[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]It’s been over a year since we launched our Vision 2030 initiative.
In that time, we’ve taken steps to ensure that our plans come to fruition and that we’re leading the way for a more ethical and sustainable construction industry, one key metric at a time.
At Sapphire Balconies, we believe that our business has a crucial role in promoting sustainability and protecting the environment for future generations. As a company, we are committed to integrating Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles into our operations, from product design to corporate decision-making.
So, what have we done on the road towards our vision for 2030?
What have we started?
Since launching our Vision 2030 roadmap, we’ve achieved the following incredible milestones:
But that’s not all – there’s much, much more to come.
What’s on our roadmap?
Our Vision 2030 roadmap is bold, but we’re making great progress. In the coming years, you’ll be seeing:
ZERO Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 2050.
Pas 2060 Carbon Neutral certification
PlanetMark Certification
PCF certification
Commitment to SBTi
100% of our company vehicles being powered by electricity.
20,000 balconies sold in 2030.
[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_carousel images=”14238,14237,14239″ notch=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]Our 2030 ESG vision is ambitious and based on our company’s mantra, purpose, and values.
We are committed to making a positive impact on the environment, on society and on our team, making sure we’re all working with the mindset of a future-ready team captain. Our vision is to be leaders in the construction industry, driving sustainability and responsible practices.
You can find out more about our Vision 2030 roadmap by downloading the full Vision 2030 brochure on our website:[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textOverlayBlock image=”12865″ heading=”Vision 2030″ button_text=”Read more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fvision-2030%2F|title:Vision%202030″ double_height=””]Read Sapphire’s full Vision 2030 document here:[/sapphire_textOverlayBlock][/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=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]TEDI ratings are often seen as complex, a necessary yet crucial metric by which to assess the sustainability of a building.
TEDI ratings don’t need to be complex. In fact, by engaging with your suppliers early and making informed decisions, it couldn’t be simpler.
TEDI Ratings Explained
TEDI ratings (or Thermal Energy Demand Intensity ratings) indicate the energy efficiency of a building by measuring how much energy it requires for heating. Essentially, it signifies how well-insulated a building is and how much energy it will take to keep it warm. The lower the TEDI rating, the more energy-efficient a building is and generally speaking, the better for the environment it is.
TEDI ratings aren’t just for developers and suppliers, however. The consumer may keep TEDI ratings in mind when purchasing a property too – lower TEDI ratings can often lead to energy cost savings and so not only are lower TEDI scorers more environmentally friendly, but they’re cheaper to boot.
TEDI is scored over an extended period of time, typically in kilowatt-hours per square meter per year (kWh/m2/year). Firstly, data is collected regarding the building’s heating energy consumption and floor area. The total heating energy consumption (in kWh) is divided by the total floor area of the building (in m2) over a year to determine the energy demand intensity. The resulting number, or TEDI value, is then compared to established benchmarks to assess the building’s energy efficiency.
We spoke with experts on the TEDI rating system who mentioned the importance of TEDI ratings. Bluescape Partner Rob Kirwan spoke on how working strategically with companies that understand TEDI ratings and who can execute sustainable plans is crucial to lowering your TEDI score. Speaking with Andrew Geldard (BDP Quadrangle), he mentioned that the external envelope is key to lowering your TEDI score. Thermally breaking your external envelope elements will have a big effect on your TEDI number. Achieving Passive House levels means focusing on lowering your TEDI score, so taking this into account at an early stage is key.
The full TEDI Talks event from Resibuild is available below:
Sustainability is becoming ever more important in the construction sector, with a huge emphasis on meeting Passive House standards to lower the embodied carbon footprint of all new construction.
By its very nature, the construction industry is a big user of natural resources – from energy usage to emissions. There is increasing pressure to reduce the environmental impact – Current and incoming Canadian step codes across the construction sector mean that building sustainably is more important than ever before.
Sustainable construction is possible with several factors like reducing energy consumption, taking care of waste, creating a healthy and sustainable environment, using renewable and recyclable resources and protecting the natural environment.[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_textOverlayBlock image=”13979″ heading=”Sustainability Hub” button_text=”Learn more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fknowledge%2Fsustainability%2F|title:Sustainability%20Hub” double_height=””]How do sustainable practices benefit my development?[/sapphire_textOverlayBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]
Innovations in Sustainable Balcony Design
Balcony design and materials can contribute to lower TEDI ratings. Looking at a sustainable alternative to concrete balconies, like a prefabricated solution, can lead directly to a lower TEDI score.
There are plenty of examples of products that have lowered their TEDI ratings through innovation. Whether it’s the inclusion of recycled materials, new technologies implemented throughout the manufacturing process or even an adherence to the Science-Based Target Initiative, each of these approaches has a ripple effect, creating sustainability across the board.
Thanks to a lightweight design and our innovative Clip-On™ anchor, we’ve been able to reduce the weight on a building’s structure when compared to a concrete balcony by up to 4kNm. Balconies are, in fact, very easy to thermally break. The small penetrations mean that less surface area needs to be thermally broken. By featuring a thermal break in the connection anchor, far less heat is lost through the façade, and so a prefabricated balcony can help to make a building thermally efficient and in turn lower a TEDI rating.
