The construction industry is experiencing a significant shift in the way balconies are designed and constructed, moving away from traditional concrete structures towards more innovative and sustainable solutions. Founded in the United Kingdom but with numerous jobs in Canada, Sapphire Balconies is at the forefront of this change, offering lightweight, prefabricated balcony systems that address many of the challenges associated with concrete balconies.
Looking up at the installation of Sapphire's Glide-On Balcony, image by Sapphire Balconys
Concrete has long been the material of choice for balcony construction, but it presents a number of problems that can no longer be ignored. From an aesthetic perspective, concrete balconies are prone to cracking, fading and weather damage over time, affecting the appearance of the building and potentially reducing property value. The weight of concrete also puts strain on a building's structure, requiring larger foundations and more robust support systems, which can increase construction costs and time.
Installing concrete balconies is a complex and time-consuming process. Pouring concrete on-site can cause delays due to weather and requires extensive work and coordination between multiple trades. Misalignment during casting can result in costly rework, and the need for continuous thermal breaks adds further complexity. These factors contribute to extended project timelines and excessive budgets.
Telehandler helps with balcony assembly, picture from Sapphire Balconys
Sapphire Balconys offers a convincing alternative with its Next Generation Balcony system. By using lightweight aluminum in their Cassette® structure, these balconies significantly reduce the load on the building frame. This weight reduction reduces structural requirements and minimizes the risk of cold bridging, improving the building's energy efficiency during harsh Canadian winters.
The balcony is being assembled, image by Sapphire Balconys
The Remote Locker Device (RLD) allows balconies to be installed without workers stepping on unsecured edges, reducing the risk of accidents during installation. This remote installation capability was demonstrated at Sapphire's Balcony Showdown event in Concord, Ontario, where ten balconies were installed in a single afternoon – far exceeding traditional methods.
Live installation of Sapphire's Glide-On cassette balcony, image by Michael Fernandes
Design flexibility is a key feature of the Next Generation Balcony. With options like the Clip-On™ connection and various balustrade styles – including Crescent Corner Cassette® and Identité Balustrade – architects and developers have over seven million aesthetic combinations at their disposal.
Prefabrication plays a crucial role in the efficiency of the Sapphire system. Balconies are manufactured and assembled off-site in controlled factory environments to ensure high quality production and reduce the risk of on-site errors. This approach minimizes on-site labor, reduces the risk of weather-related delays, and optimizes the construction schedule.
Installed prefabricated balconies, image from Sapphire Balconys
Transport innovations further contribute to the sustainability and efficiency of the system. By double-stacking the balconies during transport, Sapphire reduces the number of deliveries required, thereby reducing CO2 emissions associated with logistics. Their commitment to sustainability extends to a 19% reduction in CO2 emissions across all stages of production.
Double stacked balconies are transported on a low loader, image by Sapphire Balconys
Sapphire balconies also work with modern building materials such as Cross-Laminate Timber (CLT). CLT offers a sustainable and flexible alternative to traditional frame materials and, when combined with Sapphire's Glide-On cassette system, enables faster installation times and lower labor costs.
Switching from concrete to innovative balcony solutions solves many of the problems that have long plagued the construction industry. By using lightweight, pre-engineered systems, developers can achieve cost savings, improve safety and contribute to environmental sustainability without sacrificing design quality. For developers and builders looking to improve their projects, exploring these innovative balcony systems could be a significant step forward.
Installed balcony, image from Sapphire Balconys
For more information on Sapphire's offerings or to arrange a visit to their Toronto showroom, interested parties are encouraged to contact us and arrange a design meeting.
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