A tight timescale for completing stainless steel balustrades on a £10 million commercial refurbishment in Bristol proved little problem for Sapphire Balustrades’ experienced manufacturing and installation teams. Sapphire’s smart and functional glass and stainless steel balustrades form a key aesthetic element of a major revamp of The Pavilions, a 1970s office complex close to the city centre. Sapphire’s efficient personal service played a key role in achieving the handover deadline, says the Projects Director for main contractor, Cowlin Construction. He comments: “Sapphire worked with us to complete a challenging programme of works and even came to measure up for the balustrades before new internal walls were built to save project time. Sapphire’s attention to detail and high quality products ensured a trouble-free installation and we’d have no hesitation in using them again.”

The Pavilions, which comprises a central block flanked by self-contained offices has been fully refurbished to create a vibrant and attractive office environment, complete with a new staff restaurant and gym. Balustrades from Sapphire are installed to all internal stairways, ramps, and landings and to external entrance ramps. The stylish solution from Sapphire’s Onyx range combines the low maintenance durability of stainless steel handrails and balusters with the high visual ‘attractiveness’ of glass infill panels. Handrails and balusters were specified in an attractive satin polished finish, intended to help retain its good looks with minimal maintenance.

Handrails use 16mm diameter stalk connects to glass panels on stairways to provide smooth, continuous support, and the 10mm clear toughened glass infill panels are fixed using slimline stainless steel lugs.

As well as satisfying the project’s exacting aesthetic specification, Sapphire used its SES (Structural Evaluation Service) to give peace of mind with compliance with British Standards relating to structural integrity and design loads, and Building Regulations such as Document M, which covers access and use of buildings for all users irrespective of age or physical ability. Meeting these requirements included the use of 50mm diameter circular handrails with support stalks from the bottom so hands can easily slide past fixing stalks, positioning handrails to stairs and ramps at a convenient height for all users, and ensuring any external stainless steel handrails are coated and ‘not cold to touch’.