There are factors to consider when using a prefabricated balcony, such as compliance with Canadian step codes should also be considered. Having a prefabricated balcony can lead to sustainability benefits, but making sure that balcony designs comply with relevant building codes and regulations, including requirements for structural integrity, fire safety, and accessibility, is crucial for ensuring code compliance.
Learn more below:[/sapphire_textBlock][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][sapphire_textOverlayBlock image=”14064″ heading=”Recycled Material & Sustainability” button_text=”Learn more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fnews%2Frecycled-material-and-sustainability%2F|title:Recycled%20Material%20%26%20Sustainability” double_height=””]Can recycled material make a real difference to your project?[/sapphire_textOverlayBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]Understanding TEDI ratings should be vital when identifying your building’s balcony design.
Not only are sustainable building practices more important in today’s climate than ever before, but designing with sustainability in mind can make a more energy-efficient building, encourage innovation in your design and even make your development more attractive to end-users.
We’re committed to bringing true balcony innovation to North America. To learn more, visit our Canadian hub:[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_textOverlayBlock image=”12101″ heading=”Sapphire Balconies Inc.” button_text=”Discover” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fca%2F|title:Canadian%20Home%20Page” double_height=””]Visit our Canadian hub to learn more.[/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]
[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]As Insider Magazine recently revealed the 100 fastest-expanding global businesses in the South-East with their Global Growth list, they’ve profiled some of the companies currently doing things very right. We’re excited to say that we’re one of those companies!
Streamlining the balcony journey
Overseas sales growth of companies based in the South-East of England was the main metric of analysis in Insider’s report, working off of figures provided by companies in their latest accounts.
We’ve streamlined the balcony journey for a huge number of jobs in Ireland – recently, we supplied 355 balconies to a job for John Sisk & Son Ltd in Dublin on Coopers Cross. The project, which started in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, was significantly delayed, as were many projects across the globe. We ensured as little disruption as possible to our supply chain, so we were able to continue the design process even as the site was shut down.
Explore the full Coopers Cross case study via the link below:[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_textOverlayBlock image=”14053″ heading=”Cooper’s Cross, Dublin – Case Study” button_text=”Download” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fcase-studies%2Fcoopers-cross-dublin%2F|title:Coopers%20Cross%2C%20Dublin” double_height=””]Discover what makes Coopers Cross so outstanding.[/sapphire_textOverlayBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]
New Markets
[/sapphire_textBlock][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][sapphire_carousel images=”14051,14052″ notch=””][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][sapphire_textBlock]Bringing our innovative approach to countries outside of the EU doesn’t stop at Ireland however.
We’ve been taking our initial steps into the Canadian market with a groundbreaking new project in Vancouver, British Columbia, called Vienna House.
In attendance were Mayor of Vancouver Ken Sim and Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon, amongst many excited others. Mr Sim, speaking about the ground-breaking, had this to say:
“Breaking ground for Vienna House – where affordability, sustainability, and social equity unite! Thankful to our partners at the Province of British Columbia, BC Housing, More than a Roof and the City of Vienna for making it possible. Excited to build 123 more affordable rental units for Vancouver. Through strong Ministry of Housing partnerships and a focus on energy efficiency designs, we’re not just building homes, but shaping a future where affordable living is a reality for all Vancouverites”.
Off the back of this, Minister for Housing Ravi Kahlon said:
“These changes will help Canada reduce carbon pollution, support the forestry sector, create jobs, build more homes and lead to more vibrant, healthier communities”.
We’re proud to have a small part in Vienna House’s grand beginnings and are excited to see how the project takes shape over the coming years as a sustainable centre for residential living.[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]This is a testament to the fantastic results we’ve been able to achieve – as we work through 2024 and beyond, we’re committed to sustaining these results and providing a better balcony, not just for projects in the UK, but globally.
To find out more about how Sapphire could streamline your project, 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]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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]
[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable construction, deciphering the various certifications and standards can be a daunting task. Understanding if a construction product is truly sustainable is even harder.
With the industry’s push towards more eco-friendly practices, understanding the nuances of terms like Carbon Neutral, Net Zero, Science Based Targets (SBTi), and PAS 2060 becomes imperative. This article delves into the standards, offering a clear comparison and highlighting how they contribute to the sustainability of construction products.
The journey towards sustainability in the construction industry is marked by various certifications and standards, each with its distinct focus and methodology. This exploration delves into Carbon Neutral, PAS 2060, Science Based Targets (SBTi), and Net Zero, providing a clear understanding of what they entail, along with their advantages and limitations. Additionally, we’ll outline a typical journey from initial carbon neutrality to the ultimate goal of Net Zero, highlighting how these steps contribute to a comprehensive sustainability strategy.[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]
Carbon Neutral
Carbon Neutrality is the first step towards sustainability, where a company offsets its carbon emissions to achieve a net-zero carbon footprint. This involves measuring emissions, establishing a benchmark, and implementing a carbon management plan.
Pros:
Immediate Impact: Provides a quick way to address carbon emissions.
Flexibility: Allows companies to choose from various offsetting options.
Cons:
Temporary Solution: Does not necessarily lead to a reduction in emissions.
Quality of Offsets: The effectiveness and sustainability impact of offsets can vary significantly.
