A landmark achievement in balcony installation was recently accomplished at the Bridge House residential project in Uxbridge. A record-breaking 110 balconies were installed in just 2 days at the once non-descript office building by the Grand Union Canal. The six-storey office building was stripped of its metal and glazed façade and all its contents to its bare concrete structure, to convert it to 115 converted permitted development flats, 25 new-build flats with a rooftop extension, and a new brick façade including balconies for each flat.
Recognising the logistical and structural constraints of the busy urban area, Sapphire Balconies proposed a solution that would not only respect the building’s architectural integrity but also streamline the installation process. Opting for lightweight aluminium balconies, Sapphire facilitated the addition of outdoor spaces with minimal connections required, thereby preserving the building’s facade and reducing the load on the structure.
To address the complexities of attaching balconies to the existing structure, Sapphire introduced ‘post-fixed’ brackets, which employed a ‘bolt-on’ connection sitting atop the slab. This method proved to be not just innovative but also incredibly efficient, allowing for quick and secure installations with minimal impact on the building’s exterior.
Meticulous planning was key to the project’s success, taking advantage of a multi-storey car park behind the main building for storage and laydown of balconies ahead of their installation. This strategic use of space ensured that transport and logistics would not hinder the installation process, setting the stage for a ground-breaking attempt at a record balcony installation.
Sapphire’s approved installer, D&A, executed the ambitious plan flawlessly, achieving a record-breaking installation of 62 balconies in just one day. The momentum continued into the second day, with the remaining 48 balconies installed, culminating in a total of 110 balconies fitted in merely two days. The efficiency of the process was highlighted further when a single balcony installation was completed in an astonishing 1 minute and 34 seconds, documented with video evidence.
This remarkable achievement not only demonstrated the effectiveness of Sapphire’s installation strategy but also resulted in significant cost savings for the contractor. The rapid installation pace reduced crane hire expenses and condensed weeks of planned balcony installation into two days, significantly accelerating the project timeline.
Bridge House, Uxbridge, exemplifies how innovative engineering and strategic planning can overcome the challenges of modernising existing structures. Sapphire Balconies’ approach to the balcony installation at Bridge House not only preserved the architectural heritage of the building but also enhanced the living experience for its residents.
For more information about Sapphire Balconies and their architectural balcony solutions, visit balconies.global