Residents of Barratt Home’s Watkin Road development now enjoy panoramic views of the iconic Wembley Stadium, made possible by Sapphire’s cutting-edge balconies. The balconies were designed with one of the most critical aspects of modern high-rise construction—fire safety—in mind. In close collaboration with Barratt London, Sapphire introduced its rigorously tested StubGuard® fire-stopping detail, a solution specifically engineered to ensure continuous fire barrier protection across the balconies.
Watkin Road offers 229 new homes, affordable workspaces, and a thoughtfully designed public realm. Each property features Sapphire’s Glide-On™ aluminium Cassette® balconies with vertical bar balustrades and Crystal® frameless structural glass behind the bars. The development’s design, by architects DMFK, showcases a composition of calm, elegant, vertically proportioned towers of varying heights and colours, creating a visually striking silhouette that focuses longer-range views on the tallest, central element.
Streamlined by Innovation, Delivered by Sapphire
Sapphire’s StubGuard® fire-stopping detail was integral to the fire safety strategy for the building, providing a reliable and effective fire stop that minimised the reliance on variable skill levels during the installation of fire-stopping and protection measures. This innovative pre-manufactured firestop not only simplified the installation process but also ensured a consistent and high level of fire safety across the entire development. This approach underscores Sapphire’s commitment to delivering solutions that meet stringent safety standards while accommodating the practical needs of construction and installation.
By integrating the fire stops into the balcony design, Sapphire helped streamline the balcony installation process; ensuring that the balconies were not only aesthetically pleasing and cost-effective, but also fully compliant with the latest fire safety regulations.
The Watkin Road development is a testament to the successful collaboration between architects, developers, and balcony specialists. Sapphire Balconies’ contribution, particularly about fire safety, highlights the importance of innovative solutions in modern construction, ensuring that new developments like Watkin Road provide safe and desirable living spaces.
For more information about Sapphire Balconies and their architectural balcony solutions, visit balconies.global/case-studies/watkin-road-wembley