PAS 2060 Standard
The PAS 2060 standard is a certification that offers a structured framework for achieving and demonstrating carbon neutrality, requiring precise measurement, a robust management plan, and the purchase of high-quality Gold Standard offsets.
Pros:
Credibility: Ensures that claims of carbon neutrality are backed by rigorous, verified actions.
Quality Assurance: Mandates the use of high-quality offsets, contributing to more impactful environmental projects.
Cons:
Complexity: The certification process can be intricate and demanding.
Cost: The requirement for Gold Standard offsets and the certification process will involve higher expenses.
Science-Based Targets are a strategic approach that guide companies in setting emissions reduction targets in line with global efforts to limit warming, offering a clear and scientifically validated pathway for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Pros:
The ultimate route. Net Zero is generally considered as an ultimate goal. We like to see it as the ultimate journey as Net Zero is a major focus and futuristic BHAG or milestone but sustainability doesn’t stop at Net Zero.
Scientific Validation: Ensures that targets are ambitious yet achievable and aligned with global climate goals.
Long-term Strategy: Encourages the implementation of sustainable practices that contribute to significant emissions reductions over time.
Cons:
Implementation Challenges: Achieving science-based targets can require substantial changes to operations, which may be difficult for some companies.
Time and Resources: The process demands a long-term commitment and potentially significant investment.
Net zero is one of the big buzzwords defined and interpreted different ways by various standards, guides and institutions. Despite the confusion and complexity of how they differ, fundamentally the goal of all is eliminating the negative impact of a company’s, products or buildings emissions, extending beyond carbon to encompass all greenhouse gases. This involves reducing emissions as much as possible and offsetting a very small amount of ‘residual’ remaining emissions.
Pros:
Comprehensive Approach: Addresses all types of greenhouse gas emissions, offering a holistic path to sustainability.
Innovation and Leadership: Encourages innovation and sets a company apart as a leader in sustainability.
Cons:
Complexity and Cost: Achieving Net Zero can be complex and costly, requiring advanced technologies and strategies.
Long-term Commitment: It’s a long-term goal that requires ongoing effort and adaptation.
The Sustainability Journey
Typically, companies begin their sustainability journey by aiming for Carbon Neutrality, making immediate changes to offset emissions. The next step involves attaining PAS 2060 certification, which adds rigor and credibility to the carbon neutrality claim. Generally seen as a gateway to walking the walk. Progressing further, companies adopt Science Based Targets to align their emissions reduction efforts with global climate goals. Ultimately, the most significant carbon milestone is Net Zero, representing a comprehensive and sustained commitment to eliminating environmental impact. The more data-led the approach the better.
We can draw three clear conclusions from our research. That incremental progress is key, that a strategic approach can help with long-term commitments and that quality and credibility are crucial to proving a company’s progress.
Sustainability in construction is a journey that involves progressing through stages, each with its own focus and benefits. Moving from Carbon Neutral to Net Zero requires a strategic approach, considering both immediate actions and long-term commitments. Finally, the credibility of sustainability claims is crucial – using credible and rigorous standards like PAS 2060 and the SBTi can be the difference between being market leaders investing in action and greenwashing.
Sapphire’s Sustainability Journey
At Sapphire Balconies, we’re proud to be committed to this strategic approach to sustainability. As the first balcony company to commit to Science Based Targets in the world, Sapphire isn’t just aiming to collect certifications like PAS 2060, but instead moving from milestone to milestone with the intention of paving a pathway to Net Zero. Our commitment reflects a broader vision for sustainability that is detailed in our Vision 2030, which outlines ambitious goals for reducing environmental impact and fostering sustainable development within the construction industry and beyond.
[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]For more insights into Sapphire’s approach and Vision 2030, we encourage a visit to our website, where our dedication to sustainability and innovative practices are on full display.
[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]Is my balcony safe? What if a fire starts? What if it’s been installed incorrectly?
These are all questions our end-users will reasonably have living in a high-rise residential unit and as architects, developers, manufacturers, suppliers and installers, the onus is on all involved to justify, explain and reassure the end-user that their property, their home, is safe to live in.
In this article, we’ll be exploring the scope of making a balcony safe, from the design choices we make, to the materials used, to necessary maintenance and beyond. We’ll look into fire risks, drainage and how both are mitigated against through smart balcony design.
The safety of end-users and residents should be our number-one priority. Let’s look into how to make a balcony safe.
Materials used
A key principle of architecture is balance. Balancing the desire for attractive design with the crucial need for strong, safe construction. To ensure this type of strong and safe construction, there are three key areas to focus on from an early stage, looking at the materials used.
Firstly, designing for the long term. Sapphire’s balconies are typically designed to meet a 60-year lifecycle thanks to the aluminium we use in the construction of our balcony Cassettes. Aluminium is a strong material with flexible design possibilities, making it perfect for the extrusion of different types and shapes of balustrading. Critical Connections back to the building will normally be made of M30 stainless steel. The size means the are much more robust, both because of them being over engineered for a much stronger resistance to the moment forces and because of the corrosion resistance of stainless steel.[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_textOverlayBlock image=”460″ heading=”Sapphire’s One-Stop Suspension Solution” button_text=”Read more” button_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.resi.build%2Fpost%2Fsapphires-one-stop-suspension-solution” double_height=””]Learn more about how Sapphire splits out their anchors and stubs to create a safer connection.[/sapphire_textOverlayBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1707736247028{padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”][sapphire_textBlock]Using material like timber or concrete is not a wise choice as the material cannot endure time, nor the elements. We’ve seen in recent months that timber will degrade over time – this fundamentally misses the spirit of construction design and management (CDM) regulations. Using a material that will maintain its integrity for the entirety of its lifespan should be a priority. With aluminium, this can be achieved with relative ease as it does not rust or degrade over time.
