Sapphire Balconies delivers elegant, fire-safe solutions for a major housing redevelopment scheme in west London.
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Sapphire Balconies has played a key role in transforming the Green Man Lane Estate in West Ealing. The estate has been undergoing major redevelopment since 2011 as part of Ealing’s initiative to improve the borough’s housing stock. Phase 3 of the project continued the estate’s development but introduced new challenges that required innovative solutions to meet evolving safety regulations.
This phase required significant adjustments due to the updated ‘Part B’ fire regulations implemented after the Grenfell tragedy. These regulations placed stricter requirements on materials used in balcony construction, particularly excluding laminate glass from the exemption list for façades. This posed a significant challenge in maintaining the aesthetic continuity with previous phases, where glass balustrades were prominently featured.
Having contributed to the earlier phases, Sapphire Balconies was once again engaged to develop a compliant solution that adhered to the new fire safety standards, while preserving the development’s design integrity. The primary challenge was achieving the A2-s1, d0 fire rating mandated by the updated regulations without compromising the project’s visual and functional continuity.
Leveraging their expertise and innovative design approach, Sapphire adapted the balcony specification from the initially planned glass balustrades to a railing system meeting stringent fire rating requirements. This critical adjustment ensured full compliance with the new safety standards. Despite the material shift, Sapphire maintained their signature Cassette balcony design, incorporating the same drainage trays and decking used in previous phases. This consistency preserved the visual harmony across the entire development.
Sapphire Balconies’ solution not only met the technical requirements but also seamlessly aligned with the architectural vision. Their close collaboration with the project’s architects and contractors exemplified their commitment to innovation, safety, and design excellence. The successful integration of the A2-s1, d0 fire-rated railing system in Phase 3 stands as a testament to Sapphire’s ability to overcome regulatory challenges while enhancing safety and design continuity.
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Source: Architecture Today