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Balconies are a key connection to the outside world for high-rise dwellers the world over, yet their exposure to the elements results in wear and tear that shortens their lifespan and increases maintenance needs. UK-based Sapphire Balconies addresses this challenge with prefabricated solutions that improve durability while reducing upkeep. The company has also established a presence in the Greater Toronto Area, including their "Balcony Showdown" from July, 2023, which showcased the efficiency and safety of aluminum balcony systems compared to traditional concrete.
Leveraging aluminum’s resilience and eco-friendliness, Sapphire’s balconies withstand harsh environmental conditions while maintaining structural integrity. Along with increased resistance to environmental stressors, the material also offers high levels of recyclability.
A balcony’s lifespan depends on multiple factors, from material selection to maintenance. Constant exposure to weather accelerates wear on decking, railings, and structural supports over time. Concrete and steel, while durable, often face challenges like cracking or corrosion, requiring costly repairs and regular upkeep. Without proper planning and inspections, balconies risk falling short of their intended lifespans, posing long-term issues for property owners and developers.
On the other hand, aluminum is lightweight yet strong, resisting corrosion and deterioration far better than traditional materials. This ensures balconies retain their structural integrity over extended periods, even in harsh climates. The lighter weight also reduces the load transferred to the building, key to preserving the overall structural health of high-rise and mass timber constructions. This also reduces the need for mid-life interventions, lowering maintenance costs.
Produced in climate-controlled factories, prefabricated balconies ensure consistent quality and avoid onsite construction errors that impact safety or longevity. By arriving at the site preassembled, these balconies save valuable time and reduce labour demands.
These efforts align with Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), a term common in the UK construction industry that encompasses more efficient building practices. Sapphire embodies this by focusing on offsite manufacturing processes for consistent quality while reducing the variability of onsite construction. By using advanced digital tools and controlled environments, these methods eliminate common construction errors. Prefabrication also mitigates external factors such as weather delays.
In addition to quality and durability, aluminum’s recyclability – 92% to 98% recoverable – adds to its eco-friendliness. In fact, increasing aluminum recycling by 10% can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 15%. Sapphire’s designs add to this advantage through easily demountable connections, allowing components to be efficiently separated and reused or recycled, as well as for easier maintenance and repairs. Once disassembled, components like aluminum and Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) decking can be processed for reuse, supporting a circular economy in the construction industry.
Sapphire is also working with Sean Mason Homes Inc. on Rainwater at 339 Veteran's Drive in Barrie. This project features a five-storey condominium and multiple townhouse blocks, utilizing Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) frames and Sapphire's balconies.
Sapphire also provides Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) for its products, offering detailed insights into the lifecycle impacts of their balconies. The company was the first balcony manufacturer to provide comprehensive EPDs, covering all lifecycle stages from anchors to balustrades. This extends to partnerships with initiatives such as the Science-Based Targets and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
End-of-life considerations extend beyond recycling. Sapphire’s design approach tackles end-of-life challenges by prioritizing waste reduction and promoting material reuse, addressing the growing demands for resource conservation and lower carbon emissions within the construction industry. This provides developers with durable, eco-conscious solutions that support both current and future generations of building design.
Sapphire’s balconies have been successfully implemented in high-rises across the UK and North America, exemplifying Modern Methods of Construction to meet today’s standards and future needs.
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