Finally, the material choice should always be non-combustible. In the UK this is mandatory on taller buildings under Part B of the Building Regulations. In other markets where this is not mandatory, the guidance should still be followed to ensure the absolute safety of the end-user. By using non-combustible materials, unnecessary fire risk or spread can be avoided.
Construction methods
The next step to ensuring balcony safety is through the methods of construction. Thanks to modern methods of construction (MMC), construction is more flexible and innovative than ever so safety can be more readily assured, so long as the correct methods are used.
Connecting a balcony mechanically is the simplest way to ensure connection safety. Historically, adhesives have been used a lot on building façade to stick components together, but this can be a risk. At Sapphire, we choose to mechanically fix components to the building façade through arm connected with stainless steel bolts, which do not lose their structural integrity like adhesives could and are easier to control the correct torque settings have been achieved, whereas an adhesive done correctly can be difficult to confirm, is more dependent on competence and expierience of the applicator and may become lose over time or in extreme heat or cold.
The competency of process and people should also be considered here. Like cars, controlled manufacturing envrionments with the right processes mean that prefab balconies should be inherently safer. Offsite manufacture must be tightly controlled with safety procedures and quality control in place at every step of the process. Throughout our history we have continually reduced the dependence of site labour and site conditions by designing more of the production to be carried out in factories. We manufacture our balconies offsite, monitoring each stage of the production with our Passport® app. We have also introduced a learning management system (LMS), which allows us to monitor and ensure the training, competency and compliance of all our workers. This enables a single balcony to then be traced back to which factory, which date, which operative and what thier training records were at that point. The passport app has continually been expanded and advanced to enable the collection of more and more data and imagery of the production process.
Finally, minimising the dependence on an individual’s competency is crucial for balcony safety. At Sapphire, we believe in ensuring that our staff are competent and continually learning, but this alone is not enough. High dependence on the skill of a single labourer is a potential risk area and so is assembly done on sites where there is other factors which could influence. By simplifying the product junctions and making sure the system itself is as risk-averse as possible, we further avoid the risk of workers relying on a single staff member’s competency. As an example, by having all welds double-checked independently and by using witness marks on connection bolts, we can quickly determine if bolts have been torqued correctly or if key connections have been tampered with, both measures which support the delivery of product which is not only of good quality but is also up to the high safety standard our clients and Sapphire expect.
Fire risk
As mentioned above, fire risk is an important consideration for balcony manufacturers as well as construction developers. To avoid another disaster like that at Grenfell Tower in 2017, we must take steps to mitigate against fire spread. This can involve better choice of materials and discouragement of fire risks for our end-users.
Material selection is key. We spoke with Kevan Brelsford of the Manchester Fire & Rescue team and he summarised the need for better material selection. Using flame-retardant, non-combustible furnishings is crucial. The need for this may seem obvious in a post-Grenfell world, but it needs to be reiterated. Furthermore, minimising ignition sources can be the difference between safety and danger as “more or less anything will burn in the right circumstances”, so reducing the opportunity for fire to start and/or spread is key.
Watch the full video with Kevan Brelsford speaking on behalf of the Manchester Fire & Rescue team to learn more about fire risk:
Water ingress has been a key challenge in most markets the balcony markets we work in globally.
In markets like New Zealand, we’ve seen the ‘leaky homes’ crisis, where timber-framed homes built primarily in the 1990s were not properly protected against the weather. These drainage problems have in some instances made the timber framing structurally unstable and so unfit to live inside. We’ve seen similar issues in the Canadian market and so the need for structurally sound homes, protected against water ingress, is key.
The key principle of drainage is that the nearest point of water collection needs to be as far from the building threshold as possible. Collection of water should, in no circumstances allow for a build-up. Finally taking water away from the building is much better principle than back towards a building.
To mitigate against this, materials should be considered, as well as direction of drainage and number of drainage points.
Corrosion-resistant materials such as aluminium should be used. Timber should never be used as a drainage material due to its susceptibility to rotting. Draining away from the building in 400mm sections is a method that Sapphire uses – our edge draining solution (as it is known in balcony standard BS 8579:2020) uses multiple points of drainage through integrated soffits in order to disperse water efficiently and safely without the need for fixed rear drainage pipes.
A balcony left to fester amongst the elements, no matter the material used to construct it, can be at risk of the averse effects of ageing. Maintenance should therefore be carried out whenever necessary and, where possible, regularly scheduled.
Balconies should be designed with maintenance in mind. Urgent maintenance should not require scaffolds to be set up and so balconies should be designed to be maintained from the apartment they belong to.
At Sapphire, we design our balconies in this way. As an example, a balcony can have its decking raised to view the soffits below, meaning essential maintenance can be carried out both quickly and thoroughly to avoid incidence.
