level of quality control that would be almost impossible to achieve on site. Balconies feature frameless structural glass balustrades from Sapphire’s Crystal range and durable WPC composite decking. The glass panels are combined with a smart stainless steel top rail, which complements the development’s contemporary façade of brick, concrete cladding and spandrel glazing.

Working from the top down, balcony Cassettes® were lifted into position and installed by simply ‘gliding’ them on to pre-erected brackets. Balcony brackets were cast-in to the slab with a arms taking projecting from the thermal break within the cavity to outside of the finished façade. This provides an important thermal break, preventing balcony connection points causing a cold bridge from the cold balcony to the warm inside, which can lead to condensation problems.

North Wharf Gardens is the latest in a growing number of prestigious residential developments to specify Sapphire’s patent-protected glide-on Cassette® balcony system. The innovative solution makes it simpler, faster and more cost-effective for housebuilders to provide high quality balconies for their developments, says Nick Haughton, Sapphire’s Marketing Manager:

“As well as the time and cost savings, offsite manufacturing reduces the on-site health and safety issues associated, for example, finishing works like soffits when installing traditional balconies and potentially costly project delays due to bad weather.”

Regenerating Housing with Durability and Style

Posted on by Sajjad B

New style Aluma aluminium balustrades from Sapphire are part of the regeneration of two housing estates in Lewisham, south London. Sapphire’s relaunched Aluma system, featuring semi-frameless fixing for glass infill panels, strikes the perfect balance between durability and style (visual appeal) for residential balconies in four new tower blocks on the Heathside and Lethbridge estates. In addition to aluminium and glass balcony balustrades, Sapphire also supplied polished stainless steel handrails with coated steel uprights and vertical bar infills to give function and style to internal communal stairways.

As part of its total support package for this prestigious residential project, Sapphire developed two new time-saving concepts. Deliveries were made in Sapphire’s new stackable crates, preloaded with components required for each floor before leaving for site, so all items can be craned up to the relevant floor in one lift. Sapphire also supplied complex drilling templates, which helped reduce installation time on site, whilst ensuring better accuracy.

Phased regeneration by Family Mosaic, one of the largest housing associations in London and the south east, will transform the two south London estates into a mixed tenure development of over 1,200 private and affordable homes, designed and built to Code Level 4. Architects for the multi-million pound project were London-based practice bptw partnership. Main contractor was Ardmore, which has a proven track record in delivering large residential and mixed used developments. Stylish, low maintenance balcony balustrades were a key design requirement for the regeneration project to ensure durability and low ongoing costs. Sapphire’s innovative semi-frameless Aluma system provided the ideal solution, integrating the style of a structural glass balustrade with the superior corrosion resistance of high-grade aluminium extrusions. Glass infills simply slot into the Aluma baluster uprights and/or handrail profiles, removing the “clutter” of traditional patch lugs.

The project architects worked closely with Sapphire on the Lewisham project and were impressed with the company’s through-the-project support. A member of bptw’s architectural team comments: “Sapphire supplied excellent drawings to our design specification and coordinated on site installation with other contractors, which assisted smooth completion. Sapphire ticked all the boxes in terms of service and the finished balustrades look great.”

Aluma handrails and baluster uprights for balcony balustrades in the new high-rise homes have an attractive Graphite Grey powder coated matt finish to complement contemporary façades. Balusters are fixed with chemical anchors into concrete integrated balconies. The use of aluminium provides an excellent balance between a cost effective solution and providing ultimate rust protection. Infill panels were manufactured from 10mm clear toughened glass with polished edges. In addition, balustrades by Sapphire for core stairways inside the new tower blocks combine handrails in 304 grade satin polished stainless steel with mild steel uprights, fixed into concrete stairs.

In addition to designing in durability and style whilst meeting the prestigious project’s aesthetic specification, all internal and external balustrades were designed by Sapphire to comply with relevant standards for structural performance and design loads. Additionally, balustrades had to satisfy specific safety regulations relating to residential applications, such as suitability for children, which ensures that balustrades are not easily climbable and have no gaps of more than 100mm, to prevent a small child falling through. Creating durability through intelligent specification is essential for safety during the lifespan of the balcony not just when its new.