Brent House is a vibrant development minutes from Wembley Stadium, providing 248 apartments to the nation’s capital.

Challenge

The project was developed using modern methods of construction from Sapphire’s modular balconies to the light- gauge steel frame. The design of some of the balconies also featured a very deep projection of 2.5 metres. These factors brought the challenge of ensuring the frame could adequately support the balcony method chosen.

Unforeseen delays on site of over a year meant balconies could not be sent for installation in line with the agreed project programme.

The busy city location of the project meant that some balconies needed to be lifted over a public footpath and busy street for install.

Solution

A key concern for the architect with the light-gauge steel frame was the weight of traditional balconies. Sapphire’s aluminium Glide-On™ solution is half the weight of its steel alternative, meaning the load on the frame was dramatically reduced.

This was even more important due to the large projection of some of the balconies which enable residents to make the most of their outside space.

Unforeseen delays on site of more than a year could have posed a significant challenge with traditional balcony methods. However, Sapphire’s offsite manufactured Glide-On™ balconies were completed ahead of the agreed date and safely stored until they were needed on site.

Unlike traditional balcony methods, no materials or components took up valuable space on site and the site team were able to call the balconies for install when it suited the programme.

Step 1: Cast in anchors were cast into the slab & incorporated thermal break connections offering superior rigidity to the balconies.

Step 2: Cassette® balconies were preassembled offsite, including the balustrades, decking & soffits.

Step 3: Cassette® balconies were transported with balconies ‘nested’ onto each pallet making transport both cost effective & safe. Balconies were pre-slung offsite ready for installation upon arrival.

Step 4: Once lifted into position, the Cassettes® simply glide on to the pre-erected support arms, before completing the simple mechanical fixings.