Conclusion
Understanding the risk that comes with construction and ongoing use of balconies is of the utmost importance. Balcony manufacturers and suppliers must make sure their products are safe on delivery, safe to install and safe for the end user over its entire design life.
We use aluminium construction due to its structural rigidity, improved safety aspects when compared to a traditional concrete alternative, integrated drainage system to reduce risk of water ingress, its non combustible properties and the wide variety of secure connection possibilities that can be chosen depending on the project at hand.
When asking the question; “is my balcony safe?” – it takes analysis of all risk areas, research and development and a competent team to supply an answer. If you are moving into a new property and you are lucky enough to have a Sapphire balcony, we certainly believe that our ethical approach to balcony design combined with our rigorous testing regimes and quality systems do mean that you are in a safe pair of hands with Sapphire.
To learn more about making your balcony safe, we’ve provided links to whitepapers, CPDs and articles published by Sapphire below.[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_textOverlayBlock image=”11006″ heading=”Balcony Fire Safety Whitepaper” button_text=”Download” button_link=”title:Fire%20Safety%20Whitepaper” double_height=””]Regulations, research and testing, available in our whitepaper.[/sapphire_textOverlayBlock][sapphire_textOverlayBlock image=”13767″ heading=”Balcony Fires CPD” button_text=”Request now” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fknowledge%2Fcpd-presentations%2Fbalcony-fires-cpd%2F|title:Balcony%20Fires%20CPD” double_height=””]Request our balcony fires CPD – learn about common causes and reduce risk.[/sapphire_textOverlayBlock][sapphire_textOverlayBlock image=”12657″ heading=”Balcony Drainage” button_text=”Read more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Four-product%2Fframe-deck-soffits%2Fsoffits%2Fbalcony-drainage%2F” double_height=””]All you need to know about balcony drainage.[/sapphire_textOverlayBlock][sapphire_textOverlayBlock image=”13768″ heading=”Balcony Materials, Maintenance & Lifespan” button_text=”Read more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fknowledge%2Fmaterial-maintenance-and-sustainability%2F” double_height=””]Learn more about how to choose balcony materials on our dedicated page.[/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]
[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]Formed in 2019, MyDek has spent their existence finding the ultimate solution to decking safety. With the newest iteration of their A-rated, non-combustible decking solutions, the Luxura® board, they’ve provided these benefits to over 42,000 customers and counting.
Today, Sapphire are proud to announce an exclusive partnership with MyDek that bundles MyDek’s Luxura® board onto every one of their Next Generation balconies as standard.
Bundled with Sapphire
Sapphire and MyDek have come to an exclusive agreement to fit Luxura® decking as standard on all Next Generation balconies.
The Next Generation suite comes with a range of improvements over the market standard, such as its light weight, reducing the embodied carbon footprint by up to 19% across stages A1-A5. The safety of the balcony has been improved, thanks to innovations like the Remote Locker Device (RLD) which means a balcony installation team never again needs to step out onto an unsecured load. Finally, the Next Generation balcony has more possibilities than ever, with the brand-new Clip-On connection allowing for a balcony to be secured with small hooks, one of Sapphire’s most sustainable connection solutions yet.
Benefits of Luxura®
Luxura® isn’t just better to fit – it’s better from manufacture all the way to being better for the end user.
Thanks to the smart composite material used in MyDek’s Luxura® boards, all Sapphire balconies will have superior decking performance when compared to other decking options on the market. Luxura outperforms porcelain and natural stone in robustness and doesn’t require additional subframes to be added to the balcony thanks to MyDek’s intelligent SupportRail or BoxRail fixing systems.
What’s more is that the end-user benefits too – Luxura® is better underfoot with less heat retained, no metallic sound on the foot and no metallic edges. The natural look and feel of Luxura® is exclusive to Sapphire Balconies, so why wait to secure the next revolution in decking when it’s available today.
Safety
Since the tragedy at Grenfell Tower in 2017, fire safety in cladding, balcony materials and interior design has been at the forefront of the minds of architects, developers and suppliers across the country. To that effect, the combustibility of materials has been considered at every stage by MyDek.[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_textOverlayBlock image=”5093″ heading=”Building Safety Act 2022″ button_text=”Read more” button_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.legislation.gov.uk%2Fukpga%2F2022%2F30%2Fcontents%2Fenacted” double_height=””]Access the full Building Safety Act on the UK Government website.[/sapphire_textOverlayBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=”” el_id=”” el_class=”” css=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]Richard McMullan, Head of Brand Development at MyDek, has previously emphasised the importance of using A1 & A2-rated non-combustible materials to ensure the fire safety of their Luxura® range. MyDek have gone so far as to extensively test their range and have been awarded with a A1 EN13501 fire classification, eliminating concerns about smoke production and flaming droplets.
Given this testing, Luxura® is one of the safest options for balcony decking on the market today and their being bundled with Sapphire’s Next Generation Cassettes® serves as an advantage to both the companies and their customers alike.
Good for the customer
Luxura® serves as a compliment to Sapphire’s balconies, a compliment to our customers and a compliment to the end-user.
Luxura can be easily installed after a short amount of specialist training using MyDek’s SupportRail or BoxRail systems and requires minimal maintenance after installation, typically only needing an occasional wash to maintain its box-fresh style.
