[ad_1]
Sapphire Balconies has a global footprint spanning projects in the UK and Canada, including Rainwater in Barrie, north of Toronto. The company’s Glide-On Cassette balconies offer an alternative to traditional steel bolt-on or concrete systems, leveraging precision engineering and off-site assembly.
Among Sapphire’s notable UK projects is London Dock Block C1, part of a 7.5-acre redevelopment with 1,800 homes. Featuring 134 Glide-On balconies, the project overcame challenges posed by a sloped facade and a sensitive water garden.
Cantilevered or projecting balconies are architectural features that extend outward from a building’s structure, providing residents with outdoor spaces framed by protective balustrades. Traditionally, these balconies have been constructed using steel bolt-on systems or heavy concrete platforms. Sapphire simplifies the process while delivering a lighter, more efficient alternative.
At the heart of Sapphire’s Glide-On balconies are two key components: the bracketry and the Cassette deck. The bracketry, which includes cast-in or post-fixed anchors, connects the balcony to the building structure with steel arms extending outward to support the platform. The Cassette, a prefabricated aluminum deck complete with balustrades, decking, and soffits, is precision-engineered off-site in a controlled environment. Its design incorporates oversized holes that allow the deck to slide onto the pre-installed steel arms during installation.
By prefabricating the balconies in factory-controlled environments, Sapphire eliminates the need for extensive on-site coordination. The process also incorporates rigorous quality control through Sapphire’s “Passport” system, which tracks every stage of production for consistent standards.
Constructed from lightweight aluminum, the balconies weigh approximately half as much as steel alternatives, reducing the number of connections needed to the main structure and lowering the risks of cold bridging and dampness. Specialized cast-in anchors provide triple the strength of standard options. Aesthetically, the system’s discreet fixings and hidden welds create a clean appearance. With precision templates and preassembled components, the Glide-On balconies consistently fit upon delivery.
This is seen at London Dock, a project by Broadway Malyan Architects for St George City Limited in Wapping, London, an area blending maritime heritage with modern redevelopment. With structural frameless glass and privacy screens, London Dock’s balconies complement the contemporary aesthetic of the buildings and the historic neighbourhood.
From the outset, Block C1 posed several complex construction challenges. The building’s sloped facade made traditional balcony connections unsuitable, while a ground-level water garden and distinctive water feature required careful planning. There were no scaffolds or mast climbers available, creating logistical hurdles for fitting the balconies’ supporting arms.
To address the sloped facade, the balconies were installed using a counterbalance method, allowing them to glide into position from the top down. The proximity to the water feature was carefully managed by positioning the crane at a safe distance. Martifer made access to the facade possible through a unitized system.
Initially, cast-in anchors with thermal breaks were embedded into the slabs, providing a rigid and energy-efficient connection point. The balconies were then transported to the site in a nested configuration and, pre-slung during manufacturing, the balconies arrived ready for immediate craning and installation. Once lifted into position, each balcony was glided onto the pre-installed steel arms and secured with mechanical fixings.
Each balcony is anchored to the building with cast-in connections featuring thermal breaks, reducing heat transfer. The aluminum Cassette decks are supported by two-piece galvanized steel arms. Frameless structural glass panels provide uninterrupted views, while select units incorporate vertical bar balustrades. The decks are finished with Enjura WPC composite decking, attached using hidden clips, and feature powder-coated aluminum soffits with drainage to manage water runoff effectively. Fascias and fixings are discreetly designed to complement the clean aesthetic.
The Glide-On balconies at London Dock Block C1 demonstrate Sapphire’s ability to merge technical innovation with modern architecture overcoming complex challenges to provide developers with efficient, high-quality solutions.
* * *
UrbanToronto has a research service, UTPro, that provides comprehensive data on development projects in the Greater Golden Horseshoe — from proposal through to completion. We also offer Instant Reports, downloadable snapshots based on location, and a daily subscription newsletter, New Development Insider, that tracks projects from initial application.