Furthermore, thanks to intelligent product design, Luxura® is resistant to a huge number of elements, including high heat, excess water, salt, sea spray and dimensional changes in different weather conditions. This means that warping, expansion and contraction in different weather conditions can be cut out of the equation, making sure your balcony’s decking stays as durable as the day it was manufactured.[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_textOverlayBlock image=”12440″ heading=”Luxura® Fire Test” button_text=”Read more” button_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydek.com%2Finsights%2Fstructural-fire-test-on-luxura%25ef%25b8%258f-range%2F” double_height=””]Discover the full capabilities of Luxura® in their fire test.[/sapphire_textOverlayBlock][/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_textBlock]Finally, Luxura partners well with Sapphire’s Next Generation suite as there are More Possibilities for the design than ever before. Luxura® can be laser-engraved for customisation, meaning wood-effect, stone-effect or any other design that springs to mind can be specified at an early stage.
Conclusion
Sapphire & MyDek have come together to make balcony decking a challenge of the past.
Luxura® promises to be the most highly fire-rated decking product in the residential construction market with an A1 EN13501 fire-rating classification, BoxRail or SupportRail installation technology for ease of fitting and a customisable product that suits whatever style your development is going for.
With Luxura’s® innovations in fire safety, installation, maintenance and customisation – there’s never been a better time to specify Sapphire on your project.
Contact us today to see how a Next Generation balcony fitted with Luxura could benefit your upcoming development.[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][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]From famous faces to innovative ideas, London Build was a showcase of all things new to construction![/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_carousel images=”13291,13292,13283,13284,13285,13286,13287″ notch=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]We’ve packed the stand away for another year and travelled back to headquarters. It’s time to reflect on what a success London Build 2023 was and showcase exactly what we brought to it. From cutting-edge technology to our unwavering commitment to sustainability, we were thrilled to showcase the best of our innovations. Let’s dive into the highlights!
The Next Generation Suite
At the heart of our exhibition was the presentation of our Next Generation Balcony. Designed to redefine outdoor living, this innovative balcony solution offers a perfect blend of aesthetics, functionality, and durability. Visitors had the chance to experience firsthand how our balconies are shaping the future of architectural design.
The benefits of our Next Generation suite are exciting and tangible – it’s lighter than ever, safer for installers, has more possibilities for both aesthetics and connection methods and is kinder for the construction industry. We’ve managed to lower our embodied carbon by an impressive 19% across stages A1-A5.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
Beyond products, we showcased our Vision 2030 document, a testament to our long-term goals and commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals. Our participation in the science-based target initiative (STBi) underscores our dedication to aligning our business practices with environmental responsibility and in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Visitors got a firsthand look at how we are actively shaping a sustainable future by creating bespoke environmental product declarations (EPDs) for all of our products, by encouraging the use of electric vehicles and through quarterly charitable giving.
More Possibilities Than Ever
One of the highlights of our time at London Build was the promotion of our new and extensive customization options. We believe in offering our customers more than just a product; we offer a tailored experience to your project. From new balustrade options to innovative Cassette designs, the possibilities are endless. Patterned vertical bars, the Identité Balustrade, the Crescent Corner®, and our Clip-On® connection were just a few of the exciting options on display, totalling over 4 million unique combinations.
With our new Clip-On® connection, we’ve even been able to reduce moment forces back to the building as low as 4kNm, making it a lighter, more sustainable option.
Reduced Embodied Carbon
As a company committed to reducing our environmental footprint, we were proud to share a significant achievement. Across stages A1-A5, we have successfully reduced our CO2 emissions by an impressive further 19% compared to our previous low-carbon balcony product. This milestone reflects our dedication to sustainable practices and the ongoing effort to make a positive impact on the planet.
London Build 2023 was an incredible platform for us to share our latest innovations and our unwavering commitment to sustainability. From groundbreaking balcony solutions to pioneering installation methods and a bevy of customization options, we hope our exhibition left a lasting impression. As we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the construction industry, we express our gratitude to all who visited our booth and joined us on this exciting journey toward a more sustainable and innovative future.[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=”” el_id=”” el_class=”” css=””][vc_column][sapphire_contentLink order=”Image left / content right” image=”13250″ heading=”What makes the Next Generation Balcony so exciting?” button_text=”Read more” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fproduct-news%2Fwhat-makes-next-gen-so-exciting%2F|title:What%20makes%20Sapphire%E2%80%99s%20Next%20Generation%20Balcony%20so%20exciting%3F”][/sapphire_contentLink][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]Today at Vision Construct 2023, Sapphire Balconies officially unveiled their new suite of balconies, dubbed The Next Generation.
The Next Generation suite of balconies is a huge step forward for the construction market, using an ultra-low carbon framework and innovative developments across the board that make this the future of Sapphire’s product line. We’ve reduced the CO2 in our Next Generation balconies by 19% across stages A1-A5 and made this our most sustainable suite of products ever.
We’ve spoken over the last few months about the benefits of the Next Generation – it’s Lighter, it’s Safer, there are More Possibilities than ever before and most of all, it’s Kinder to people, Kinder to the environment and Kinder to construction.
We’re now excited to explain exactly how the Next Generation achieves all of this.[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_carousel images=”13193,13192,13191,13190,13189,13188,13187,13186,13185,13184,13183″ notch=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=”” el_id=”” el_class=”” css=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]
Lighter
The Next Generation is Lighter.
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=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]
Safer
The Next Generation is Safer.
We’ve redefined what balcony safety can mean using our award-winning Remote Locker Device (RLD). Having played a big part in us recently being awarded the prestigious Tech Company of the Year 2023 Award and readily available on projects globally, the RLD allows for a balcony to be installed remotely, without installation teams ever needing to step onto a balcony before it is secured to the building. Thanks to the Next Generation’s new design, an installer will never need to work under a live load, nor will they need to step out onto a load that hasn’t already been locked into place.
We’ve taken accountability to new heights – our innovative Passport® quality control app is still in place and as smart as ever – our balconies are thoroughly checked over before they have a chance to leave the factory and by making sure that every balcony is right on arrival, we’re making sure that your project stays safe, secure and installed on time.[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_carousel images=”13206,12886,12876″ notch=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]
More Possibilities
The Next Generation has More Possibilities than ever before.
From the way the balcony connects to the building to greater aesthetic freedom, the Next Generation is versatile and able to become whatever your project needs it to be. We’ve introduced various new balustrading options across the Next Generation range, including our previously announced Crescent Corner balcony. We are now proud to offer the Identité Balustrade, patterned vertical bars and Crescent Balustrade as customisation options for your balcony project in a choice of hundreds of colours. With 15 types of balustrades and over 8 million combinations, variations and permutations available, the Next Generation is Sapphire’s most aesthetically versatile suite of balconies yet.
But that’s not all.
There are now more connection methods available for Sapphire’s Next Generation range than ever before. From the classic Glide-On™ and Tie-Rod connections to the brand new Clip-On™ connections being used at Wembley Park’s new North East Lands developments, interfacing with your project has never been simpler.[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_carousel images=”13208,12398,12962,12394,9828,12387″ notch=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]
Kinder
The Next Generation is Kinder.
There’s a lot to be said for being kind. From an act of goodwill to a neighbour to our company mantra – “Innovation to Prosper the Community” – being kinder has always been part of our DNA. Sapphire’s Next Generation is kinder in many ways.
It’s kinder to construction, with the new design allowing for fewer journeys between the factory and the site, allowing for installers to connect the balcony remotely and allowing for greater aesthetic freedom.
It’s kinder to people. An ingrained quality control process in the form of our Passport® app means the end-user will never have to walk out onto a balcony that we’ve deemed anything less than up to our stringent standards.
It’s kinder to the planet. The Next Generation is the most sustainable suite of balconies we’ve ever designed. We’ve reduced the amount of material in the balcony itself and are making sure that any runoffs in the construction process are recycled for use in future balconies.[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_carousel images=”13211,13212,13213,13214,13215″ notch=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]We’ve reduced the overall carbon in the Next Generation by 19% in stages A1-A5. We’ve optimised the engineering of our balcony Cassette® and introduced the new Clip-On anchor, meaning balcony moment forces back to the building can be reduced to as low as 4kNm and the option to eliminate penetrations of the façade.
That’s it. No greenwashing, no carbon credits, just a lighter, safer, kinder product with more possibilities than ever before that we’re proud to call the Next Generation.
Are you ready to be part of the future of construction? The Next Generation is here and can be specified for your residential project today.
Contact us to find out even more:[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=”” el_id=”” el_class=”” css=””][vc_column][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]Aluminium has played a significant role in striving towards a more sustainable and innovative climate solution that is proven to be remarkably useful to construction industries and customers alike. Recycled material should not be underestimated when it comes to sustainability. As a highly durable metal, aluminium can come in different shapes, qualities and grades based on your requirements, thereby making it an incredibly versatile material to work with.
However, with industry attention often placed firmly on sustainable economies, how do recycled materials such as aluminium stack up?
Aluminium Extrusion
All forms of manipulating materials for light, heat, or movement require energy, often sourced from unsustainable fuels like oil, natural gas, or coal, resulting in harmful emissions. Sustainability has been a major focus over the last fifteen years, urging industries to shift away from fossil fuels and adopt greener energy sources like wind, solar, and hydropower to curb emissions. Aluminium extrusion, a process of refining aluminium shapes, has gained traction in product design and manufacturing by simplifying construction. With the ability to extrude aluminium into various strength grades and up to 70% recyclability, it demonstrates a strong strength-to-weight ratio. This process, combined with different aluminium grades, allows for customizable shapes and thicknesses of components, reducing carbon emissions impact by up to 44%.
ESG Explained
Given that many companies globally are adopting an ESG framework, it’s crucial to understand exactly why ESG is important from a sustainability perspective. ESG goes beyond simple carbon-cutting measures and incorporates environmental, social and governance strategies into a business at a fundamental level.
Recycled content contributes to the Environmental pillar of ESG. By reducing our amount of aluminium extrusion as a company, we can further reduce energy consumption and waste generation as a by-product of it.
The Social and Governance pillars also benefit from recycled content. By engaging in responsible sourcing and manufacturing, Sapphire has led the way in giving back to the community by reducing our overall carbon emissions through innovative product iterations and recycled materials in our balconies. Further to this, thanks to strong management, we can ensure transparency and effective implementation of our recycled materials to align with our sustainability objectives, leading up to the year 2030 and beyond.[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_contentLink order=”Image left / content right” image=”12959″ heading=”Sapphire’s Vision 2030″ button_text=”Explore our ESG strategy” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fvision2030%2F|title:Vision%202030|target:_blank”]Learn more about Sapphire’s sustainability efforts.[/sapphire_contentLink][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]
How valuable is recycled material if you can’t prove it’s recycled?
Reaching Net Zero carbon emissions is an absolute for a company aiming for sustainable practices, but carbon credits and greenwashing aren’t the way to go about it. To strive for true sustainability, you need to prove that your material is actually recycled and provide a form of traceability to show the source of the material.
Attempting to find the source of all materials can be strenuous and so many companies opt to buy carbon credits in an attempt to offset their carbon emissions. However, this is not true sustainability as these credits simply ‘allow’ a company to avoid what they might see as an inconvenience. For true sustainability, either traced recycled materials must be used or other methods of reducing carbon emissions must be considered, such as reducing levels of transport, reducing the amount of material in your product or by making sure your waste products are recycled properly.
Shortages and Cost
Global demand for aluminium profiles and the means to extrude them has remained strong into late 2023. Considering the enduring influence of the coronavirus pandemic, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the continuing impact of Brexit, increased global demand is still an issue and has forced many countries to increase production, leading to scarcity of supply.[/sapphire_textBlock][sapphire_contentLink order=”Content left / image right” image=”11780″ heading=”White City M&S – Case Study” button_text=”Read the case study” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Flocalhost%2Fbalconies%2Fcase-studies%2Fwhite-city-ms-phase-1-w12%2F|title:Read%20the%20case%20study|target:_blank”]See how White City fares from an environmental perspective.[/sapphire_contentLink][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]
The Limitations of Recycled Material
Limiting your opportunities by focusing too heavily on achieving a highly recycled material can be a hurdle for many buyers of extruded aluminium. The importance of recycled content should lie in the weight of CO2 per item, not the percentage of recycled content in the materials themselves. Reducing the total emissions in a product is far more sustainable than increasing the percentage of recycled content used, as the less embodied carbon used by weight will directly impact how sustainable a product can be.
There are no hard and fast rules on what you should or should not do when it comes to the materials you use, but by staying informed on the role of recycled material, we can all make more informed and more viable choices. Adopting a well-thought-through ESG strategy can make a great difference to your approach to sustainability and Sapphire are proud to have published their ESG strategy earlier this year, available at /vision2030/.[/sapphire_textBlock][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][vc_raw_html]JTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cubGlua2VkaW4uY29tJTJGZW1iZWQlMkZmZWVkJTJGdXBkYXRlJTJGdXJuJTNBbGklM0F1Z2NQb3N0JTNBNzExMDY0NjQzNzY5MTk2OTUzNiUyMiUyMGhlaWdodCUzRCUyMjEwMTIlMjIlMjB3aWR0aCUzRCUyMjUwNCUyMiUyMGZyYW1lYm9yZGVyJTNEJTIyMCUyMiUyMGFsbG93ZnVsbHNjcmVlbiUzRCUyMiUyMiUyMHRpdGxlJTNEJTIyRW1iZWRkZWQlMjBwb3N0JTIyJTNFJTNDJTJGaWZyYW1lJTNF[/vc_raw_html][/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]
[vc_row width=”70″ background_image=””][vc_column][sapphire_textBlock]Innovation in building design can come in many forms – heat loss reduction, methods to improve the speed of installation or even a simpler way of draining water from a balcony.
However, it can be easy to forget why we strive to innovate in the first place. It is a sad truth that our climate is warming and buildings that last will have taken into consideration the needs of future generations. Renewable energy, on-site electricity generation and Passive design are all ways to avoid extra costs for the residents and avoid the need to be retrofitted in the future. All design elements must be cost-effective to maintain over time and we must be designing for the long term.
The London Housing Design Guide
There are specific requirements in London for balcony design for example. The London Housing Design Guide, published in 2010, forms a common set of design standards across all of London. One point to mention is that in all two-person dwellings, a minimum of 5m2 of private outdoor space is required, with an extra 1m2 for each additional occupant. As this is observed, it gives residents the option of fresh air and ventilation as standard.
Global solutions
In colder climates such as Canada, a focus needs to be maintained on reducing heat loss to keep each building sustainable for long-term use. As it is not always possible to design a building with an unbroken façade, it is important to consider thermal breaks. Simulations, risk analysis and research can yield powerful insights and avoid excess heat loss in cases such as the Aqua Tower in Chicago, where concrete slabs and windows were butted together, and the measures of heat loss were enormous.
New Zealand architects and builders are adopting innovative solutions in construction as their population grows, the demand for high-rise developments increases and the stricter requirements of the New Zealand Building Code continue to permeate. As the rate of construction and installation quickens, solutions such as Glide-On™ balcony Cassettes®, intelligent drainage solutions and reduced installation costs can ensure that a build stays as affordable as possible, meaning that quality builds are possible in ever-shortening timeframes.
The necessity for premises built to last is ever-increasing in the 21st-century climate. By making intelligent choices in the design phase of any new building and designing for the long term, we can make sure future generations have access to the very innovations we have enjoyed ourselves.[/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]
